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
- 7:00 Hotel – After meeting, head to Nara (via Kintetsu)
- 8:30 Nara Park and Todaiji Temple
- 10:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 11:00 Return to Kintetsu Nara Station, lunch in the area
- 11:45 Stroll around Naramachi
- 13:45 Kintetsu Nara Station
- 15:00 Hotel – Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel – After meeting, head to Nara (via Kintetsu) at 7:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:00. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Nara Park and Todaiji Temple at 8:30, Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 10:00, Naramachi at 11:45 and Kintetsu Nara Station at 13:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Kintetsu Nara by train (1,520JPY); Kintetsu Nara to In front of Todaiji Great Buddha Hall by bus (500JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 2,020JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. On the day of the tour, we met at a hotel near Kyoto Station at 7:00 in the morning and arrived at Todaiji Temple by 8:30. As expected at that hour, there were few people in Nara Park and at Todaiji Temple, so we were able to leisurely enjoy playing with the deer and take our time exploring the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji and Nigatsudo Hall. After that, we were able to complete the walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine before it got very hot, which I was glad about. During our stroll through Naramachi, one of the guests bought some pottery as a gift, and others purchased sweets and sake. Even though they had visited a sake brewery in Fushimi the previous day, they enjoyed a sake tasting at a brewery. Since it became very hot in the afternoon, it was good that we spent a long time indoors. The guests also seemed generally satisfied with each of the shops I guided them to.
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～Kintetsu Nara | 1,520JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kintetsu Nara～In front of Todaiji Great Buddha Hall | 500JPY |
| Total | 2,020JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel – After meeting, head to Nara (via Kintetsu) at 7:00, and the tour finished at Hotel – at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours in total, from 7:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Naramachi and Kintetsu Nara Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,020JPY 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 Kyoto 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
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There is a lot of climbing…
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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
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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!