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
Yasuhisa K.
4.98 / 5
(45 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.
Tatsuhiro N.
4.58 / 5
(65 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.
Hiroshi Y.
4.68 / 5
(333 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 .
Shuji O.
4.95 / 5
(39 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!
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
Kazue K.
4.83 / 5
(6 reviews)
Japan
Hello! My name is Kazu, a tour guide from Kyoto. I was born and raised here, studied in Osaka, and became fluent in English after studying abroad in Canada. My experience there made me appreciate Japan’s beauty and cultural differences, inspiring me to share Kyoto with people from around the world. I started as a volunteer guide for friends but now work professionally to show more people Kyoto’s charm. On my tours, I’ll take you to great spots and share insights into Japanese culture, customs, and the unique mindset of Japanese people. I look forward to guiding you!
Popular Nara Private Tours
One day tour in Nara
Nara
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.
FROM$274/ per group
Yasuhisa K.
4.98 / 5
(45 reviews)
Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
Nara
4 hours
(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.
FROM$105/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.58 / 5
(65 reviews)
Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
Nara
8 hours
Nara is the most ancient city in Japan. You can see one of the most biggest images of Buddha in Japan called"Daibutu-san", and You also see many deer roaming freely around in Nara park. We visit Kasuga-Taisya Shrine ,founded to protect the Heijyokyo, which is also the deity of Fujiwara family is enshrined.
FROM$151/ per group
Hiroshi Y.
4.68 / 5
(333 reviews)
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
Nara
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.
FROM$288/ per group
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(170 reviews)
New Nara Private Tours
Stroll through Nara Park stopping here and there
Nara
5 hours 30 min
Experience the unique charm of the old capital. Nara was the capital in the 8th century and was marked by splendid cultural assets. In the 19th century, its heart area and surrounding hills were developed into Nara Park. It has been a fabulous place among locals, tourists, and deer with religious rituals, a giant Buddha statue representing the emperor’s and people's wishes, chill out with divine messengers of deity, and a conventional townhouse renovated into a museum, gallery, and café.
FROM$261/ per group
Yosshi S.
5.00 / 5
(7 reviews)
Mixed Scenery with Towns and Temples, Nara
Nara
5 hours 30 min
Enjoy the beauty of the temples in rural scenery and old townscapes. Ikaruga is Japan's oldest temple town, dating back to the 7th century. Even today, the pagodas from that time rise and create a beautiful rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi is within the grounds of a temple built near the Imperial Palace in the 8th century. Commercial and industrial houses lined its grounds from the Middle Ages, and the temples blended into the traditional townscape.
FROM$261/ per group
Yosshi S.
5.00 / 5
(7 reviews)
Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit
Nara
7 hours 30 min
In the morning, we will visit Nara Park, Todaiji temple, Kasuga grand shrine. You will have a chance to see, take photos and feed deer. After lunch, we will have a short trip to Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
FROM$224/ per group
Michiko T.
4.99 / 5
(70 reviews)
Uji-tea plantation visit
Nara
4 hours
We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
FROM$137/ per group
Michiko T.
4.99 / 5
(70 reviews)
Popular Nara Private Cars
![[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Van (9 pax)cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/N50uyVTowoCv-J0lqvJnukSu01QHGXYvZ5JzLzqlqBI/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/2040/22938d79-40a7-4b22-8260-312258a4608a.jpg)
[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Van (9 pax)
Nara
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.
FROM$226/ per group
TR Taxi
4.89 / 5
(305 reviews)
Car ride to the foot of Mt. wakakusa to have short-hike and Deer park!
Nara
5 hours
*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.
FROM$165/ per group
Tom K.
![[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 6h by Van (9 pax)cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/SK-Hg9YejjIbw3OEDVIswdT9hHyKXJFTENcZFmq6zDA/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/2044/dcd990db-d29d-4e13-9f75-d6a4b486e5d5.jpg)
[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 6h by Van (9 pax)
Nara
6 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.
FROM$396/ per group
TR Taxi
4.89 / 5
(305 reviews)
![[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Sedan (4 pax)cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/gYBdLVnDTtIZ0YA3oVPQzRDj8HOqIIZsbJq0JBRdSlQ/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/2043/3a66d385-0721-40dc-a64b-6e0ae231f19a.jpg)
[Nara] Day Tour with a Private Car - 3h by Sedan (4 pax)
Nara
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.
FROM$189/ per group
TR Taxi
4.89 / 5
(305 reviews)
Nara Tour Reviews
G
Glenis G.
5 / 5
May 11, 2025
“Lovely day with Atsuko ”
We had an amazing day with Atsuko . She was so knowledgeable and put as at ease immediately. She kindly adapted the tour as I was poorly and was unable to meet the 1st day so we felt we didn’t miss out on anything. We visited shrines and temples and Atsuko told us the history and culture and made the whole day very interesting and informative. Thank you so much for helping us create lovely memories
Atsuko T.
Hello Ms. Glenis, Thank you for your kind review and words for me. I am happy to hear you had an amazing day in Nara. I also had a wonderful day with you and your son, Tom. Nara is rich in nature. I like visiting Nara. I think you really enjoyed your birthday and Mother's Day in Japan. Today is Mother's Day in Japan. My children also celebrate it for me. Thank you for joining my tour. Please say hello to Tom. Best regards, Atsuko
Z
Zdenek D.
5 / 5
May 8, 2025
“Beautiful Nara”
We started our journey in Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari and then continued on to Nara. Ana was again perfect as a guide, she explained the history of the places we visited and told us many other interesting facts.
Ana I.
Dear Zdenek, thank you and your family for your patience, generosity, and the great time in Nara. Your attention and easy-going personality made the tour fun and highly interactive for me. I hope Japan was a wonderful experience for your family. Sending my best regards!
I
Ignacio P.
5 / 5
May 1, 2025
“Nara : The full experience”
The guidance of Kato has been a real present. His deep knowledge of Japanese history and culture and his passion sharing it, has made the day Realty short. Thank you very much for your generosity and kindness Kato!!
Yasuhisa K.
Dear Ignacio Thank you very much for your nice review. I was also very happy to accompany with such nice couple as you. Yasu
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.
Latest Nara Articles
Things To Do
The 8 Most Beautiful Shrines And Temples To See While You Travel To Nara
Nara, Japan
Nara, one of the most acient city in Japan, is a place rich in history with many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. You can spot Old Japan through wandering through temples, shrines and streets. Nara is also a perfect destination for yo...
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Jan 18, 2024
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Nara Full Day Tour - World Heritage and Ancient Sites
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We introduce the most popular itineraries amongst our customers who choose tours on GoWithGuide. We hope it helps you to plan your perfect itinerary during your trip to Japan. In our twelfth post of the series, we focus on the best full day tour of Nara. ...
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Apr 28, 2022
Things To Do
Top 5 Things to do in Nara on TripAdvisor
Nara, Japan
If you are planning a trip to Nara, then a great place to start would be with the five top rated attractions on TripAdvisor. See the amazing great Buddha in Todaiji, experience the sight of deer as you travel around Nara Park, or enjoy a 1,200 year old ni...
Luke Kinsella
Apr 23, 2023
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