Nara Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Nara, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Nara Tour Guides
Japan
Tatsuhiro N.
4.60 / 5
(73 reviews)
4.60 / 5
(73 reviews)
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.
Japan
Yasuhisa K.
4.98 / 5
(51 reviews)
4.98 / 5
(51 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.
Japan
Eric T.
4.89 / 5
(54 reviews)
4.89 / 5
(54 reviews)
Hallow ! This is Eric Tanaka. I was born in Kyoto, and I have been living in Kyoto. I am sure that Kyoto is one of the best city for sightseeing and living. I wish if I can introduce some nice places for you by walking around city streets. Also, in suburbs, there are a lot of nice sightseeing places such as Bamboo forest, Monkey park, Fushimi shrine, Zen practice temples and so on. Let's enjoy Kyoto town and Kyoto food.with me.
Japan
Shuji O.
4.93 / 5
(44 reviews)
4.93 / 5
(44 reviews)
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!
New Nara Tour Guides
Japan
Katia S.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Hello, bonjour, привет ! I’m a multilingual guide based, offering cultural and historical tours across Osaka, Kyoto and Nara — with a special focus on Shinto shrines, Buddhist temple and Japan history. Kansai is a beautiful area which provide everything you want to see in Japan! Electric, gourmet and vintage with Osaka, traditional and rich of Japanese crafts and temples with Kyoto, and turn to country side and beautiful nature and history in Nara. One of my favorite spots to guide is Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most iconic Shinto shrines. Through these tours, I share stories, traditions, and perspectives that bring Japanese history and mythology to life. My journey to Japan — all the way from Europe via the Transiberian Railway — reflects my deep love for cultural exchange and meaningful travel. If you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic way to experience Japan with a passionate local — I’m your guide. Book a tour and let’s make it an unforgettable day!
Japan
Miyu S.
I'm Miyu. I'm from Osaka. I studied abroad US for 4 months. I'm working as a tour guide in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara for 4years. If you are with kids, old people no problem. My youngest guest is 0 years old. My oldest guest is over 90years old. If you wanna change your plan during the tour. No problem! This is a private tour. I can change the destinations whenever you want. I like history, anime, and games. I like to see many people from all over the world.
Japan
Karim A.
Hello and welcome! My name is Karim, and I'm your local guide for unforgettable tours across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara — three of Japan’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. With a deep passion for Japanese history, food, and culture, I specialize in creating fun, informative, and personalized experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you want to explore ancient temples in Kyoto, vibrant street food in Osaka, or the peaceful charm of Nara’s deer parks and shrines, I’m here to help you experience it all like a local. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, I’ll make sure your visit is filled with authentic stories, local insights, and great memories. Let’s discover Japan together — one step, one bite, and one beautiful view at a time! Looking forward to meeting you, Karim
Japan
Adrian C.
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji. Spectacular places that amaze with their majesty, beauty, and history. I'll take you to where you'll eat the most authentic food. I'll show you the most iconic spots where you'll take the best photos of your trip. I'll reveal Japan's best-hidden secrets. You'll learn, enjoy, delight, and be amazed or shocked by the two sides of Japan. Come with me! I have a lot to tell you about Japan after eight years here. 行きましょう！
Popular Nara Private Tours
Nara
4 hours
Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
(Highlights) The Great Buddha of Nara is a magnificent structure weighing some 500 tons. Originally built in 752 AD, the stature is 15.9 meters high excluding the pedestal and its face 4.8 meters long. Subsequently, it was damaged by natural disasasters, fires and wars and was repaired several times. It was completely rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867). You will be amazed at the splendid image of the Great Buddha calmly seated on the pedestal with the look of a perfect repose and passionless calm. His right hand shows mercy and left hand, the wisdom of the universe. The building housing this huge image, The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, is the largest existing wooden structure in the world, having an area of 54 meters by 49 meters and a height of 45 meters. It was burned down by a fire twice, but was rebuilt in the Edo period. (How to enjoy) You will be amazed at how huge the Buddha image is. Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere it creates amid the odor of burning incense, wonder at the ancient technology and the wisdom and the devotion of people. After all, you will never end up not being deeply impressed with the aura the "Daibutsu-sama" Great Buddha emits. Everywhere around the Great Buddha Hall, in the meantime, you can enjoy mixing with tame deer which do you no harm but ask you for food, "shika-sembei", which is being sold at the nearby stalls for 150 yen a pack containing some 50 grams of the deer food. You will feel very happy feeding, stroking and hugging the cute animal whose number exceeds, perhaps, 100. (Others) The transportation fare between Kyoto and Nara on a Kintetsu train is 620 yen (plus 510 yen if you take a limited express train). The entrance fee to Todaiji temple is 600 yen.
Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
FROM$103/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.60 / 5
(73 reviews)
Nara
7 hours
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.
One day tour in Nara
FROM$271/ per group
Yasuhisa K.
4.98 / 5
(51 reviews)
Nara
8 hours
Full-Day Nara Deear Park and Uji Green Tea Town Tour from Kyoto
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.
Full-Day Nara Deear Park and Uji Green Tea Town Tour from Kyoto
FROM$386/ per group
Koichi W.
4.97 / 5
(89 reviews)
Nara
6 hours
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.
One day trip of Nara Park
FROM$134/ per group
Makoto Y.
