Nara Private Tour Guides
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Popular Nara Tour Guides
Koichi W.
4.96 / 5
(73 reviews)
Japan
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.
Yasuhisa K.
4.97 / 5
(40 reviews)
Japan
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.
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(164 reviews)
Japan
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.
Hiroshi Y.
4.68 / 5
(332 reviews)
Japan
Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Japan
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Shuji O.
4.94 / 5
(35 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Yosshi S.
Japan
Thank you for visiting my page. I will guide you to the ancient capital cities with 1000 years of urban development and 100 years of filming and screening history. I grew up in Osaka, studied in Kyoto, and worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for the national and local governments. During this time, I surveyed many community development sites throughout Japan. I welcomed business leaders to encourage investment in the cities. After quitting my career, I became a film-loving professional engineer. I visited unique cities in foreign countries to see urban planning and locations that appeared in picturesque film scenes and posted photos on social media (90 cities in 30 countries up to now). The more I saw foreign cities, the more I loved my hometown. I wanted to know about the travel industry and got a national license as a Guide-Interpreter and Travel Service Manager. I have started guiding based in the old capital cities. The entire area of old Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara has been a Metropolitan area centered on the Imperial Palace, and the actual location of the Palace has changed 15 times since the 7th century. This area has many historical spots and hidden attractions in different times and places: the townscape, temples, shrines, landscaped gardens, and historical drama locations (SAMURAI drama). I will create your favorite tour using my list, and guide you leisurely. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hiroko D.
4.96 / 5
(79 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I'm Hiroko. I was born in Kyoto and currently live in its suburb. My parents are also from the ancient capital city, so some of its historic places were like my playgrounds when I was a child. Now, as a national certified tour guide, I would like to show you around not only Kyoto but also Osaka and Nara enjoyably and time-effectively. For your reference, I lived in New York, U.S.A. for about 20 years and worked there for about 17 and a half years, so I believe that I will be able to communicate and speak well with you in English. My motto as a guide: If you are happy, I'm happy. Please don't hesitate to ask me to customize your tour. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
New Nara Tour Guides
Marcelo M.
Japan
Maru is from San Diego California. Has been in Japan over a decade. Maru has come for the love of video games and anime. Enticed by the beauty of Japanese art. Maru is happy to share Japanese food and quirky cultural differences to take unique memories back home. Maru es de San Diego California. Lleva en Japón más de una década. Maru llegó por su amor a los video juegos y el anime. Seducido por la belleza del arte Japonés, está feliz de compartir la comida Japonesa y las peculiares diferencias culturales para que puedan llevarse recuerdos únicos a casa.
Jungo S.
Japan
Nice to meet you. My name is Jungo, and I was born in Osaka. I have spent most of my 31 years living here in Osaka. The reason I decided to become a tour guide is that I lived in Canada and Australia for two years each. During that time, my family visited me several times, and I guided them with all my effort, helping them enjoy their travels to the fullest. They were extremely satisfied with my guidance. Based on this experience, I decided that I wanted to help tourists from all over the world explore Japan and fully enjoy this country that I am so proud of. I also love traveling by car from Osaka, and I am confident that I can offer wonderful travel plans to everyone. Please let me help make your trip a great experience. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Menshawi F.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Konnichiwa! I'm a passionate licensed tour guide and for me, being a tour guide isn't just a job. Its a way to share my love for Kyoto city and create meaningful connection with people from around the world. I enjoy helping travelers feel at home, discover new perspectives and leave with cherished memories. I look forward to welcoming you on a journey of discovery, whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to explore even deeper. Let's make your trip truly special together. If you're looking for an adventure off the beaten path or a deep dive into local tradition, my goal is to make every moment memorable.Let me guide you on a journey you'll cherish forever
Yosshi S.
Japan
Thank you for visiting my page. I will guide you to the ancient capital cities with 1000 years of urban development and 100 years of filming and screening history. I grew up in Osaka, studied in Kyoto, and worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for the national and local governments. During this time, I surveyed many community development sites throughout Japan. I welcomed business leaders to encourage investment in the cities. After quitting my career, I became a film-loving professional engineer. I visited unique cities in foreign countries to see urban planning and locations that appeared in picturesque film scenes and posted photos on social media (90 cities in 30 countries up to now). The more I saw foreign cities, the more I loved my hometown. I wanted to know about the travel industry and got a national license as a Guide-Interpreter and Travel Service Manager. I have started guiding based in the old capital cities. The entire area of old Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara has been a Metropolitan area centered on the Imperial Palace, and the actual location of the Palace has changed 15 times since the 7th century. This area has many historical spots and hidden attractions in different times and places: the townscape, temples, shrines, landscaped gardens, and historical drama locations (SAMURAI drama). I will create your favorite tour using my list, and guide you leisurely. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hiroki K.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
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)
Yakir S.
