Nara Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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.

Makoto Y.

4.95 / 5

(101 reviews)

Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!

Takashi M.

5.00 / 5

(20 reviews)

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

(124 reviews)

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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.

New Nara Tour Guides

Hiroki K.

Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! 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.

Reiko N.

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Hi, my name is Reiko. Ciao, tutti! Sono Reiko, sono guida turistica autorizzata in Giappone.Possiamo visitare zona Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe e etc.... Potete avere l'esperienza straordinaria con me. Vi aspetto in Giappone. I am National Licensed Guide, Italian language. I speak also English. I know very well, most popular place and nice food.....

Popular Nara Private Tours

Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide

7 hours

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!!

One day trip of Nara Park

-Nara Park is famous and known as Deer Park, and more than one thousand deer roam freely in the park.-Numerous important temples, shrines, gardens and museums are within minutes of one another within the park.-The most famous sites are Todai-ji temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Kofuku-ji temple.-These temples and shrines were originally built in Nara period, 1,300 years ago.

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

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7 hours

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.

New Nara Private Tours

GRANDE BUDDHA CON I CERVI (NARA)

7 hours

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$372/ per group

Reiko N.

Nara History Tour

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.

Nara, the oldest capital in Japan, Walking tour

4 hours

We'll visit Todaiji temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Kasugataisha shrine whose god is believed to have come to Nara riding on a white deer, popular Japanese gardens if you like. We can enjoy pretty plum trees from late February to early March and cherry blossoms in spring. 1300 wild deer are roaming around in Nara park, where you can feed them deer crackers. In June Rokuen, the deer protection center, is open to the public, where mother deer feed their cute newborns.

FROM$141/ per group

Nao O.

Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto and Uji Green Tea Town

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8 hours

On this tour, we will visit Nara and Uji Green tea Town. Nara was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical sites, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. On our way back to Kyoto, we will hop off at JR Uji Station and visit the Green Tea Town of Uji. If you have time to spare, taste the finest green tea.

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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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

Kris F.

5 / 5

Aug 11, 2024

Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka

7 hours 30 min

Aug 11, 2024

“Nara with guide Hiro - a must see!”

Hiro was the most gracious guide/host for our family. He is incredibly kind and thoughtful of our time. He made sure we knew how to navigate through the crowds and find the the best spots for photos. He is well educated and easy to understand and does a lot to make sure we have a good grasp of the history. Hiro is a must guide to have!

Hiroyuki T.

(124 reviews)

Thank you very much for your kind message and pictures. It was really nice visiting Nara and Osaka Castle with you and your wonderful family yesterday. It was very hot and a little hurry, but we had a wonderful day, didn't we? It's sometimes very difficult to do a tour with teenagers. But your family was different. You were all smiling all the time. There's a saying in Japan, "fortune goes to a smiling family". May fortune goes to you. Have a safe trip, bon voyage!

Marinella M.

4 / 5

Aug 11, 2024

One day trip of Nara Park

Aug 11, 2024

“Una piacevole passeggiata in mezzo ai cerbiatti”

Makoto è stata una guida tranquilla e premurosa, al nostro arrivo ci ha fornito ad ognuno di noi le copie del percorso, spiegandocelo minuziosamente. Inoltre ci ha fornito di un utilissimo ventaglio per sopportare meglio il caldo. E’ stata una giornata davvero piacevole.

Makoto Y.

(101 reviews)

Era una giornata calda, ma mi sono anche divertito molto. Per favore, torna in Giappone quando i fiori di ciliegio sono in fiore. Grazie per avermi scelto come guida. Makoto

Shawn Y.

5 / 5

Jul 27, 2024

Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~