Sam F.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2026

One day trip of Nara Park

Apr 15, 2026

Nara

6 hours

“Makoto gave us a splendid tour of Nara Park ”

My husband and I spent his birthday in Nara with Makoto, who was a pleasure to be with. Our guide skillfully set a strong pace to allow us to see and enjoy the sights on our itinerary while also threading the needle through the crowds. I am collecting goshuins, special stamps with calligraphy found at temples and shrines, and Makoto helped me locate the goshuin stations within the temple complexes. This is a fun keepsake of any trip to Japan and you can purchase a designated accordion notebook at your first religious sight. Makoto brought some very helpful educational papers for us to keep, helping us better understand the important history of this ancient capital and root of Japanese Buddhism. He also explained what we were seeing along the way and told us about the very colorful and interesting festivals, which even involve monks carrying a fiery torch of burning spruce through a wooden temple complex at night while crowds watch the sparks fly. Nara is full of ancient rituals that mystify the foreign visitor. Nara Park is a lovely and relaxing place to spend a day. We saw the Kofukuji Temple, the National Treasure House of Buddhist statues, the Todaiji Temple with the enormous wooden Buddha, the thousand beautiful lanterns at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Don't miss the dark room where it simulates night and the lanterns are all aglow. Of course we had the opportunity to meet, pet and even feed wafer crackers to the sacred deer, whom Makoto asked to bow. Many of the deer would oblige by nodding their heads. Makoto has a a good sense of humor -- he bought my husband a headband of deer antlers as a birthday present so of course Sam had to wear them through the park. Very cute! Makoto also arranged a gift of deer origami for him. We highly recommend Makoto as a knowledgeable and skillful.guide. He selected a very tasty Japanese restaurant for lunch. Our final stop in the park was a quiet garden where we took a few minutes to contemplate a Zen rock garden.

Makoto Y.

(130 reviews)

Dear Sam and Pringle, Thank you very much for your nice comments and message about Nara tour. Nara was the end of Silk Road and this is the reason why we see many mysterious sight, statue, and events. Still the background can not explain sometime. This is kind of ancient romance, which we could share in the tour. Therefore, I also enjoyed very much to guide you, who has keen interest in Nara. I have to apologize that I could not prepare the blossoming of wisteria this time. Please come back to Nara again. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Please have a nice trip back to U.S. Makoto

“A Perfect Taste of Kyoto in Just a Few Hours! ”

The Kyoto Half Day Tour was an absolute delight! Makoto was knowledgeable, friendly and shared fascinating insights about each landmark we visited. The most efficient tour for visitors with limited time. Highly recommended!

Makoto Y.

(130 reviews)

Dear Peter, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Yes, it was limited time frame to see Kyoto, but because of your nice cooperation to travel to Kyoto quickly, we could make a trip so effectively. Thank you for your cooperation. I have enjoyed guiding you as you are so keen to learn Japanese cultures. I hope you come back to visit Japan again. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto

“Excellent day in Osaka”

We had a wonderful day in Osaka with Makoto San ! He explained us in detail Japan' history and showed us very interesting places in Osaka city. Thank you for the wonderful day,

Makoto Y.

(130 reviews)

Dear Hayal, Thank you for your nice comment. I also enjoyed guiding you so much today as you have nice sense of humor. The name of shopping arcade is Tenjinbashisuji street, and the festival will be taken place in July. You may consider to come back Osaka again. It is wonderful festival. Please have a nice trip back to your home, Makoto