Exploring Nara, Nara Pref
Joined 2017
Nara is ideal for those who wish to see not only numerous historical structures but also to touch, feed wild deers roaming freely around in the Nara Park. There are 8 UNESCO heritages in Nara spotted sparsely in the historic regions which have full of rich tales in Nara period (from 710 to 794). Visiting 4 UNESCO heritages (3 temples and 1 shrine) in this tour in addition to one Japanese garden.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto or Nara
At your hotel lobby
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
Kofukuji Temple
We take you to Osaka METRO station to lead Kintetsu Namba station whichever METRO station closer to your hotel. If you stay in Nara, we can save 45 min travel by train to Kintetsu Nara station. 10 min walk from Kintetsu Nara station to Kofukuji Temple through old temple town, Higashi-muki shopping arcade.
Isuien Japanese Garden
10 min walk from Kofukuji Temple on the way to Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple
5 min walk from Isuien Japanese Garden to Todai-ji Temple, through Nara park where 1,300 wild deers roaming freely around.
Kasuga Great Shrine
15 min walk from Todai-ji Temple to Kasuga Great Shrine
End of this day tour at your hotel in Osaka. Will arrive at your hotel earlier if you stay in Nara.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto or Nara
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
Included:
*Guide fee
*Hotel pick up fee in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Travel expense as required for the guide to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses for the guide included herein are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals, drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
Not included:
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like as might be required for the guide at private or public museum, entertainment
facilities.
Tour Important Information
Messenger of deity of Kasuga Great shrine, 1,350 deers welcome you all the tour long in Nara national park. First stop is Kofuku-ji temple which was founded by Fuhito Fujiwara in 710 during Nara period where the five-storied pagoda is a symbol of Nara national park viewed over Sarusawa Pond. Next is a short walk to a Japanese garden, called Isui-en (on the way to the Todai-ji temple) is also a must-to-see scenic spot. The third stop is the main attraction in Nara i.e Todai-ji temple, the largest wooden structure in the world, built in 752 and 2.8 million people took part in to construct, houses the 15 m tall Great Buddha statue. Fourth stop is Nigatsudo Hall which stands close to Todai-ji temple where the water-drawing ritual ceremony is being held in every March since 752. Last stop is Kasuga Great shrine which is a national shrine founded to protect the Heijyo-kyo, the new capital of Nara (form 710 to 794). 2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lanterns are lit in February and August there and it brings you date back the time of the ancients.
* A scenic tour exploring, touching and feeling the area in 8th Century in Japan, a birth district of
Japan.
* A surprise greeting by wild deers
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, wheelchairs and strollers.
Be quiet and respectful in Temples and Shrines complex
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Temples, Shrines
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Temples, Shrines complex
Take your shoes off before stepping on tatami
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 Masahisa M.
Lived in Chicago (5 years), Toronto (1 year), Singapore (2 years), Indonesia (4 years) and Birmingham, UK (11 years) to construct business platform, now retired after 40
years employment in Japan. Dynamic tour guide who develops many different ways along with rich experience overseas to entertain large or small tour groups. Enjoys the interaction with tour groups, very strong group presentation and communication skills, finds each guest question as an opportunity to learn anything new. Constantly learning information about each tour spot to enhance tours. Guided 9,330 guests all over the world across Japan as of June 30, 2025 since Feb 2015.
Reviews
Olle L.
“Mike is a powerhouse”
Thank you Mike for battling the humidity and heat of Kyoto with perfect honour. You gave is great insights in Kyoto och Japanese culture and traditions and we hope we can come back and experience your beatiful country again
Masahisa M.
Olle Thank you for coming all the way from the beautiful land of lakes, greenery, and the mesmerizing aurora—a country admired by all. Here in Kyoto, where we were struck by an unseasonal heatwave, I can only imagine how exhausting it must have been for you all. I sincerely hope you all returned home safely. Thanks Masahisa
Keith W.
“Terrific Osaka tour”
Mike was a great tour guide for my son and I! He communicated a detailed plan before our trip, and was flexible to our needs. Mike kept up a running commentary on interesting facts and features for all the places we visited, and kept a perfect pace for us. He made excellent use of public transit all day long, and we got to see all the things we wanted. Highly recommend!
Masahisa M.
Keith Many thanks for coming all this way. Today turned out to be an unseasonably warm summer day, and I imagine you must be quite tired. Next time, please visit with your wife and daughter. Wish you safe return home with pleasant memory. Thanks Masahisa
Abel G.
“Exactly what we were looking for!”
Masahisa did a fantastic job guiding us in Kyoto, optimal scedule tailored to our needs. He shared his deep knowledge of arts and culture and did it all in an entertaining way.
Masahisa M.
Abel When I was together with your family, I was reminiscing about the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the Royal Palace, the Parliament Building, and the floating restaurant that I visited several times. Thank you so much for coming all the way from the beautiful 'Pearl of the Danube.' Thanks Masahisa
$314/ per group
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