Japan
Hello there :) My name is yakir and I'm a tour guide in Kyoto. Before settling down in Japan I've traveled in many Asian countries and for me a big part of any trip to Asia is visiting the local shrines and temples. Some people are enjoying the night life or restaurants but I'm looking for the atmosphere in an ancient temple where the incents have been burning for hundreds of years and monks are going in silent concentration. Kyoto is the temple capitol of the world with more than 16,000 different temples and shrines hidden in the city and I just love to find and share the beauty and magic in them. I've studied Asia studies in Uni and also learned and practiced Chinese medicine, Qi gong and Zen meditation. I can show you the most Big and Powerful of Kyoto's temple or the quite, unique and serene local shrines. (I also love running so if you brought your running shoes let me now :)
Akari Y.
Japan
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.
Japan
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.
Nara Tour Reviews
Kelly A.
5 / 5
Mar 19, 2025
“Your Guide for Kyoto, Osaka & Nara is Yuta! ”
Yuta was a great guide. He took us to all the big temples and shrines, but best was he took us to smaller, less crowded locations that were absolutely beautiful. He is so knowledgeable and was so great answering all of our questions. Would’ve never been able to navigate the trains and subways without him. He’s fluent in Japanese, English and German. If you want to see the real Japan, Yuta is your guide!
Yuta I.
Thank you so much for your kind review! I had a wonderful time showing you around Kyoto, Nara and I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed both the famous spots and the quieter, hidden gems. I also really enjoyed our conversations! Hearing about your city and your experiences with cruise ships was completely new to me and so interesting. That’s one of the things I love most about these tours—not just sharing Japan with you, but also learning from my guests. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I’m so glad I could help with navigating the trains and subways. I hope you have more amazing travels ahead, and if you ever come back to Japan, I’d love to show you even more! See you again:)
Rowena S.
5 / 5
Mar 18, 2025
“The guest enjoyed the tour”
Hello Kaneo san, We have received good feedback again and told us that they really like the guide, Thank you always for taking care of our guests.
Yasuhisa K.
Thank you very much for your nice review for the tour on 16th March. I also enjoyed to be able to accompanied with such a nice family as Sabala. By the way, the review is for my tour or for Kaneo? Yasu
B
Brandi D.
5 / 5
Mar 16, 2025
“Kyoto and Nara Tour”
Masahisa (or Mike for short) was an absolute joy to spend our day with yesterday. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and kind, he was also very flexible! We had originally booked him to take us from our Kyoto hotel to Nara for the day, but we had a change of plans on our end and ended up staying in Kyoto until almost 2 pm. He pivoted and showed us around our area on foot, and then we took a taxi to an incredible museum with 1000 statues, then a food court and a Japanese department store. Finally we headed to Nara where he took us through the temple, got us crackers to feed the deer and took us to a cool visitors center to check out an earthquake simulator and to get out of the rain. We truly treasured our time with Masahisa—he shared so much with us about the Japanese culture and traditions. He was a wealth of knowledge and we are so grateful to have spent the day with him. I almost forgot to mention that he accompanied us from Nara (where he lives) to Osaka to make sure we made it to our hotel! He also put together a packet for us for our stay in Osaka. Above and beyond!! Thank you Masahisa aka Mike
Masahisa M.
Brandi Thank you so much for traveling all the way from afar the city I cherished deeply during my active years. Although the forecast predicts serene spring days starting mid-week, the weather in Kyoto during this transitional season from winter to spring can be quite unpredictable. This time, your tour happened to coincide with a cold and rainy day, and I was concerned about whether everyone managed to stay in good health. I sincerely thank for your long journey to visit us. I hope you continue to have a wonderful trip and that you return home safely with delightful memories of your family travels. Safe and enjoyable journeys to you all. Thanks Masahisa
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Local Tour Guides in Nara
Our local guides are ready to help you plan, customize and realize your ideal tour in Nara. All GoWithGuide guides are real locals who know the area on a deep and personal level, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you.
When traveling, everyone wants to get the most bang out of their buck. How to do that? Ask the right person to be your tour guide, of course! As opposed to fixed itineraries that are too formal and geared towards large groups, arranging a trip with the help of a local guide will mean the trip will be about what YOU want to see and do.
Go ahead and send a message to one (or several!) of our local guides. They would love to show you their Nara!