Private Tour
Private Kyoto Nara Tour by Car with Deer, Buddha and More
Overview
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Breakfast
Lunch
Bottled water
Admission fees to temples and shrines are not included
What To Expect
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.
Options
Private Kyoto Nara Tour by Car with Deer, Buddha and More
Pickup included
Pick UP / Drop off "Osaka"
Pick-up in Osaka & Drop-off in: Pick-up at your Osaka hotel and drop-off at your Osaka hotel after the tour.
Pickup included
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour
Kelsey R,
Sep 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a great trip! Because of the large crowds, having a small group and a tour guide was really helpful. Our guide Katsu was great! Provided ao much information and made the tour comfortable!
Best tour experience we have had in Japan by far
Blake Y,
Sep 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00My wife and I did a private tour with Katsu and had an amazing time! Katsu was not only a great guide who is local to the Kyoto area, but also speaks great English so it was easy to communicate and understand what we were doing and where we were going. One thing that was truly remarkable and what make the tour so great, was that he was so flexible about what WE wanted to do and see. He had an itinerary for us but for example along the way we saw a castle and asked him “hey what is that?” He said “oh it’s a castle, do you want me to stop and we can go check it out?” We got such a personalized experience with him and really connected on what life was like in Kyoto and in Japan. It was a fun and immersive experience. He also does multiple day tours across different areas of Japan, which I would have wished we would have known before booking other tours since we liked him so much. Would highly recommend Katsu and his tours to anyone that is looking for a guide who speaks good English, is flexible, and is fun to be around.
Amazing day! Everything...
Lisney b,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing day! Everything was great and the day was full of surprises and amazing things to explore and learn! The food was a hidden gem
Perfectly Personalized Private Tour with the Amazing Katsu-san
Cynthia T,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our family (husband, 2 teenage sons, adult niece and myself) just returned from a fun-filled day with Katsu-san! This is the 7th day of our Japan trip, so I knew our feet would be too tired to travel to Nara using public transportation, so I specifically looked for a tour with a private car, and it was all that we hoped for and more! Katsu picked us up at our hotel and brought us to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine for brief visit and some Instagram worthy family photos. From there, we enjoyed a relaxed, air conditioned and comfortable drive to Nara during which we asked Katsu for all of his favorite restaurants in Kyoto. After our stroll through Nara Park and the impressive Todai-ji Temple, Katsu gave us time for some shopping before bringing us to an amazing restaurant adjacent to a fish market. The meal was so delicious, and we loved that it is a favorite of locals instead of tourists. Since we were ahead of schedule, Katsu offered to bring our family to the AEON mall near Kyoto Station, because we told him we were looking for gachapon and crane machines, so he brought us to the best one we’ve visited in Tokyo, yet. From there he brought us back to our hotel where he shared with us all of the photos he took for us throughout the day. We are so grateful that we found Katsu, and we highly recommend his services for anyone looking to find the best of Nara!
The Best Way to Experience Kyoto & Nara
Rossella B,
Aug 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00The 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.
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