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.
Andreas S.
“Incredible 2 days visiting Kyoto and Nara”
What an incredible 2 days of sight-seeing around Kyoto and Nara. Koichi is a wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. We took in all the main sights of Kyoto and Nara and Koichi was always willing to share information and point out interesting facts at all the different places we visited. We took in all these sites yet still there was more to see and do if we had had the time. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, Tenryuji Zen Temple, Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Byodo-in temple. Koichi was always on hand to provide the history of the places and also took the time to explain the Japanese language and the differences in the local dialect as well whilst we were travelling between areas. If I could give more stars I would. Ookini Koichi-san we all thank you so much for the memories and I hope to take you up on your offer of a Sake tour next time.
Koichi W.
Hi! Andreas san. Thank you for your wonderful message and rating. Once again I am looking at the photos of the two-day tour with you and remembering the days. I really appreciate the wonderful time you shared with me. It was only recently, but I still remember the days with fond memories. Koichi
Sara V.
“Western highlights private Kyoto tour”
Our private tour of Kyoto’s western highlights was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, our guide Koichi provided an enriching, and personalized experience that exceeded all expectations. We explored the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, marveled at the elegance of Tenryu-ji Temple, strolled along the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Koichi was both educational and enjoyable. This private tour was a true highlight of our trip to Japan. If you want to explore Kyoto’s western treasures this is the way to do it. Highly, highly recommended! Koichi was superb. I would give him more than 5 stars!
Koichi W.
Thank you for your excellent comment and rating. It is my great pleasure to hear that you are so pleased with the tour . Your review will inspire me to do better next time. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Arigato and Ookini!!
Sara V.
“Eastern Kyoto private tour”
I can’t recommend this Kyoto tour highly enough! Our guide Koichi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, professional, and passionate about Kyoto’s rich history and culture. From the moment we met, he made us feel welcome and tailored the tour perfectly to our interests. We explored iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera, visited Gion town and walked around Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka streets. Koichi provided historical context, local legends, and even restaurant recommendations that only a true local would know. His English was excellent! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive into the city, this tour is absolutely worth it. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan!
Koichi W.
Hi! Sara san. Thank you so much for your wonderful rating and comments too. I couldn't be more honored that you enjoyed the tour so much. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to meet again. Arigato and Ookini!!
$364/ per group