Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Toshi

May, 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

  • 1. 11:30 Kintetsu Nara Station
  • 2. 12:00 Nara Park
  • 3. 12:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
  • 4. 13:30 Lunch @ "Emado Chaya"
  • 5. 14:30b Great Buddha Hall
  • 6. 15:30 Nandaimon Gate
  • 7.15:45 Okumura Research Institute
  • 8. 16:00 Kintetsu Nara Station

What Is a Private Day Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Today I guided guests from Asia on a private tour of Nara. One of the guests was very impressed by the cleanliness of Japan and was thoroughly enjoying their trip. We met at Kintetsu Nara Station, explained the day's itinerary, and started the tour. The guests were a cheerful group. In Nara Park, we strolled in the warm sunshine while admiring the many deer, then walked to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, though one of the guests found walking a little tiring and needed rest along the way. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, I explained Shinto, and since many Shinto teachings share common ground with their own faith, they understood it very well. At the shrine we prayed together in the Shinto style, and after taking breaks here and there, we made our way to Todaiji Temple via Wakakusayama. After lunch, we headed toward the Great Buddha Hall while viewing Nigatsudo, and I explained the Great Buddha. Here again, the conversation was lively as we discussed the common points between the teachings of Buddhism and their own faith. After the Great Buddha Hall, I explained earthquake-resistant structures at the Okumura Laboratory, famous for its seismic technology, and from there we walked through Kofukuji Temple to Kintetsu Nara Station, where we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Toshi

After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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Apr 26, 2026
39ferdinandr
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional and entertaining
Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

Apr 9, 2026
X1429XKclaudiam
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sehr zu empfehlen
Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

Jun 28, 2025
WilliamAlfonso_R
Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi was…

May 30, 2025
Z
ZevP5
Best Tour Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…