Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour — Guide Emi
January, 2026
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
- 8:30 Meet at Ryokan Ginkaku Kyoto, departure ➡ By train, Fushimi Inari Taisha (9:10~10:10) ➡ By train and bus, Kasuga Taisha (11:30~12:20) ➡ On foot, Nigatsudo→Todaiji→Nara Park (12:40~14:40) ➡ Lunch at an izakaya in Higashimuki Shopping Street (15:00~16:00) ➡ On foot, Naramachi→JR Nara Station ➡ Disband at JR Nara Station (16:30)
**Title:** Can You Add Fushimi Inari to a Private Nara Day Tour from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report
**Body:**
The guests were a group visiting from North America. During our advance communication, they asked whether the Arashiyama bamboo grove could be added to a Nara sightseeing tour, but since Arashiyama is in the opposite direction from Nara, I suggested Fushimi Inari Taisha instead. At the guests' request, we departed 30 minutes earlier than planned. Both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kasuga Taisha were extremely crowded, but the special New Year decorations made the visit enjoyable. At Fushimi Inari Taisha we climbed up to Mitsutsuji, and at Kasuga Taisha the guests were charmed by the adorable young deer and took many photos. Since lunch came after a great deal of walking, everyone was very hungry, and at the izakaya they ordered plenty of small dishes. The menu was rich and varied, and they seemed to discover a new side of Japanese cuisine.
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 | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | JR Nara Station／Nara Kotsu～Kasuga Taisha Omotesando／Nara Kotsu | 250JPY |
| Total | 400JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!
Jul 17, 2026
TROY_R
Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This was a perfect tour…
This was a perfect tour of…
Jul 17, 2026
TROY_R
Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This was a perfect tour…
This was a perfect tour of Osaka! Our guide Emi built a tailored itinerary that exactly met our needs and we visited amazing sites we would’ve never known about thanks to her. Throughout the tour, Emi was so kind, knowledgable, positive, and flexible – we enjoyed every second and are so grateful she was the person that showed us beautiful Osaka. Strongly recommend Emi and this tour if you’re planning a trip to Osaka!
Sep 18, 2025
L9831WKjenniferb
4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely afternoon with English…
Sep 18, 2025
L9831WKjenniferb
4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely afternoon with English speaking Emiko Yamanaka. Very informative and knowledgeable about the history of the city. Visited the Torii shrine, sadly the other shrine had just closed, and walked through the Gion district. Emi also provided us with a map that she had made with the must see places, including which subway line and how many stops to take! Very useful for the next day trip. Would highly recommend Emi as your tour guide
Aug 15, 2025
SuperGC68
Great value
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…
Aug 15, 2025
SuperGC68
Great value
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide who took us around in Kyoto. It was a well balanced walking tour through historical sites, famous streets/neighbourhoods and local markets. We travelled very efficiently with a combination of taxis, trains and buses. Our guide Emi was very well prepared, with high flexibility, kindness and curiosity. She was a great value to the tour. I highly recommend this two day tour to visit Kyoto in a very efficient way.
Jul 4, 2025
Inspire64445626178
Delightful day with Emi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a delightful day with our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Inspire64445626178
Delightful day with Emi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a delightful day with our guide Emi. She designed a day around all the main spots that we wanted to visit at a comfortable pace. We learned a lot from her! And we couldn’t have done all that we did that day without her deep knowledge and experience. My niece said that it was the best day of our vacation! Thank you Emi for guiding us and sharing your knowledge with us! I would highly recommend this tour with Emi.