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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Meet with the guest
- 10:30 Arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station
- 10:50 Nara Park
- 11:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 12:10 Mount Wakakusa
- 12:30 Tamukeyama Shrine
- 12:50 Nigatsudo Hall
- 12:20 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
- 13:30 Lunch
- 14:20 Kofukuji Temple
- 15:20 Kintetsu Nara Station
- 16:30 Work ends at Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kintetsu Nara Station at 10:30, Nara Park at 10:50, Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 11:30, Mount Wakakusa at 12:10, Tamukeyama Shrine at 12:30, Nigatsudo Hall at 12:50, Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall at 12:20, Kofukuji Temple at 14:20, Kintetsu Nara Station at 15:20 and Work ends at Hotel at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Marutamachi (Kyoto Municipal) to Takeda (Kyoto) by train (260JPY); Takeda (Kyoto) to Kintetsu Nara by train (760JPY); Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall by bus (500JPY); Kintetsu Nara to Takeda (Kyoto) by train (720JPY); Takeda (Kyoto) to Marutamachi (Kyoto Municipal) by train (260JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 2,500JPY per person.
What's a Private Walking Tour of Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan. On this trip, they enjoyed trails along the ancient Kumano Kodo routes and hot springs, relaxing at Katsuura Onsen after walking the Kumano trails. They stayed in Wakayama for a total of about a week, and were scheduled to spend three more days afterward including today. On the Kumano Kodo they had been accompanied by a guide, so they already knew about the shrines and temples, but they mentioned they were not very familiar with Japanese history, so I gave a brief explanation. Having walked the Kumano Kodo, they were strong walkers and enjoyed the nature of Nara. They were also amazed by the size of the Great Buddha.
I believe the guests enjoyed the tour of Nara.
A notable stop on the tour was the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. Todai-ji is one of Japan's most famous temples and houses a monumental bronze statue of Buddha, known as the Daibutsu, which is one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The temple's Great Buddha Hall is also celebrated as one of the largest wooden buildings in existence, and the surrounding Nara Park is home to freely roaming deer that have long been associated with the area. Walking through this historic site offers visitors a vivid sense of Japan's ancient capital and its deep cultural and religious heritage.
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 | Marutamachi (Kyoto Municipal)～Takeda (Kyoto) | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Takeda (Kyoto)～Kintetsu Nara | 760JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall / Nara Kotsu～Kintetsu Nara | 500JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kintetsu Nara～Takeda (Kyoto) | 720JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Takeda (Kyoto)～Marutamachi (Kyoto Municipal) | 260JPY |
| Total | 2,500JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Mount Wakakusa, Tamukeyama Shrine, Nigatsudo Hall, Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall, Kofukuji Temple, Kintetsu Nara Station and Work ends at Hotel.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,500JPY per person across 5 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?
akira 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 Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
My name is Akira.
I am a national licensed tour guide in English.
I have been a tour guide in 9 years.
I am specialized in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji castle and Hiroshima.
When you have a plan to visit those area, please contact me.
Kyoto and Nara are old town from 8th century, so you will learn Japanese culture and tradition there .
Nara is our first capital from710 for about 70 years and Kyoto was the capital from 794 for abut more than 1200years.
So there are a lot ofold buildings are remained and specially in Kyoto there are 17 Unesco heritage site.
You will enjoy Japan with me and be satisfied with my guiding .
I am looking forward to seeing you in Japan.