Kyoto: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & (Lunch) — Guide Ichiro
September, 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
- 9:30 Hotel
- 11:15-12:15 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 12:30-12:45 Nara Park
- 12:45-13:30 (Lunch)
- 13:45-14:45 Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall
- 15:15-16:00 Naramachi (Harushika Sake Brewery, Nigiwai no Ie)
- 17:30 Arrive at hotel
- Hotel: the Screen (6-7 minutes west from Jingu-marutamachi)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 11:15, Nara Park at 12:30, (Lunch) at 12:45, Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall at 13:45 and Naramachi (Harushika Sake Brewery, Nigiwai no Ie) at 15:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Keihan Jingu-marutamachi to Keihan Tanbabashi by train (340JPY); Kintetsu Tanbabashi to Kintetsu Nara by train (680JPY); Kintetsu Nara to Kintetsu Tanbabashi by train (680JPY); Keihan Tanbabashi to Keihan Jingu-marutamachi by train (340JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 2,040JPY per person.
Title: Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Nara from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided guests from North America in English on a private tour of Nara. We transferred from the Keihan Line to the Kintetsu Line at Tambabashi Station. Within Nara Park, we used taxis as needed (paid by the guests). We followed a classic course visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple, and along the approach path in between, the guests enjoyed feeding the deer. Since the guests loved Japanese sake, we took a taxi to Harushika Brewery in Naramachi and enjoyed a sake tasting (five cups for 500 yen). What was especially nice here was that the staff member seated at the table gave explanations in English, which was helpful and often served as a useful reference for me as an interpreter guide.
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 | Keihan Jingu-marutamachi～Keihan Tanbabashi | 340JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kintetsu Tanbabashi～Kintetsu Nara | 680JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kintetsu Nara～Kintetsu Tanbabashi | 680JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Keihan Tanbabashi～Keihan Jingu-marutamachi | 340JPY |
| Total | 2,040JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, (Lunch), Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall and Naramachi (Harushika Sake Brewery, Nigiwai no Ie).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,040JPY per person across 4 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?
Ichiro 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.
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.