Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
Joined 2019
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
TBD (at your hotel)
Nara Park
This park, which includes Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga-taisha Shrine, is home to 1,300 deer that are considered to be sacred, and is world-famous as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
Kasuga-taisha Shrine
Built in 768, this Shinto shrine has a legend which says that the deity descended here on the back of a white deer. That is why deer are considered to be sacred here and why there a so many deer in Nara. The four main halls are designated to national treasure, and there are many other important cultural property buildings on the premise.
lunch
Todai-ji Temple and the Big Buddha
Todai-ji Temple which is well known as a temple of the Big Buddha was constructed as a protective temple of Japan in the 8th century. Standing on the premise are the Daibutsuden which houses the Big Buddha, and other national treasure buildings and statues.
Kohuku-ji Temple or Nara-machi Historical Area
Kofuku-ji Temple was originally built in 669 and moved to its current location in 710. In the 9th century, it became the most influential religious power in Japan, and since then it had been worshiped along with in Kasuga-taisha shrine under the Shintoism-Buddhism Unity Theory until they were separated by law in the 19th century. Standing on the premise are beautiful Buddhism halls and pagodas.
Ending Point
TBD (at your hotel)
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
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch (you and guide),
Transportation fare
Entrance tickets, Kasuga Tasiha JPY500, Todaiji JPY800, Kofukuji JPY900 / per person
Ask for details
Tour Important Information
As this is aTRAIN and WALKING tour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch for guests and guide are NOT included.
Direct payment for tickets, lunch and others will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Ask for details.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Reviews
Mandy R.
“Excellent Guide - Koyasan ”
Hiro was a very knowledgeable guide. He explained the very well the history and central tenants of esoteric Buddhism. All new information for us. He was punctual and answered all our messages in a timely manner. We loved our time exploring this very beautiful and tranquil village. We were also very appreciative of his help navigating the train system. He was very kind helping us with this, in fact he went out of his way to assist. The whole experience felt genuine and authentic. Thank you Hiro for introducing us to Esoteric Buddhism. You did it with grace and charm. Mandy and Shane
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice spending time with you at Koyasan. The ceremony we saw was a ceremony for the new head priest. It is really rare to see it. We were blessed by Buddha and Kukai.
Brigitte S.
“Memorable Osaka ”
If you're looking for a fantastic tour guide in Osaka, look no further than Hiroyuki! We had the pleasure of spending a day with him, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiroyuki met us promptly at 7:30 a.m. at our hotel, ready to make the most of our short 5-hour window in the city before we had to head back to Kobe for our cruise sailaway. He not only ensured we had a fantastic time but also took pictures of our group at various locations, ensuring we left with great memories. He knew all the "very best picture points" (VBPP) and helped us capture stunning photos that we'll cherish. Hiroyuki is also a great historian, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the places we visited - Osaka Castle, Shitennō-ji Temple, Jodo Garden, and Kuromon Market. At the market, he shared a tip on how to identify the stores that sold authentic Japanese goods! He also taught us the proper way to wash our hands before entering a temple, showcasing his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. Although we didn't have time to visit Dotonbori and other places due to the limited schedule, it just means we’ll have to return to Osaka to explore some more. Hiroyuki was aware of our ship’s departure time; he took the train with us back to Kobe making sure we got on our cruise ship with plenty of time before sail away. Hiroyuki made our brief stay in Osaka memorable. His professionalism, patience, and in-depth knowledge made him an outstanding guide. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to experience Osaka in a meaningful way!
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is very good to know that you enjoyed my Osaka tour. Yes, you are right. We didn't have enough time to visit many places in Osaka. There are many attractive places in the Osaka Area as well, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya and others. Come back to Osaka in the near future. I will be looking forward to seeing you again. Hiro
Rupal V.
“2 Days in Kyoto ”
Our special thanks to Hiro for a wonderful 2 days spent in Kyoto… he was very patient and adjusted well to the needs of our group, and shared his extensive knowledge ( great insights in to the various religions and practices, shrines & temples and various customs) and gave us a great flavour of Kyoto with visits to Kinkakuji Golden pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, Arashiyama bamboo forest and surrounding area, Nishiki market, Sanjusangen-do temple, sake museum, Byodo-in temple, and Fushimi Inara Shrine. We highly recommend him.
Hiroyuki T.
We had cold days but it was really nice spending time with you in Kyoto. Thank you very much. It is always nice spending time with those who show respect to Japanese culture. Thank you very much for beautiful pictures as well. How many pictures did you take by the way ? Pictures are nice to remember things. I will always remember you with these pictures. Hiro
$260/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
In Kyoto, there are a lot of cultural properties. Of them, seventeen temples and shrines are included in World Heritage. On this tour, we will visit some of them from Osaka to feel the profundity and splendor of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places not listed here, for example, if you would like to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Silver Pavilion, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Sanjusangen-do and others, just let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Nara
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide
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!!
Exploring Nara, Nara Pref
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.
Full day Nara/Kyoto private guided tour!
We can meet at your hotel, either from Kyoto, Nara or Osaka? The plan would be to start from Nara. We will walk across the Nara park until the monumental Todai ji temple then move up nearby to the Nigatsu-do temple for an amazing view of the city. Then we can have some snack, or lunch at the most famous shopping arcade of the city. See some shops there if you want and then get the train(or train back) to Kyoto until the Fushimi Inari Taisha, the main Shinto shrine of Japan
Full-Day Nara Deear Park and Uji Green Tea Town Tour from Kyoto
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.