Kyoto: Nara Park and Todaiji Temple & Hotel – Dismissal — Guide Yoshi

August, 2024

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

  • 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

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.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainKyoto～Kintetsu Nara1,520JPY
Section 2BusKintetsu Nara～In front of Todaiji Great Buddha Hall500JPY
Total2,020JPY

Tour Report by Yoshi

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!

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