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
- 8:00 Meet at Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
- 9:45 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 11:00 Todaiji Nigatsudo
- 11:20 Lunch at Todaiji Emado Chaya
- 12:10 Todaiji Daibutsuden ~ Nandaimon
- 12:50 Feeding deer at Nara Park
- 13:30 Nara Nigiwai no Ie
- 15:45 Disband at Double Tree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kasuga Taisha and Todaiji
Today I guided guests visiting from North America on a private tour of Nara. We first visited Kasuga Taisha, where a wedding ceremony happened to be taking place at the main hall, which delighted the guests very much. After that, we walked into Todaiji from the Nigatsudo side, and the guests were pleased with the view from Nigatsudo. We had an early lunch at the Todaiji Emado Chaya teahouse, and since it was their first time trying udon, they were delighted and said it was delicious. The guests were amazed by the Great Buddha in the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji, and they enjoyed feeding the deer as well. They also seemed very interested in the Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie. Because we took a route with fewer people, they were happy to be able to take many great photos. I believe they had a very enjoyable time.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kiyomizu-Gojo～Tanbabashi | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kintetsu Tanbabashi～Kintetsu Nara | 680JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kintetsu Nara Station / Nara Kotsu～Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha Mae / Nara Kotsu | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kintetsu Nara～Kintetsu Tanbabashi | 680JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Tanbabashi～Kiyomizu-Gojo | 240JPY |
| Total | 2,090JPY | ||
Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day…
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day with Kaeko Tanigawa taking us to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples and Nijo castle in Kyoto. She is very nice, customer-oriented and knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history.
To be highly recommended!
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create a tour that worked for our family with two young children. It was a very hot day, but the air conditioned van was perfect. We loved making ramen together, feeding monkeys, and seeing a few top sites of Kyoto.
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and my husband and I had the best time with her during our honeymoon in Kyoto in April! She reached out well before our trip to get to know our interests and carefully planned an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to us—even helping us choose the perfect lunch spot.
Throughout the tour, Kaeko was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and personable. She shared so much history and local insight while making the day feel relaxed and fun. What really stood out was that her expertise extended far beyond our 6-hour tour. She provided countless recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems that made the rest of our time in Kyoto even more memorable.
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience in Kyoto, I can’t recommend Kaeko highly enough. She was one of the highlights of our entire trip!
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto with Kaeko Tanigawa. She was so knowledgeable and we never felt rushed. She made some excellent recommendations for restaurants and other things to do around town. Highly recommend if you have a chance to book with her!