Arashiyama & Nara Highlights: One-Day Private Tour Adventure
Joined 2017
Experience Kyoto and Nara with our "Arashiyama & Nara Highlights: One-Day Private Tour." Start in Arashiyama, where you’ll walk through the stunning bamboo grove and enjoy views from Togetsu Bridge.
Then, head to Nara to see the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, interact with friendly deer in Nara Deer Park, and Todaiji temple.
This private tour combines Arashiyama’s natural beauty with Nara’s historic sites for a day of memorable experiences.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Any place inside Kyoto city
- * The guide will meet you at your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know. * We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
Explore Kyoto’s natural and cultural treasures with our tour featuring the Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, and Tenryu-ji Temple Garden. Begin your journey in the Bamboo Forest, where towering green stalks create a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful walk.
Next, visit Nonomiya Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine known for its serene setting and ancient traditions. Discover its beautiful architecture and lush surroundings.
Conclude with a visit to the Tenryu-ji Temple Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its exquisite Zen garden and stunning landscape views. Enjoy a serene stroll through meticulously designed gardens, reflecting the beauty of traditional Japanese landscape artistry.
Hozu-Gawa River and Togetsu Bridge
Discover Kyoto's serene beauty with a visit to the Hozu-gawa River and the iconic Togetsu Bridge in Arashiyama. The Hozu-gawa River, once a vital trade route, now offers peaceful boat tours through lush valleys. In spring, cherry blossoms grace the riverbanks, while autumn brings vibrant reds and oranges, creating a picturesque journey through nature.
After the boat ride, visit Togetsu Bridge, a symbol of Arashiyama. Spanning the Katsura River, this centuries-old bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photos.
Move to Nara
After a quick lunch break, we move to Nara
Nara Deer Park Walk
Discover the charm of Nara Deer Park on your tour, where friendly deer roam freely in a picturesque setting. This expansive park allows you to interact with the gentle deer, known for their calm demeanor and eagerness to greet visitors. Purchase special deer crackers to feed them and enjoy a memorable, interactive experience.
The park’s beautiful landscape, featuring lush green lawns and seasonal blooms, provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll. Embrace the unique opportunity to connect with these sacred animals in one of Japan’s most beloved natural spaces.
Todaiji Temple
Experience the grandeur of Todaiji Temple on your tour, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its majestic Great Buddha Hall. Inside, you'll find one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues, an awe-inspiring sight that exemplifies Japanese Buddhist art and architecture.
Explore the temple grounds, where ancient wooden structures and serene landscapes enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Todaiji Temple’s historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination, offering a profound glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Visit Kasuga Shrine on your tour, a captivating Shinto shrine renowned for its enchanting atmosphere and beautiful lanterns. The shrine is famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathways, creating a magical glow as you explore its lush, forested grounds.
Admire the intricate design of the shrine's buildings and enjoy the tranquil setting, which reflects the serene spirit of Japanese spirituality. Kasuga Shrine's rich history and picturesque surroundings make it a highlight of your visit to Nara.
Back to Kyoto
Tour finish
The driver will drop you off at any place you want in Kyoto
Ending Point
The driver will drop you off at any place you want in Kyoto
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding Fees & Tour Management
*Transportation: The tour itinerary is based on car hiring for JPY 120,000 for up to 5 people paid in cash to the driver. If more than 5 please let me know.
*We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
* Lunch
* Entrance fees
*Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected. If you feel that your experience was exceptional, tipping is a lovely way to show your appreciation for the service provided.
Tour Important Information
*The tour itinerary is based on car hiring for JPY 120,000 for up to 5 people paid in cash to the driver. If more than 5 please let me know.
*The guide will meet you at your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know.
*We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
*We can manage Shore excursion from Osaka or Kobe port for extra fees paid to the driver of the hired car.
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Important message from the supplier
See the calendar for availability
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2017
About Tour Guide Ahmed A.
Hello! I’m Ahmed, a passionate tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Originally from Kuwait, I moved back to Palestine where I earned my Medical Degree (MD) in 2008. In 2015, I was fortunate to receive a Japanese government scholarship to pursue further studies at Kyoto University, one of Japan’s top institutions.
Living in Kyoto opened my eyes to the rich history and stunning scenery of this ancient city, which served as Japan’s capital for over a thousand years. It ignited my passion for culture, history, and food, leading me to embark on a rewarding career as a tour guide.
I have traveled extensively across Europe and Asia, and I love sharing my knowledge of Japanese culture with others. I can provide historical insights at every stop, recommend the best local cuisine, and create personalized itineraries, including day trips from Tokyo to Kyoto.
I’m fluent in English and Arabic, and I thrive on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in exploring temples, experiencing traditional cuisine, or simply enjoying the beauty of Kyoto, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.
Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. I measure my temperature before our tours and am happy to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable. While I'm not a driver, I will accompany you in your vehicle or arrange for a separate car and driver if needed.
Book with confidence and get ready to explore Kyoto with me! I can’t wait to show you why I believe this city is the most beautiful in Japan.
Ahmed, MD, PhD, MBA
Reviews
Matthew W.
“Solid comprehensive tour of Kyoto”
We arrived in Kyoto around dinner time and had the following day to tour around the city. I looked online for a guide and found Ahmed who was thankfully available on short notice. Ahmed did an excellent job efficiently taking us around to the areas we wanted to see. Had we done it ourselves, it would've taken 3 days, and having a guide was especially helpful since it rained all day. Moreover, Ahmed has a deep historical understanding of each of the sites which was great, and he speaks fluent English which made our interaction easy. If you go with Ahmed, it is absolutely imperative that you also have him order a driver since that's what allows you to see so much. Given our last minute situation, we accepted the high combined cost for guide/taxi/tickets.
Ahmed A.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm really glad I could help make your time in Kyoto enjoyable, even with the rain, and that the tour was efficient and informative for you. Wishing to meet you again in Kyoto
Peter C.
“Deceitful And Inconsiderate”
Be careful when booking with Ahmed. I recently booked a tour with him for the following day. A prior/separate GoWithGuide tour to Mt Fuji from Tokyo included transportation for a similar price and I accidentally overlooked that the transportation was not included in this cost. In less than 4 hours, I realized my mistake and asked to cancel. We were communicating via WhatsApp and he seemed understanding and recommended that I reach out to GoWithGuide for the refund, which I did immediately. See photo for our conversation. Come to find out, he tells GoWithGuide that he refuses to sign off on the refund. Also, there was never any proof provided regarding “turning down another tour” and I generally doubt he received another request as this all took place so quickly. I would recommend staying away from booking any tours from Ahmed unless you are comfortable knowing that you will never get your money back if something happens at the last minute.
Ian B.
“Night time highlights ”
Ahmed was not able to guide us on our visit because of illness but arranged a substitute guide, Matheus. He was fabulous, adapting to our needs easily. A very enjoyable experience.
Ahmed A.
Great you enjoyed it. Thank you so much
$541/ per group
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