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
- 9:15. Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central
- 10:10-11:10. Todai-ji Temple
- 11:30-12:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 12:30-14:00 Lunch
- 14:10-14:30 Nakatanidou mochi pounding, Sarusawa Pond
- 15::15 Hotel Osaka
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central at 9:15, Todai-ji Temple at 10:10, Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 11:30 and Nakatanidou mochi pounding, Sarusawa Pond at 14:10.
What Is a Private Day Tour from Osaka to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were very much looking forward to seeing the deer in Nara. We started the tour a little earlier and arrived in Nara just after 10:00, beginning our visit at Todaiji Temple. There were already deer around, and after seeing the Nandaimon Gate, the guests purchased deer crackers. In the car I had explained how to interact with the deer and advised them to be careful, but the deer outside the Nandaimon Gate were quite ill-mannered, and the moment the crackers were bought, many deer surrounded the guests, with some even tugging at clothing. One of the guests became frightened and started crying. I managed to calm the situation, and once inside the Daibutsuden we bought a deer hat as a souvenir, which cheered everyone up, much to my relief.
At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, they watched the deer bow, took photos with them, and were able to touch them. As a guide, I felt truly relieved. We had a yakiniku lunch near Kintetsu Nara Station and watched the mochi pounding at Nakatanidou. Since we still had time, we had planned to visit the mechanical puppet display, but it was closed that day. When I consulted the guests, they asked to head to their hotel in Osaka, so although it was quite early, we arrived at the Hotel and ended the tour there.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.