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
- 8:00 Meet at Kyoto Station 8:15 Board the JR train bound for Nara 10:00 Horyuji Temple 12:00 Todaiji Temple 12:50 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 14:00 Yakushiji Temple 14:45 Head to Kyoto by Kintetsu train
- 15:40 Tour ends at the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station

Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Nara and Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were a very close and friendly group. Because they had booked an evening taiko drum performance in Kyoto, they wished to finish the tour as early as possible, so we used taxis for getting around the city of Nara. We toured without a lunch break. At Nara Park, they did not play with the deer, but they did take photos. In the morning, when we arrived at Nara Station, one of the guests left a bag behind on the train. When we hurried back to the platform, a station staff member said, "If it's that bag, it was just delivered to the ticket gate." They were able to retrieve the bag safely at the ticket gate and were extremely grateful. They remarked that abroad they would have already given up on it, and they were deeply impressed by Japan's safety. They seemed more interested in Buddhism and the architecture than in the history itself. We returned to Kyoto Station, and I guided them to the front of a travel agency near the Hachijo exit, where the tour ended. The photo was taken in front of the Yumedono at Horyu-ji Temple.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto~Horyuji Temple | 990JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nishinokyo~Kyoto | 760JPY |
| Total | 1,750JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.
