Nara Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore the city. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you!! I can also guide you any other cities in Japan, just let me know where you wanna go :)

Hiroyuki T.

4.96 / 5

(132 reviews)

Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.

Yasuhisa K.

4.96 / 5

(24 reviews)

I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.

Koichi W.

4.95 / 5

(63 reviews)

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Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones"　(It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.

New Nara Tour Guides

Hiroki K.

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! I have been doing tour guide as my side business since 2019. I am happy to announce that I became 'super host' in the area in Osaka on CityUnscripted (The tour company based in UK) I will continue to work hard to cover more area with more tours guest coming from abroad. Through my tours, my goal is to make my guests want to come back to Japan again and to recommend them to their friends. Having lived and worked in 7 cities, 3 countries and traveled to 45 countries, I believe that my mission is to efficiently guide you through the cities I love in a limited amount of time through my unique perspective. I am originally from Gifu Prefecture, Japan and I am Japanese. While a student studying international business management, I spent time in Shiga, near Nagoya and Kyoto and a short study abroad experience in Australia, UK and Israel. After working in Israel and Ireland, I came back to Kobe. So far, I have hosted over 30 tours in Kyoto and Kobe and I enjoy meeting tour guests from all over the world. I always try my best to get prepared for you to enjoy your visit to my home country. I'm constantly learning to be able to provide an enriching experience. If we come across some questions I cannot answer right away, I will be happy to do some research and get back with a full answer. For foodie, I can give you good places for all type of requirements, such as Vegetarian, vegan, Kosher or Halal. If you are coming with your parents/kids, I will arrange the tour for a shorter walking distance. IELTS Band 6.0 (English Proficiency level)

Kai M.

I'm living in Osaka for 50 years. I am happy to share my experience with you to enjoy more about Osaka, Japan.

Akari Y.

It has been a year since I started guiding in the Kansai area last spring. I am passionate about introducing the beauty of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was younger.

Tomoe K.

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Hi, I’m Tome. I am a national licensed guide interpreter for English speaking tourists. I am a genuine Osaka-native,living in Osaka.I have an outrageous affection for my hometown.Tokyo is not everything that Japan has to offer! I am thrilled to be your guide to convey the charm of Osaka.I also specialize in the Kansai region,Kyoto and Nara. I was a full time mom until my three boys grew up.After they became independent,I worked hard to earn this qualification to become a tour guide. I would love to show you not only iconic tourist attractions but also places that only locals know. I love meeting people from different backgrounds and learning new things,and sharing lots of fun. I’d love to help you enjoy the days in the Kansai area and create memories of a wonderful trip. Would you like to ride my convertical Mercedes to drive around Osaka,or further to Nara,Kyoto and Wakayama with me? I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you.

Popular Nara Private Tours

Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka

8 hours

In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.

One day tour in Nara

Highlights of the tour are feeding deers in Nara Park and overwhelmed by the great Budha, Daibutu. Tour also visits several historcal sites. As all historical sites are located in the Nara park, we will mainly walk through the park ( 5~8km ) The tour also can customized in line with the customer's interest, historical sites, cultural sites or shopping.

Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide

Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!

Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour

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5 hours

Asuka is the place where first unified state was established. It was a capital of Japan from 538 to 710. There are a lot of view point including ruins of the Imperial palace, ancient tombs, uniquely shaped stone structures throughout the area. You can enjoy the historical atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

New Nara Private Tours

Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit

7 hours 30 min

In the morning, we will visit Nara Park, Todaiji temple, Kasuga grand shrine. You will have a chance to see, take photos and feed deer. After lunch, we will have a short trip to Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.

Uji-tea plantation visit

4 hours

We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.

GRANDE BUDDHA CON I CERVI (NARA)

Da Kyoto o Osaka, prendete un treno per l'antica capitale Nara, che dura circa 45 minuti. Potrete visitare il Grande Buddha del Tempio Todaiji e il misterioso Santuario Kasuga Taisha. Naturalmente, è possibile scattare foto e dare da mangiare ai cervi selvatici nel parco di Nara.

FROM$388/ per group

Reiko N.

Nara History Tour

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6 hours

You can go in blind and simply learn as much as possible about this phenomenal city, where you will be provided with a good encapsulation of the wonders of Nara.

Popular Nara Private Cars

Deep in Nara by car ~ Off the beaten track ~

8 hours

In the southern part of Nara Prefecture, you will see more ancient and diverse cultural and historical ruins, temples, shrines, and views. Please enjoy the ancient atmosphere off the beaten track.

Nara Day Tour with a Private Car

3 hours

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.

Nara 1 Day Tour

10 hours

Nara Prefecture is an ancient capital where Heijo-kyo was built during the Nara period. There are many spots and Buddhist statues designated as national treasures and world cultural heritage sites, such as Todaiji and Horyuji. We also recommend visiting Mt. Yoshino for cherry blossoms, Asuka Village, and other spots surrounded by nature.

Nara Day Tour with a Private Car

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6 hours

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.

Day Trips from Nara

Kyoto

Osaka

Kobe

Wakayama

Mie

Nara Tour Reviews

Giuseppe L.

5 / 5

Oct 12, 2024

Temples et Sanctuaires à Nara : Visite Guidée d’une Journée

8 hours

Oct 12, 2024

“Lovely day in Nara”

Tatsuko is an excellent guide and a lovely, welcoming person! Her English level is excellent. Her deep knowledge of the area made the experience really unique. Nara is a very touristy spot, but Tatsuko knew many short-cuts, which allowed us to experience the city with calm vibes, away from the crowds. She is very passionate about her job, she was very proactive in explaining and guiding us in our tour. She was also able to find a lunch spot with vegan options for us. Our experience with Tatsuko was truly amazing and we would highly recommend her as a guide. Thank you :)

Tatsuko S.

(1 reviews)

Thank you very much for your kind massage!! I’m really happy that you’ve enjoyed the tour with me. It’s a great pleasure to share with you how the life in the 8th century is! I hope you a nice trip and a safe return! The next time you come to Japan, I’d like to guide you in Italian. Grazie mille! Arrivederci!

Eva M.

5 / 5

Oct 10, 2024

One day trip of Nara Park

6 hours

Oct 10, 2024

“We will be back!”

Makoto is an amazing gentleman, with a lot of knowledge. It was our honour to share time with him and discover all the amazing parts of Nara.

Makoto Y.

(105 reviews)

Dear Eva, Thanks for your nice comments. This is the guide, made long time ago but I appreciate very much for you to remember. You are really nice animal lover, and enjoyed the time to spend with deer. The deer may still remember you once you come back to Nara park. Thanks again for your friendship and support. Makoto

Michiko R.

5 / 5

Oct 8, 2024

Hohryu-ji Temple and Nara City