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
- Departure was scheduled for 10:00, but the agent in Mexico had lied to the client, telling them 10:30.
- The car and guide were both waiting by 9:40.
- 10:40 Hotel Osaka 2-4-32 Dojima, Kita-ku
- Car
- 11:40-12:00 Nara Park Ukigumo Enchi (taxi drop-off at the northeast corner of the Daibutsu-mae intersection)
- Walk 5 minutes
- 12:10- Todaiji Temple Todaiji
- 12:10-20 Todaiji Temple's Nandaimon South Great Gate Nandaimon
- Walk 5 minutes
- 12:30-13:00 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden
- Walk 5 minutes
- 13:10 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower Shoro
- Walk 5 minutes
- 13:20-50 Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Nigatsudo
- Walk 5 minutes
- 14:00-40 Former katana (samurai sword) producer's, kraft shop etc
- Lunch @ Shiroganeya
- Walk 5 minutes
- 14:50-15:20 Kasuga Taisha
- Car Kasuga Taisha parking lot → to around Sarusawa Pond
- 15:30-16:50 Naramachi (Old Quarters of Merchants)
- Car
- 18:00 End of Tour (Four Seasons Osaka)
Title: What's a Private Guided Tour in Japan Like When a Travel Agency Miscommunicates the Start Time? A Licensed Guide's Report
I had already sensed from our correspondence that the travel agency acting as an intermediary was quite unreliable, starting with the fact that they never even gave their own name. Sure enough, it turned out they had specified different start times to each side — 10:30 to the guests and 10:00 to me, the guide. Had they simply let the guests and me communicate directly, this kind of discrepancy would never have happened.
From the very beginning I had understood the start time to be 10:00, so well in advance I prepared an itinerary based on a 10:00 hotel departure, sent it to the unnamed agency, and asked them, "If this is fine, please forward it to the client." The agency replied, "This is great. Thanks."
On the day of the tour, it became clear that the itinerary had never been passed on to the guests, and that the guests had been told the departure was at 10:30. (This was not a misunderstanding on the guests' part. I confirmed the evidence — it clearly said 10:30, Japan Time.)
Oddly enough, this kind of start actually worked in our favor, and the mood was lively right from the beginning — ha ha.
I would like to lodge a complaint with the travel agency, but I suspect it would fall on deaf ears, and I am busy with other matters, so I am still thinking it over. The travel agency never identified themselves right up to the end.
We said our goodbyes with a hug from the guests. All's well that ends well.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.
May 16, 2026
I3520JTcristinat
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nara with family
Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…
May 16, 2026
I3520JTcristinat
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nara with family
Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and highly knowledgeable.
Highly recommend this tour!!!!
May 3, 2026
Maria_J
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable day in Nara
We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…
May 3, 2026
Maria_J
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable day in Nara
We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi Taguchi and were impressed by how much we were able to see and learn in that time. Traveling as a group of seven adults, we visited Kasuga Taisha, enjoyed lunch at Mizuya Chaya, and explored Tōdai-ji—including the Great Buddha Hall and surrounding grounds. We also spent time at Yoshikien Garden and Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography, along with encounters with Nara’s famous bowing deer.
Junichi shared clear, informative context throughout the day, adding depth to each stop without ever feeling overwhelming. His pacing was thoughtful, and he kept our group moving smoothly while still allowing time to take things in.
A well-organized and engaging tour—highly recommend Junichi for anyone visiting Nara.
Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…
Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day Unforgettable!
We had the pleasure of touring Nara with Junichi today, and he was simply phenomenal from the very first moment! Warm, welcoming, and a true professional, Junichi made us feel instantly at ease. His genuine enthusiasm and excellent English made every part of the day enjoyable and easy to follow.
Junichi’s knowledge is encyclopedic, yet he explains everything in such a clear, engaging, and understandable way. At Kofuku-ji Temple, he brought the history and significance of the site to life with fascinating details. We then enjoyed a relaxing lunch together before heading to Nara Park, where we had the delightful experience of feeding the famous bowing deer ? such a fun and memorable moment!
What really stood out was how flexible and attentive Junichi was. When we felt a bit pressed for time, he smoothly adjusted the itinerary and took us to a wonderful sake tasting facility instead of the next temple. We sampled several excellent sakes and couldn’t resist taking some home with us! From there, he led us to an incredible traditional kitchen knife shop run by an artisan whose family has been crafting blades for 750 years (originally making samurai swords). The craftsmanship was breathtaking, and we ended up purchasing a beautiful knife.
Later, Junichi took us to see an original Japanese merchant’s house, which was a real eye-opener ? the minimalistic lifestyle and beautiful architecture were fascinating.
The entire day was perfectly paced, insightful, and filled with wonderful surprises. Junichi’s caring attitude, deep knowledge, and ability to adapt made this one of the best private tour experiences we’ve ever had. We are so grateful we got to spend the day with him.
If you’re visiting Nara, do yourself a favor and book with Junichi ? you won’t regret it! He’s an absolute gem.
Highly, highly recommended ? 5 stars without hesitation!
Mar 30, 2026
dpadillachavez
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
Great day at Nara!
Best tour on Nara, Junichi…
Mar 30, 2026
dpadillachavez
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
Great day at Nara!
Best tour on Nara, Junichi is great during the tour! He definitely knows and shows the best
parts of the city.