Had two days tour with Takuya-San. One in Kyoto and another one in Nara. Both days were most enjoyable for me and my family of 6. He was very knowledgeable and very attentive to all our needs. He made all the sights come alive for us.
See the Famous Deer in Nara Park
Expert Japanese Guide
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Embrace The National Treasures of Nara
Join me on this tour of the historical city of Nara, Japan’s first capital and home to eight UNESCO world heritage sites. Nara is a truly unique place with Nara Park full of deer roaming freely and happy to receive a cracker or two from you. You will have the chance to take a trip to Ikaruga to visit the ancient Buddhist temples (Hōryū-ji and Hokki-ji). Here, you can observe the deep connection and Eurasian influences as well as the change to Japanese art through the years. During this tour, you can also see the huge statue of the Great Buddha at the Todai-ji Temple and the stone lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine on what will be a truly unforgettable day.
Highlights
Feed crackers to deer in Nara Park while I feed you knowledge!
Discover the ancient history of Nara with an expertly-guided tour
Visit the birthplace of sake and partake in a brewery tour
Explore the old-time connections between Japan and the continents
Go to Ikaruga and see its ancient Buddhist temples, just 15 minutes from Nara
Witness the beauty of Hanami (cherry blossom in springtime) or Koyo or Momijigari (beautiful autumn leaf season with stunning red, gold, and orange colors) in Nara Park
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Departure time
Full-day: 9 AM
Half-day: 9 AM for the morning tour, 1 PM for the afternoon tour
Meeting point
- 1-1-2 Shibata, Kita-Ku, Osaka. We will meet in front of Big Man, the popular TV screen, right by Kinokuniya Book Store at Hankyu Umeda Station in Osaka.
- Upon request, I can pick you up at your hotel, a pier, or an alternative place at your convenience in Nara, but my transportation from Osaka will be charged. Please feel free to contact me.
Availability
All-year, but no half-day tour is offered during the peak season (mid March to May). Please inquire about availability first before booking.
Duration
- Full-day – 8 hours
- Half-day – 4 hours
Group size
1-4 people (for larger groups please contact me)
Included
Guide fee
Not included
- Transportation
- Entrance fees
- Meals
What to bring in Autumn
- Camera
- Warm clothes
- Umbrella
- Cash
Recommended Sample Itineraries
My private Nara day trip is carefully tailor-made for you. I usually craft your itinerary by combining your top points of interest with unique destinations that will amaze you. I will choose these places for you based on your tastes and seasonal availability. I want to make sure that your private tour is a memorable experience.
Please keep in mind my recommended sample itineraries are just a taste of what I have to offer. I will always strive to create the best possible itinerary to match your needs and desires.
See all the must-visit attractions in Nara and Ikaruga in one day including:
Popular attractions:
- Horyuji Temple
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Isuien Garden
- Todaiji Temple
- Nara Park
Off-the-beaten path & popular attractions:
- Joruri Ji Temple (may require a private vehicle)
- Gansen-ji Temple (seasonal for hydrangea blooming)
- Nara Park
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Yoshikin Garden
Not everybody has time for a whole day of sightseeing, so I’m happy to offer you a half-day tour (4 hours) of Nara:
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- Todaiji Temple
- Higashi Muki Shotengai
See What My Previous Guests Say
We spent the first day in Kyoto and the second in Nara and Osaka. Takuya showed us traditional sights as well as local life, and he offered us some opportunities to experience special things that we would not have known about had we chosen to go out on our own.
He provided an outstanding tour showing us the highlights of both cities, including the Nijo Castle in Kyoto and the Todai-Ji temple in Nara.
Having Takuya recommended to us by Osaka locals was a highlight of our trip. Professional, knowledgeable of both historical fact and current affairs , combined with his ability to fine tune his tours to our special interests maximized our time in both Osaka and Kyoto.
