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 at Kintetsu Nara Station
- 10:15 Nara Park
- 11:00 Todaiji Temple
- 12:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 13:30 Lunch (Higashimuki Shopping Street)
- 14:00 Kofukuji Temple ~ Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie
- 15:00 Disband at Kintetsu Nara Station
What Is a Private Family Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Because the guests were tired from tours on the previous days, we started one hour later than the scheduled time. One member of the group was wearing sandals rather than sneakers, so I was a little worried about how the day would go. However, the group stayed surprisingly energetic all day, without complaining or showing signs of fatigue, which impressed me. If anything, some of the other members of the group seemed a bit more tired. The tour progressed smoothly thanks to perfect weather (with low humidity) and the good spirits of the group. The guests had purchased a goshuin stamp book in Tokyo and were collecting goshuin stamps whenever possible, so we also stopped by Kofuku-ji Temple. For lunch, the guests requested conveyor belt sushi, so I took them to a conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the shopping street. Unlike Osaka or Tokyo, Nara does not have large sushi chain restaurants in its downtown area (though there are some along the main roads). In that sense, arranging lunch in Nara can sometimes (often) be a bit of a challenge.
Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Kintetsu Nara Station / Nara Kotsu～Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara Kotsu | 250JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine / Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu Nara Station / Nara Kotsu | 250JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
I am Yoshi, a Nara Local Government Licensed Guide Interpreter and also, a National Government Licensed Interepreter.
Let’s go out! The Kansai region was the center of Japan for a long time. It was from the 4th century to 19th century. Thus the Kansai region is rich in scenic and historic interest. Why don’t we see, feel, and find so many attractions in Nara Kyoto and Osaka. I was born and raised in Nara. Also I have been to Osaka and Kyoto for working, shopping and dining. I can show you not only major tourist spots but also shops and delicious food that only locals know. I am looking forward to sharing wonderful moments with you!
May 29, 2025
Dana_K
Get ready to climb and explore
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
There is a lot of climbing…
May 29, 2025
Dana_K
Get ready to climb and explore
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
There is a lot of climbing stairs and walking, but it is totally worth it. Nara was very crowded,
but with Toshi guiding me, I could find my way very easily. The deer can be aggressive, but
really pretty amazing.
Aug 16, 2024
Dylan_N
Yoshi was a great tour guide
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great experience with…
Aug 16, 2024
Dylan_N
Yoshi was a great tour guide
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great experience with Yoshi I who showed us around for 6 hours. We got to see
the deer, some temples, a few local shops, and were made to feel at home with Yoshi’s
wonderful hospitality.
Jun 9, 2024
Tour39164063770
Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir…
Jun 9, 2024
Tour39164063770
Tolle Stadtführung mit erfahrenem Guide
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Auf unserem Trip durch Japan hatten wir für unseren Stopp in Osaka eine vierstündige Tour gebucht. Im Vorfeld konnten wir per Mail mit unserem Guide Yoshi Iwamoto einen groben Plan vereinbaren, was uns an diesem Tag erwarten würde. Yoshi war überpünktlich am vereinbarten Treffpunkt und wir konnten direkt mit unserer Tour starten. Wir hatten das große Glück, mit ihm vor den Touristenmassen am Shitennoji-Tempel zu sein und haben die Ruhe sehr genossen. Auch die anderen Ziele waren wirklich sehr schön und wir hatten einen großartigen Tag zusammen. Vielen Dank Yoshi für die tolle Tour und Deine Freundlichkeit! Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland!
2024 年 6 月 9 日
ツアー39164063770
経験豊富なガイドによる素晴らしい市内ツアー
Tripadvisor レビュー: 政府認可ガイド付き大阪 4 時間プライベート ツアー
日本中を旅する際、私たちは大阪に立ち寄る4時間のツアーを予約しました。事前にガイドの岩本ヨシさんとメールで当日の内容について大まかなプランを合意することができました。ヨシは時間通りに約束の集合場所に来てくれたので、すぐにツアーを開始することができました。私たちは四天王寺の観光客の群衆の前で彼と一緒にいられたのはとても幸運で、本当に平和で静かな時間を満喫しました。他の目的地も本当に美しく、素晴らしい一日を過ごすことができました。ヨッシーさん、素晴らしいツアーと親切をありがとうございました！ドイツから温かいご挨拶を申し上げます!