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 KORIYMA 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 800 JPY, ②Kasuga grand shrine, 700JPY, ③Indigo-dyeing studio 300JPY, ④the fee for indigo dyeing experience 1100 JPY or 1430JPY
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!
Audris S.
“Fantastic guide for family!”
We had a custom half day tour with Michiko and she was not only knowledgable but really patient , thoughtful throughout our tour as it was an extremely hot day in Kyoto - > whilst we had to cover quite a bit of ground that morning. She adapted quickly and made suggestions that were very considerate and helpful for us , esp. when my children started to tire of the heat when we were visiting the Kiyomizudera temple area. We also swapped cultural stories and had a really lovely time with Michiko and time soon flew by when we ended the tour with us continuing on our feasting journey at Nishiki Market. I would thoroughly anyone to consider spending some time with Michiko if they are looking for a guide in Kyoto!
Steve S.
“Highest Possible Rating! Above and Beyond! Outstanding!!”
My two friends and I toured Kyoto today with Michiko. She was amazingly knowledgeable, engaging, and charming. We all enjoyed her company and learned a great deal. I'm and old guy with bad knees. The sun was blazing and the going was tough, but Michiko was patient with me and more than helpful. I would not have completed the tour without her, and I will never forget her kindness. Her restaurant recommendation was equally spot on with the best food we've had on this trip. Thank you, Michiko! Steve, Jake, and Peter
Michiko T.
Thank you for the great review! It was wonderful to see how you were enjoying your trip in a joyful manner while respecting each other's interests. I was also amazed by everyone's extensive knowledge and deep insight into Japanese history, culture and products. I hope this tour has left you with beautiful impressions of Japan. See you again!
Jing L.
“Amazing Nara Trip”
We feel incredibly fortunate to have had Michiko as our tour guide! Her communication leading up to the tour was outstanding. She tailored our itinerary perfectly to accommodate our schedule. Through her, we gained a deep understanding of Japan’s rich culture. Michiko guided us thoughtfully and thoroughly through the shrine and temple, sharing detailed insights along the way. We truly enjoyed our experience with her and wholeheartedly recommend her services. We look forward to having Michiko as our guide again on our next trip to Japan!
Michiko T.
Thank you for the wonderful review. It was my great pleasure to be a guide to such a kind-hearted couple. How exciting to find a newborn fawn behind an old stone lanterns, wasn't it? I was also impressed that you’ve got interested in and appreciated our culture and lifestyle.There are many more gems to be found throughout Japan. Please come back to look for them with your family!
$189/ per group