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
- ①11:30 At the guest's request, pick up at the hotel at 11:30, travel to Kyoto Station by taxi
- ②11:56 Board the Kintetsu Nara Line express
- ③12:45 Arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station, walk via Nara Park to Todaiji Temple → Great Buddha Hall → Nigatsudo → Wakakusa Hill → on the way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the guest requested, 'It's too cold, so I'd like to wrap up early and return to Kyoto now.' Travel to Kintetsu Nara Station by taxi.
- ④14:44 Board the express bound for Kyoto from Kintetsu Nara Station
- ⑤15:40 Disband at Kyoto Station
Title: What's a Private Nara Day Tour Like on a Cold Winter Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America who were visiting Japan for the first time. After spending one night in Osaka the previous day, they arrived in Kyoto, and today's tour focused on Nara, with Kyoto sightseeing planned for the following day. They also planned to sightsee in Tokyo afterward before returning home. At the guests' request, we started a bit later, at 11:30 from the Hotel. Since we planned to visit Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Kofuku-ji, and then move to the Nishinokyo area to see Yakushi-ji and Toshodai-ji, we purchased the value-priced World Heritage passport at Kintetsu Kyoto Station.
As noted in the tour route above, snow was fluttering from the morning and it remained cold throughout the afternoon, so we ended up returning to Kyoto partway through. After arriving at Kyoto Station, I asked, "Would you like me to show you around somewhere in Kyoto?" but the guests replied, "Kyoto is cold too, so we'll do some shopping at the station and then take a taxi back to the Hotel ourselves," and we parted ways early.
Although the Nara sightseeing was shorter than planned, the guests seemed to enjoy themselves, feeding crackers to the deer and having a good time.
In addition, regarding tomorrow's Kyoto sightseeing, I handed over various maps and materials I had prepared in advance, and provided information about the places they wished to visit as well as other recommended spots.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Kintetsu Kyoto～Kintetsu Nara | 1,800JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Kintetsu Nara～Kintetsu Kyoto | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,800JPY | ||
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
Jul 23, 2026
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