Nara Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“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

“ A Truly Exceptional Day in Nara with Nicolas — Highly Recommended”

What a wonderful day we had with Nicolas in Nara! From the moment we met, it was clear we were in the best possible hands. His warmth, attentiveness, and deep knowledge of Nara made our group of five feel completely looked after from start to finish. The weather was not on our side — it rained for most of the day — but Nicolas turned what could have been a difficult day into one of the most memorable of our entire trip. Without us even asking, he went out of his way to buy umbrellas for all of us and made sure each one of us had bottled water throughout the day. It was such a thoughtful, generous gesture, and it perfectly captured the kind of guide he is: genuinely caring, proactive, and deeply committed to his guests' comfort. Beyond the kindness, his storytelling brought Nara to life. He paced the day beautifully, adapted the itinerary to the weather without missing a beat, and made every temple, shrine and encounter — including the famous deer of Nara Park — feel meaningful. He listened, he laughed with us, and he treated each of the five of us as if we were the only people he was looking after that day. We cannot recommend Nicolas highly enough. If you are looking for a guide who will go far beyond the call of duty to make your day in Nara truly special, he is the one. All five of us left feeling incredibly grateful, and we will remember this day for a long time. Thank you so much, Nicolas — you made our day in Nara unforgettable, rain and all. — The Martins Group, Portugal

Nicolas I.

(4 reviews)

Thank you for the beautiful review! It was my pleasure to guide you and be part of your special trip in Japan. :)