4.93 / 5
(122 reviews)
New Nara Private Tours
Nara
5 hrs 30 mins
Early Bird Deer Nara Tour
Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, private tour. Admire landmarks such as Toudaiji Temple and Nara Park, and Naramachi, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the rich history of this sacred place.
Early Bird Deer Nara Tour
FROM$271/ per group
Miyu S.
Nara
5 hours
Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites
Explore the ancient city of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, on this captivating tour. Visit breathtaking landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. Discover historic shrines, traditional gardens, and charming streets that showcase Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts, this tour offers a peaceful escape into Japan’s timeless past.
Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites
FROM$271/ per group
Karim A.
Nara
8 hours
Ultimate Nara: Ancient Adventure
Step into Japan’s ancient capital, where sacred deer roam freely and centuries of Fujiwara dominance whisper through temple walls housing a majestic Buddha. Explore a traditional garden showcasing three styles. Marvel at the Great Buddha in Tōdaiji, enjoy the views from Nigatsudō, and feel the spiritual grace of lanterns at Kasuga Taisha. Stroll through the bustling Higashimuki Street for snacks and souvenirs, and slow down in the preserved district of old merchant homes, cafés, and hidden art.
Ultimate Nara: Ancient Adventure
FROM$805/ per group
Marcelo M.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Nara
5 hours
Essential Nara: Half-Day
Discover Tranquility and Tradition in Nara. Step into the ancient capital, where sacred deer roam freely at the park and centuries of history whisper through temple walls. Marvel at the Great Buddha inside Tōdaiji, enjoy sweeping views from Nigatsudō, and feel the spiritual grace of lanterns at Kasuga Taisha. Then stroll through the shopping street for local snacks and souvenirs.
Essential Nara: Half-Day
FROM$118/ per group
Marcelo M.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Popular Nara Private Cars
![[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 6h by Van (9 pax)](https://gowithguide.com/images/SK-Hg9YejjIbw3OEDVIswdT9hHyKXJFTENcZFmq6zDA/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/2044/dcd990db-d29d-4e13-9f75-d6a4b486e5d5.jpg)
Nara
6 hours
[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 6h by Van (9 pax)
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] Day Tour with a Private Car - 6h by Van (9 pax)
FROM$391/ per group
TR Taxi
4.90 / 5
(340 reviews)
Nara
5 hours
Car ride to the foot of Mt. wakakusa to have short-hike and Deer park!
*Available from March 22 to December 14, 2025 This tour offeres you a panoramic view at the bottom of Mt Wakakusa is located behind the Nara park, and get down to the Kasuga shrine then Todaiji while pass though Nara deer park. This is an experienced-based tour that provides you to short-hike, and you also can see the historical landmarks.
Car ride to the foot of Mt. wakakusa to have short-hike and Deer park!
FROM$162/ per group
Tom K.
![[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Van (9 pax)](https://gowithguide.com/images/N50uyVTowoCv-J0lqvJnukSu01QHGXYvZ5JzLzqlqBI/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/2040/22938d79-40a7-4b22-8260-312258a4608a.jpg)
Nara
3 hours
[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Van (9 pax)
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] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Van (9 pax)
FROM$223/ per group
TR Taxi
4.90 / 5
(340 reviews)
![[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Sedan (4 pax)](https://gowithguide.com/images/gYBdLVnDTtIZ0YA3oVPQzRDj8HOqIIZsbJq0JBRdSlQ/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/2043/3a66d385-0721-40dc-a64b-6e0ae231f19a.jpg)
Nara
3 hours
[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Sedan (4 pax)
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] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Sedan (4 pax)
FROM$187/ per group
TR Taxi
4.90 / 5
(340 reviews)
Nara Tour Reviews
G
Geoffrey T.
5 / 5
Aug 14, 2025
“Three perfect days w/Yasu in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara”
The first thing you need to know is that Yasu is brilliant, he has been all over the world, amd he understands Japan like the back of his hand. And the second thing is that he is incredibly kind. We booked three days with him to cover Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. He took us everywhere we wanted to go and made constant adjustments based on our requests, the weather, and what was best to do in the moment. All along the way, he made us feel like family amd completely at home in Japan. I urge you to book Yasu if you want to see any combination of Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara. He will make your stay in Japan incredible. He's incredible.
Yasuhisa K.
Cindi & Geoff Thanlk you very much for your kind review for our tours. I was also very happy to be able to have accompanied with such a nice couple as you. Hoping you continue to enjoy your stay in Okinawa. Yasu
M
Meleisha C.
5 / 5
Aug 3, 2025
“Private tour of Nara's Highlights - Spanish ”
Takashi was very knowledgeable, patient and willing to customize the best itinerary based on interests. Having a tour in Spanish opened Japanese culture to non-English speakers so we can enjoy the details. Superb guide, very interesting tour... well deserved 5 stars!
Takashi M.
Thank you very much for your review :)
J
Jennifer O.
5 / 5
Jul 29, 2025
“Wonderful tour for our group of 7! ”
Our family and friends had a fantastic time with Lisa. Our group ranged from young kids to grandparents and Lisa took great care in planning an itinerary that fit our group, as well as alternatives in case plans need to change at the last minute. She was super knowledgeable and we enjoyed learning about Nara and the history behind the locations we went to. We highly recommend Lisa and would definitely ask her to be our guide again the next time we’re visiting the area!
Nara Private Tour Guide
Whether it’s your first time to Nara or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Nara has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself!
You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Nara tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that.
There is so much to see and do in Nara, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.
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