Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!
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 Kyoto station
See you off at Kyoto station or at your hotel
Ending Point
JR Kyoto station or your hotel in Kyoto city
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 4000 yen per person(Transportation fees:about 1500 yen , lunch: about 1500 yen , admission fees: 700 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.
On the way back to Kyoto from Nara, I would be able to take you to Uji Green Tea Town. If you like Japanese Green tea, please let me know.
P.S.
If you like sake rice-wine, I have an option for you. Shall we visit Fushimi sake production area? You can enjoy various kinds of fresh sake!
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.
“Exceptional Guide”
Koichi was a wonderful and thoughtful guide. I cannot think of s better person to introduce us to the beauty and culture of Kyoto. He was extremely informative and was flexible on the day of the tour, accommodating our special requests. I highly recommend him!
Koichi W.
Hi! Lynsey san, Thank you very much for giving me such a nice comment. It encourages me greatly. I hope to see you in the near future. Enjoy the booze tour next time??? However, enjoy it to the extent that it does not violate Buddhist precepts "Do not drink TOO MUCH." Koichi
David M.
Kyoto Eastern Highlights and Shiga Lake Town Full-day Tour for David san
Customized
“Amazing tour guide ”
Toichi was my private tour guide for the past 4 days. His knowledge of Kyoto and surrounding areas is unsurpassed. He taught me about the history, culture and food of Kyoto. We went to many temples and shrines and when I asked if we could change the schedule for the last 2 days he was very accommodating. I feel like he became my friend. Thank you Toichi for making my first trip to Japan so enjoyable and teaching me so much.
Koichi W.
Hi! David san, Thank you for giving me such a wonderful review. The comment you gave me is more than I desrve. It was a great pleasure for me to share your precious time together. Atrigato-gozaimasu and I would like to say "Ookini-dosse!!" in Kyoto dialect. Koichi
Keane J.
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto and Uji Green Tea Town
“Amazing experience!”
We had an amazing experience with Koichi. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience in Nara. He came prepared to teach us about Japan’s history and culture. He was well-informed, earnest, and flexible. We asked him to visit some specific shops in Nara before the tour and he built that into our day. He’s been the highlight of our trip to Japan and we wish we could spend more time with him.
Koichi W.
Hi! Keane san. Thank you for giving me such a great review. Arigato-gozaimasu! I am very happy to have had a wonderful time with you and your family. I wish we could have spent a little more time together. Please come again in the near future. Koichi
$286/ per group