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
- 10:15 JR Nara Station
- 10:30 Nara Park
- 11:00 Todai-ji Temple
- 12:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 13:00 Higashimuki Shopping Street (Lunch)
- 13:45 Naramachi Walk
- 14:45 Tea Ceremony Experience
- 16:15 Dismissal at Kintetsu Nara Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in JR Nara Station at 10:15, Nara Park at 10:30, Todai-ji Temple at 11:00, Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 12:15, Higashimuki Shopping Street (Lunch) at 13:00 and Naramachi Walk at 13:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: JR Nara Station to In front of Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall by bus (250JPY); Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine to Kintetsu Nara Station by bus (250JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 500JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Nara Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited Japan from Oceania, arriving by cruise ship via other ports in Asia, with Nara being their final destination. It did not rain on the day of the tour, but it was an extremely cold day. Since the season was the opposite of what they were used to, the guests looked cold at the start of the tour. I gave them disposable hand warmers, which they were very happy to receive. The highlights of the tour were feeding the deer with "shika senbei" (deer crackers) and taking part in a tea ceremony. The guests bought about four packs of deer crackers and enjoyed feeding the deer at a relaxed pace near Todai-ji Temple and along the approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. During the tea ceremony, the guests seemed to enjoy drinking matcha and trying the experience of whisking matcha themselves, together with other guests.
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
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 | JR Nara Station～In front of Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall | 250JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine～Kintetsu Nara Station | 250JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Nara Station, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Higashimuki Shopping Street (Lunch) and Naramachi Walk.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 500JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yoshi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Nara itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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!