First we will visit Nara Park, where historic monuments and nature create calm and peaceful atmosphere. You'll see wild deer roaming hear and there. Walking in Nara-machi district will give us a chance to see an old merchants' houses.Then I will take you to an traditional indigo-dyeing studio and help you to experience it.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
at JR or KINTETSU NARA STATION
Nara Park (Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga grand shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple)
Nara was an ancient capital of Japan(710~794), and the terminal destination of Silk Road, a trading road connecting the West and the East. Influenced by international culture, a great number of treasures, including historical structures, Buddhist statues and artifacts, miraculously remain here.
Especially, the quality of Buddhist statues is marvelous! For example, Nio-zo, A pair of statues of Guardian Deities in Todaiji temple has a lot in common with Statue of David by Michelangelo. I will guide you to see such world-class masterpieces.
Nara-machi district(old merchants' town)
Indigo-dyeing experience
Ai-zome, or indigo dyeing used to be very familiar with ordinary Japanese people, especially in Edo Period(16C to 19C). The beauty of the color is highly valued as "Japan Blue". Now it is well-known as the logo of "Tokyo Olympics in 2020". You will try dyeing with the handkerchief and the bandanna,etc.. "Konya", the studio, is located in Yamatokoriyama city, a castle town, and you will also touch the atmosphere of the old merchant area.
Ending Point
at JR or KINTETSU NARA STATION
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee (25,900JPY),
transportation fee from home to Nara (2,000JPY)
transportation fee during the tour (you and guide)---about 1000JPY, lunch(you and guide) ---1000~2000JPY, entrance fee(you)---①Todaiji-temple 600 JPY, ②Kofuku-ji national treasure hall(option) 700JPY, ③Indigo-dyeing studio 300JPY, ④the fee for indigo dyeing experience 1200 JPY to 1900JPY
This is basically a walking tour. So I recommend wearing shoes that are easy to walk in. If you have difficulty in walking, please let me know.
You are supposed to pay in cash for entrance fees at temples.I would like you to prepare some cash.
As for the indigo-dyeing experience,
① The tour is carried out after booking. To ensure the booking, I'd like you to contact me early, at least 1 week before the tour.
② I recommend wearing clothes you can get dirty in dyeing, although apron, rubber gloves and long boots are prepared.
Only available on Saturday and Sunday
The price of the tour includes the guide fee and the guide's transportation fee between home and the travel city.
Hi, I'm Michiko.
I'm a national certified English tour guide.Since I was born and raised in Nara, I'm familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions of Nara, and neighboring city, Kyoto.
Nara and Kyoto, old capitals of Japan, retain time honoured structures and art works. What is more, beautiful gardens and picturesque landscapes are always waiting for you!
I'm also a traveler who especially love to explore local foods and crafts, which have been passed down from generation to generation.
I'll try to guide you with best hospitality. When you have a chance to visit Nara,Kyoto and Osaka, please contact me anytime and join my tour!
I will be looking forward to seeing you.See you soon!
Shelly L.
“Great day with Michiko ”
It was a great day - got to visit a shrine and temple in Nara, had lunch then went for a fantastic private tour of a local tea farm, hosted by the farmer/owner. The day was long, but a great experience.
Lou L.
“Wonderful day in Kyoto ”
Excellent tour with Michiko from start to finish. Prompt and clear communication from the first contact, Michiko was eager to tailor the day to our own requirements. She carefully planned the sights so that my husband (who has a knee injury) could enjoy the day without missing the main viewing points. The pace was very comfortable, even though we packed so much into our tour. Michiko’s knowledge and local insights meant we learned so much more than we would have with a larger group. The whole day felt like an enjoyable walk with a friend. I would highly recommend Michiko if you would like to see the very best Kyoto has to offer (and if you have the time I’d try the tea ceremony)!
Michiko T.
Thanks for the great review! I was happy to spend a beautiful spring day with such a gentle and gracious couple like you. Wherever we were, we could meet cherry blossoms, which made our tour more colorful. Both you and Paul have rich sensitivity in traditional culture and nature, and I was glad you appreciated what you saw and experienced during the tour. I hope you'll enjoy a cup of green tea once in a while and remember Japan!
William T.
“Great full day in kyoto”
Had a great private tour with our new friend Michiko. We felt like we were being shown around by a personal friend. She adjusted the tour to fit our schedule and must sees along with some quiet not so visited spots. Truly a highlight of our Japan trip. I would highly recommend her for Kyoto and any areas she would do.
Michiko T.
Thank you for the wonderful review. It was my great pleasure to have 1-day tour on your wedding anniversary! I was impressed by your insights on Japanese history, culture and our way of life. Although it was a little earlier for Sakura cherry blossoms, I was so glad to share the moment to eat Sakura-mochi at a 400-year-old Japanese shop with such heartwarming friends like you! I hope to see you again!
$195/ per group