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
- 9:00 Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi, 187-1 Honmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City (Tour start) By car
- 10:30 Nara Park: Buy persimmon leaf sushi at "Izasa Sushi" in Yumekaze Hiroba
- On foot → Ukigumo Enchi → On foot → Todaiji Nandaimon Gate
- 11:00 -11:30 Todaiji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) On foot
- 11:40 Todaiji Shoro (Bell Tower) On foot
- 11:50-12:20 Todaiji Nigatsudo On foot
- 12:30 Below Wakakusayama, eat persimmon leaf sushi on a bench (Lunch 1)
- (Former swordsmith's knife shop) On foot
- 12:40 Mizuya Chaya On foot (Lunch 2)
- 13:00-50 Kasuga Taisha Main Shrine On foot
- 14:00 Kasuga Taisha (Main Shrine parking lot) By car
- 14:10 Ukimido By car
- 14:50-16:10 Horyuji Temple By car
- 17:00 MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi EAST, 1-7-9 Higashi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City (Tour end)
Title: What Is a Private Car Tour from Kyoto to Nara and Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The exchanges with the guests began in January, when they wanted to change a "car tour from Kyoto to Nara" into a "car tour from Kyoto to Nara and ending in Osaka," and were told it would cost 10,000 yen more. They could not accept this and asked why, and whether there was a cheaper way.
Whether there had been no explanation from [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), or whether the explanation had not been convincing, a message full of distrust and anger arrived via a messaging app. I judged that responding with "please take that up with [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/), it is not something I handle" would only make things worse and probably lead to a cancellation, so I communicated through the messaging app, proposed as many alternatives as possible, including cancelling with [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/), and after comparing them, the guests came to accept that the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) option was the most reasonable. That was in January.
Then, a few days before this June tour, it turned out that the guests' luggage would not fit in the planned minivan. They were upset, saying, "We explained that there were guests and luggage and decided on a minivan, yet when I inquired just in case right before the tour, the luggage won't fit — I can't accept this, why is that?" I proposed possible alternatives, and after comparison the guests eventually accepted, changing from a minivan to a van. This increased the guests' expenses, and another displeased message followed.
Because of all this, I headed to the guests' accommodation in Kyoto feeling somewhat gloomy.
When we actually met, perhaps because they had come to trust me through all our earlier exchanges, from the moment they got in the car until we arrived in Nara, the conversation flowed lively and freely. During the guiding in Nara there were many questions as well.
On the drive to Osaka at the end, there was nonstop talk about the guests' family history (farmers who could no longer make a living moved to East Africa, then to Europe, and further to North America), Japanese politics, the U.S. military in Japan, the legal status of certain communities in Europe and of certain communities in Japan, and much more.
If I think of the effort spent on the prior exchanges and the eight hours of nonstop talking as labor, 28,000 yen does not add up, but when I think that I was paid while getting a valuable education I could not get at a university or an English conversation school, I am so glad I became a guide — it was wonderful!
Please kindly forgive me if I may have done things that, in my position, I should not have done.
To all the staff of [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/), thank you very much again this time.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto 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.