Nara Private Tour Guides

“Fantastic day with Michiko”

We spent a wonderful day visiting Nara with Michiko. She is a knowledgeable, thoughtful and kind person that genuinely cares for her clients. She patiently answered all of our questions (and we had a lot) and constantly made sure we were comfortable and content. All four of us would highly recommend Miko to anyone thinking about hiring a guide!

Michiko T.

(96 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute honor to guide such a worldly-wise and well-traveled group.Your insightful questions and deep appreciation for the culture made the tour truly special. Our afternoon trip to Wazuka was a perfect contrast to the crowds in Nara—relaxing in a bus with almost no other passengers, and soaking in the stunning views of fresh greenery, rivers, and tea plantations. Meeting our amazing veteran tea-picking guide was also an absolute joy. Her incredible energy inspired us all. Sharing that beautiful day with you made me truly happy as a guide. Wishing you many more wonderful journeys ahead!

“Deserves More than 5 Stars”

We had the pleasure of Makoto-san's presence and guidance for two wonderful days of visiting the Japan of the 3rd to 8th centuries (before Nara). Most tourists are interested in later periods, the Nara age (710-781) and the centuries when Kyoto was the capital (796-1868). But I'm a Japanese history buff, and wanted to see unusual places (tombs and other archaeological sites) that were important before that. Although Makoto said it was a first-time request, he obviously did exhaustive research on the topic, and created a perfect 2-day itinerary. He also learned enough about me to add some special places of interest (I'm a. fan of sumo wrestling, and it is supposed to have started in the area we toured.). His English was great, his work ethic spectacular, and his personality youthful and engaging. I would have awarded him more than Five Stars, if there were more stars to give. He knows his stuff, tries to know his clients, and went far beyond expectations for us. I'm so grateful for the memorable two-day visit we had in the Nara basin, thanks to Makoto-san!

Makoto Y.

(132 reviews)

Dear Gordon-san, Thank you very much for your nice review comment. This tour gave me a good chance for me to think about me and how Japan has started. I still remember how we spent two days, which was an adventure and exciting experience for me too. I have learned about the Japanese history again after retirement, and this was good opportunity for me to learn about the birth of Japan. Thanks again for giving me of this nice opportunity. Makoto

“Tracing the pre-Nara beginnings of the Japanese State (and Sumo!)”

We had the pleasure of Makoto-san's presence and guidance for two wonderful days of visiting the Japan of the 3rd to 8th centuries (before Nara). Most tourists are interested in later periods, the Nara age (710-781) and the centuries when Kyoto was the capital (796-1868). But I'm a Japanese history buff, and wanted to see unusual places (tombs and other archaeological sites) that were important before that. Although Makoto said it was a first-time request, he obviously did exhaustive research on the topic, and created a perfect 2-day itinerary. He also learned enough about me to add some special places of interest (I'm a. fan of sumo wrestling, and it is supposed to have started in the area we toured.). His English was great, his work ethic spectacular, and his personality youthful and engaging. I would have awarded him more than Five Stars, if there were more stars to give. He knows his stuff, tries to know his clients, and went far beyond expectations for us. I'm so grateful for the memorable two-day visit we had to the Nara basin, thanks to Makoto-san!

Makoto Y.

(132 reviews)

Dear Gordon-san, Thank you very much for your nice review comment. I am so happy that you enjoyed my tour especially Sumo Birth places in Nara. Your are really Sumo doctor, and I have learned much about Sumo, which I did not know before. Also I am happy that you love Mt. Miwa and Mt. Nijo, which are watching us with warm heart from the beginning of Japan history. You have already Japanese heart, and I have enjoyed the conversation so much. Please come back to Nara again. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto