Nara Day Trip from Osaka by Private Car — Guide Kazu
October, 2025
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
- 10:00 Hotel meet-up 10:50 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall 11:30 Nigatsudo Hall 12:15 Lunch (tonkatsu) 13:10 Isuien Garden 14:20 Kasuga Taisha Shrine 15:20 Naramachi・Nigiwai no Ie 16:00 Sake tasting at Harushika 16:50 Depart Nara 17:50 Return to hotel, tour ends.
What's a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Following on from yesterday, today I guided the guests around Nara. At the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, they photographed the Great Buddha from every possible angle. At Nigatsu-do Hall, they seemed to appreciate the quiet, serene atmosphere, which was different from the Great Buddha Hall. After lunch, at Isuien Garden, they enjoyed matcha indoors. At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, they had fun feeding the deer with crackers. After visiting the Nigiwai-no-ie house in Naramachi, we had some extra time, so I had them try a sake tasting at "Harushika." Surprisingly, the guests both loved alcohol. They commented, "Maybe Scotch whisky would be even better." The photo was taken at the tonkatsu restaurant where we had lunch. We were blessed with good weather over the two days, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed the two ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
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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.