On this tour, we will visit Nara and Uji Green tea Town.
Nara was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical sites, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. On our way back to Kyoto, we will hop off at JR Uji Station and visit the Green Tea Town of Uji. If you have time to spare, taste the finest green tea.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto station or your hotel in Kyoto city
JR Kyoto Station
Meet you at Kyoto station or at your hotel
Todaiji Great Buddha Hall via Kofukuji and Nara Park
We are heading to Todaiji Temple,walking through Nara deer park. Todaiji temple has the Great Buddha Hall "Daibutsu-Den" the world biggest wooden architecture, and it also houses the world biggest bronze statue of Buddha cast in the 8th century. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-sees. there are a lot of deer roaming around the park. They are said to be messengers of the deities. They will bow to you to get a cracker. Let's feed them deer crackers.
Todaiji Nigatsu -do Hall
One of the oldest wooden halls in Todaiji temple complex. On the way to the Nigatsu-do hall, you may feel an atmosphere as if you traveled to the past. It's also a location where many historical dramas have been filmed. Experience it for yourself!
Naramachi Old Town (Enjoy shopping and eating)
Let's have lunch at a restaurant in Naramachi. What would you like to have? How about Nara's specialty food, Nyumen noodle or Kakinoha-Sushi (=Pressed Sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf).
JR Uji station to Phoenix Hall
In Uji Green tea Town, you have a chance to see the Byodo-in Phoenix hall, built about one thousand years ago. If you have spend, you can tray to taste the finest green tea.
Ending point
JR Kyoto station or downtown Kyoto
Ending Point
16:00 JR Kyoto station or downtown Kyoto
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guiding fee
Total amount of cash you may need: approximately 5000 yen per person(Transportation fees:about 2000 yen , lunch: about 1500 yen , admission fees: 1500 yen, other personal expenses)
In this tour, we would take Kintetsu limited Express train or JR train from Kyoto to Nara. If you have "JR Rail Pass", you can take JR train for free. And then we will basically walk around Nara park and surrounding area. It would be advisable to use a taxi appropriately to save time.
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Esmeralda B.
“Kyoto has my heart! ”
Exploring the city of Kyoto with Koichi was the highlight of our trip! He was very informative and friendly. My children especially enjoyed the history lessons along the way. I definitely recommend this tour!
Esmeralda B.
“Best tour guide ”
Koichi was an excellent guide. He provided detailed historical overviews of the landmarks and shared many fascinating details about the beautiful landscape and architecture. He was also incredibly patient with our two children and offered superb restaurant recommendations.
Mark W.
“Kyoto Highlights”
We were very lucky to have Koichi give us a tour of some of the highlights of Kyoto. Koichi is kind, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about Kyoto, it history, the shrines and the temples. Koichi crafted a perfect itinerary for us and he is an excellent guide. I would highly recommend touring with Koichi if you have the chance. Koichi also shared with us his fondness of sake and we shared a bottle of "natural" sake that he picked out to cap off the day.
Koichi W.
Thank you so much for such a great rating and comment. It was a pleasure to meet Mark-san, and your wonderful family members, and share a wonderful day with you all. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity you have given me. Arigato and Ookini very much!!
$359/ per group