This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 Meet the guests
- 10:30 Depart after arranging the hired car
- 12:20 Isuien Garden
- 12:30 Todaiji Temple
- 13:50 Nigatsudo Hall
- 14:25 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 15:55 Imanishi Seibei Shoten, Nigiwai no Ie, Naramachi shopping
- 16:50 Shimomikado Shopping Street, Mochiidono Center-gai
- 18:30 Disband in front of the Italian restaurant at Osaka Umeda
Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour with a Hired Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
After meeting the guests, since one member of the group had difficulty walking long distances, I quickly arranged a hired car. I was relieved that we were able to depart after about a 20-minute wait following the arrangement. During our conversation, the guests mentioned that they had already seen many temples, so I took them to a Japanese garden, which they were delighted with, saying how beautiful it was. After that, to reduce the walking distance, we got out at a parking area near Todai-ji Temple and toured the site. The guests listened attentively to my explanations at each location. Afterward, one member of the group rested near the exit while I took the others to Nigatsu-do Hall. They took their time enjoying the view from there. After reuniting with the group, I explained the Nandaimon Gate and we moved on to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. There were some stairs, so I proceeded while carefully watching to make sure the guests were not too tired. They enjoyed strolling through the grounds with their lanterns and sacred atmosphere, and seemed particularly amazed by the size and age of the sacred tree. After that, we moved to Naramachi, where at Harushika I explained about amazake, and they wanted to try it and purchased some. They also showed great interest in the traditional Japanese house. Some of the guests found a cute one-of-a-kind accessory made by a Japanese creator at a small boutique and purchased it, appearing very pleased. Finally, they bought a kukurizaru charm, saying they wanted to decorate their office with it. At the shopping street, they bought onigiri and departed for Osaka. We parted ways at an Italian restaurant for dinner.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Hello. My name is Momoyo Kanagawa. I’ve been a certified interpreter guide for 7 years. I have experience guiding not only in the Kansai
area such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, but also in the Tokyo area. I have a passion for sharing the rich history and culture of Japan.
Japan is a beautiful country with diverse culture and nature. If you come to Japan, you might be able to experience things like:
Sight: You can see the scenery of cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind, or the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji.
Hearing: You can hear the sound of traditional instruments such as Japanese drums and shakuhachi, or the lively atmosphere of festivals and fireworks.
Touch: You can relax in a hot spring, or try on Japanese costumes such as kimono and yukata.
Taste: You can taste famous Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura, ramen, or Japanese drinks such as matcha and sake.
Smell: You can smell the fragrance of incense and flowers, or feel the unique air of temples and shrines.
These are just some of the charms of Japan. There are still many things to discover in Japan. Please use your five senses and feel the wonder of Japan.
I’m excited to be able to explore Japan together with you and make your visit memorable! I will escort you with the best hospitality.
안녕하세요. 간사이에서 가이드를 하고 있는 카나가와 모모요라고 합니다.
오사카·교토·나라·고베를 중심으로 역사와 문화, 미의식, 그리고 일본인의 정신성까지를 차분하고 깊이 있게 전하며 오래 기억에 남는 간사이 여행을 안내합니다.
단순한 명소 방문이 아닌, 봄의 벚꽃, 여름의 신록, 가을의 단풍, 겨울의 고요함 등 일본 사계절 자연의 아름다움을 온전히 느낄 수 있는 여행을 중요하게 생각합니다.
또한 일식을 비롯한 일본의 식문화와 지역의 제철 식재료, 신뢰할 수 있는 고급 레스토랑과 명점 소개를 통해 미각으로도 일본을 깊이 경험하는 시간을 제안합니다.
커플 여행부터 가족 여행까지, 어르신부터 어린이까지 다양한 연령대와 상황에 맞춘 무리 없는 일정 구성이 가능합니다. 한일 양국의 문화적 공통점과 차이를 세심하게 고려하여, 편안하고 신뢰할 수 있는 가이딩을 제공하고자 합니다.
최고의 호스피탈리티로 고객님의 여행 추억 속에 오래 남을 소중한 한 페이지를 장식하는 동반자가 되겠습니다.
Sep 13, 2025
O7109SGricardoc
Tour of Kyoto
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We had an excellent experience with our tour of Kyoto. Our guide, Momo, was exceptional. She not only made our tour easy by speaking fluent english, she also made sure we saw all the important places to make our trip memorable. Every sight she took us to was well more than we expected. Having the admission fees included also made for easy access to all the places we visited. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Thanks to Momo and viator.
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Really smooth experience. Our guide momo was kind and interesting and worked with us to
accomplish our site seeing goals. Would strongly recommend.
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We love Momo Kanagawa! This tour is the perfect introduction to Osaka. Momo is passionate about her beautiful homeland but had also lived in Australia so we had much to chat about! Our sons adored her, she has a wonderful sense of humour, was patient and has incredible knowledge of the rich history and culture of Japan! Momo recommended the perfect lunch spot where we enjoyed Okonomiyaki. We would highly recommend Momo and the Japan Guide Agency and hope to stay in touch with her to develop some language skills and hopefully return to explore Nara! Thank you Momo!
Sep 6, 2024
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Best tour guide in Osaka
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Momo is the best. She is…
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Best tour guide in Osaka
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Momo is the best. She is funny, knowledgeable, and gave an exceptional tour. She was very accommodating to the things we wanted to see and went above and beyond what we normally expect for a tour guide. I’ve taken tours all over the world, Momo is the best. If you are in Osaka, make sure you find her and take a tour. A+++++++++