Private Tour
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This private car tour takes you comfortably from Kyoto to Nara—with no tour buses, no tight schedules, and no crowds.
Unlike group tours, everything is fully customizable. Want to spend more time taking photos? Traveling with kids? Stop at a cozy café? Skip a spot if it's too hot? Try a specific local lunch? Just let me know.
I’ll tailor the pace and itinerary to fit your interests, energy, and mood. As an independent private guide, I offer the kind of flexibility and personal care that big group tours simply can’t match. So don’t hold back on your requests—this day is all about you.
And I’m not just your guide for the day. If you need help during your entire stay in Japan—whether it’s restaurant advice, translation help, or travel tips—I’ll be there.
Let’s make your visit to Nara truly special—relaxed, memorable, and entirely your own.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Breakfast
Lunch
Bottled water
Admission fees to temples and shrines are not included
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Start the day at Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of red torii gates create one of the most photogenic spots in Japan. Walk through the tunnels of gates while your local guide shares fun stories and hidden facts. After soaking up the peaceful vibe, we’ll head out to Nara by private car.
Nara Park
Meet Nara’s most famous residents—friendly deer that roam freely in the park. Feed them, take cute selfies, and enjoy some relaxed time under the trees. This part of the tour is free time, so feel free to explore, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibe. You can join the guide for lunch or choose a local restaurant on your own. It’s a great moment to slow down and enjoy Nara at your own pace.
Pickup included
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Rossella B,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
The tour and Katsu were fantastic – could not recommend highly enough! We had a tight schedule, but Katsu helped us make the very best of the day. From the moment he picked us up at our hotel, everything was smooth and stress-free. Unlike most organized tours with rigid itineraries, this one was incredibly flexible. The day was tailored entirely to us — adjusting on the fly so we could spend extra time at the temple or with the deers, without ever feeling rushed. He also found a charming little vegan restaurant for us, made the reservation, and even helped us order. He speaks perfect English, has a great sense of humor, and shares engaging stories that bring each stop to life in such a special way. Katsu didn’t just give us a tour — he created a day full of warmth, fun, and unforgettable memories. If you want the freedom of traveling at your own pace with the insight of a true local, this tour is perfect. You’ll be so glad you booked it.
Lorraine H,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
Absolute no brainer. Katsu is fantastic, accommodating, we skipped part of the trip and done something else instead ( we requested this) We had the most amazing sushi lunch, that we could never have navigated or even ordered without him. The trip was extremely good value also, (3 adults) so we also gave a good tip and bought lunch. He came with us, to all sites and gave detailed explanation of everything and he speaks very good English. Could not recommend to book him enough. He also communicated efficiently and picked us up at our hotel (note, not all hotels are suitable for pick up)
Phat N,
Jul 24, 2025
- Viator
Katsu, was very friendly and nice. Speaks perfect English. We had a wonderful time and he is a photography for us. He was one of the best tour guide we had on our Japan trip.
Rooptaz S,
Jul 19, 2025
- Viator
Katsu was very enthusiastic. Our driver was a very safe driver. He took us to some beautiful locations in Nara. Even found us a nice ice cream location for a break. He helped us get the deer crackers at the deer park. Would absolutely go on another trip with him.
Oswaldo T,
Jul 3, 2025
- Viator
We had an incredible day touring Nara and Kyoto by car with Katsu as our guide! From the very beginning, he was warm, professional, and incredibly attentive to detail. He thoughtfully curated a route that covered all the must-see landmarks in both cities—from the majestic deer park in Nara to the iconic temples and hidden gems of Kyoto. Katsu’s deep knowledge of the area and its history made every stop more meaningful, and his genuine passion for sharing Japanese culture truly stood out. What really made the experience special was how patient and kind he was with our kids. He engaged with them throughout the tour and made sure they were comfortable and having fun, which made a huge difference for our family. Traveling by car made everything so convenient and comfortable, especially with children in tow. We never felt rushed, and Katsu made sure we had time to enjoy each location at our own pace. We can’t recommend this tour enough—if you want a stress-free, insightful, and enjoyable way to explore Kyoto and Nara, Katsu is the guide to go with!
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