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- Car Tour (driving guide)
Deep in Nara by car ~ Off the beaten track ~
Joined 2023
In the southern part of Nara Prefecture, you will see more ancient and diverse cultural and historical ruins, temples, shrines, and views. Please enjoy the ancient atmosphere off the beaten track.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or train station in Nara Prefecture
- We can meet at the train station or in the lobby of your hotel
Hasedera Temple
It has a nickname, Flower Temple. You will enjoy flowers in every season. It has an ancient history and dynamic wooden buildings.
Abe Monju-in
It is a temple that has beautiful traditional buildings on a beautiful pond.
Imaicho Town
This is listed as an Important Traditional Buildings area. In the late medieval era, it was built as a powerful Ikko Sect town. The whole town is well-preserved. You can see the people's lives from four hundred years ago.
Lunch
There is a nice casual restaurant in Imaicho. They also serve some traditional sweets,
Ofusa Kannon
You will see some local beliefs for Kannon (Bodhisattva) and beautiful flowers like roses.
Horyuji, Chuguji, Horinji and cosmos garden
Horyu-ji Temple is the oldest wooden building in the world.
It has many important things (national treasures) and was first listed as a World Heritage Site in Japan.
Along with Chuguji, they have extraordinarily beautiful Buddha statues. Worth a visit.
Ending
At your hotel or train station
Ending Point
Your hotel or train station in Osaka
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
National licensed guide fee
Vehicle expenses (fuel, accident insurance, highway tolls, parking fees, and other maintenance fees)
Air-conditioned vehicle (5 seater Volkswagen Golf 8 with safety equipment)
Hotel or train station pick up and drop off
Insurance except for car accident
Lunch or tea for you and the guide
Entrance fees (approx. 4000 yen per person; no guide is required)
Tour Important Information
I will use my car for our tour.
This tour will be closed during November 21st to December 5th because of the traffic.
This tour will be closed during November 21st to December 5th because of the traffic.
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 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
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!
Reviews
Patrick B.
Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
“Great tour with Shuji-San”
Shuji-San was a former history teacher, now converted to tour guide. He is from Osaka but used to live in Kyoto as a student and is very knowledgeable about the city and its surroundings. As our train from Tokyo had arrived late and the kids were starving, he took us first to a delightful soba restaurant close to our hotel. He made sure our complex food constraints were all respected. We then got on with our tour, which included temples, shrines, gardens, a beautiful evening walk in hidden traditional residential areas and in the Gion district. He picked us up at the hotel and made sure we returned safely. He was very patient with our kids (we stopped regularly for snacks, toilet breaks, etc), and he took tons of pictures for us. Definitely recommend!
Shuji O.
(24 reviews)Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I also had a great time with you and your family. Even though you were tired, all your family members appreciated the feeling of everywhere we visited. Although the sunset that evening was not very nice, we enjoyed the evening in Higashiyama. I hope this will be a good memory for your family.
Patrick B.
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
“Beautiful sights with Shuji-San”
Shuji-San was a former history teacher, now converted to tour guide. He is from Osaka but used to live in Kyoto as a student and is very knowledgeable about the city and its surroundings. For our second day with him, we did a very nice tour with a mix of beautiful landscapes, World Heritage gardens, temples, and castles. We also had lunch in a nice tofu / yuba restaurant. We traveled by tramway, Uber, and foot. He took interest in our family, took time to explain the key points. He picked us up at the hotel and brought us back on time. Definitely recommend!
Shuji O.
(24 reviews)Thank you for the kind words, although I was not perfect today. I tried to give you a lot of transport experience, and I'm glad you noticed my intention. We visited many world heritage sites but managed to avoid the crowds. We also climbed the mountain route, like a trip to the Kiso area. I really enjoyed today's tour. Thank you very much.
“Nara-ken off the beaten track”
Shuji was an excellent guide. After checking with my interests & requirements he put together two outstanding individual tour programs. I was keen to go beyond the popular tourist locations in Nara City. This he did, very capably organising off-the-beaten track features including into the mountain areas. At all times he was helpful & knowledgeable ensuring happy & interesting tours. Thanks Shuji. Best wishes, Bob
Shuji O.
(24 reviews)Thank you for the great review. I had so much fun traveling with you. Your request was really what I liked. We went to some wonderful places. It was really off the beaten track and yet breathtaking. I was happy too. These will be our good memories. See you again sometimes. Best wishes, Shuji O.
$452/ per group
Reserve
