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
- 8:00 Hotel meet 8:14 Take the subway to Kyoto Station 8:37 Board JR bound for Nara 9:40 Arrive at JR Nara Station 10:05 Nara Park 10:25 Todaiji Temple 11:10 Feed the deer at Nara Park
- 12:00 Lunch (sukiyaki) 13:00 Shopping 13:30 Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie 14:00 Karakuri Toy House 15:00 Arrive at JR Nara Station 15:07 Board JR bound for Kyoto
- 15:53 Arrive at Kyoto Station 16:00 Guide to the taxi stand and end the tour
Title: What's a Private Kyoto and Nara Tour Like with a Hotel Pickup? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from the Middle East, originally from the Middle East. They had visited Tokyo before, but this was their first time sightseeing in Kyoto and Nara. Since they were not confident about getting to Kyoto Station on their own, they requested a pickup at their hotel. The group got along very well, and some of the guests were very interested in gashapon capsule toys, stopping to buy them each time they spotted a machine in Nara. I guided them to "Nigiwai no Ie" and the "Karakuri Omocha Kan" (mechanical toy museum), and as expected, some of the guests had a wonderful time playing with the toys, while the others rested in the meantime. After arriving at Kyoto Station, the group decided to return by taxi as they were tired, so I directed them to the taxi stand and the tour concluded. Nara today had many visitors from Asia. The cherry blossoms were more than half in bloom. The photos were taken at Nara Park.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Sanjo Keihan～Kyoto | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Nara | 720JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | JR Nara Station～JR Nara Station | 600JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Nara～Kyoto | 720JPY |
| Total | 2,300JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.