Nara Park & Indigo dyeing experience
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.
Itinerary
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
Want to personalize this tour?
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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,
transportation fee from home to Nara
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
Tour Important Information
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
Important message from the supplier
The price of the tour includes the guide fee and the guide's transportation fee between home and the travel city.
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
About Tour Guide Michiko T.
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!
Reviews
Benoît P.
“Nara park during Obon ”
Michiko took care of us and allowed us to discover the Nara park, its temples and shrine. We were introduced to beautiful national treasures and to the history of the city. Michiko personalized the tour to our needs and interests. We were pleased and are very thankful.
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Michiko T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a great honor to show Nara to a couple as wise and thoughtful as you both. In Japan, it is believed that ancestors’ spirits return home during the “Obon” season, and the light of candles serves as a bridge to convey our “gratitude” and “prayers” to our loved ones. I would be delighted if this helped you experience a special moment in Nara during the Obon period. I hope you’ll have a safe trip home.
Nicole D.
“Michiko was an excellent guide for Kyoto!”
We booked a 7 hour tour for 5 with Michiko and loved it! She sent us a proposed itinerary in advance which included 3 temples and lunch. Her choices were very thoughtful and we enjoyed the temples very much. The lunch she scheduled was a highlight of our dining experiences in Japan. We enjoyed delicious sushi, met the chef/owner and learned about sushi knives. Michiko was also very easy to understand and spoke excellent English. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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Michiko T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I felt very lucky to have been able to see even just a little bit of the Gion Festival—one of Japan’s Three Great Festivals—and its “moving art museum,” the Yamahoko Parade, and to share this special summer experience with you. You are all so friendly and open-minded, and I was really impressed by how interested you all were in Japanese customs and culture. I hope you’ve found some favorites in Kyoto and Japan. Please take care in this heat and enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan to the fullest.
John F.
“Fantastic day with Michiko”
We spent a wonderful day visiting Nara with Michiko. She is a knowledgeable, thoughtful and kind person that genuinely cares for her clients. She patiently answered all of our questions (and we had a lot) and constantly made sure we were comfortable and content. All four of us would highly recommend Miko to anyone thinking about hiring a guide!
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Michiko T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute honor to guide such a worldly-wise and well-traveled group.Your insightful questions and deep appreciation for the culture made the tour truly special. Our afternoon trip to Wazuka was a perfect contrast to the crowds in Nara—relaxing in a bus with almost no other passengers, and soaking in the stunning views of fresh greenery, rivers, and tea plantations. Meeting our amazing veteran tea-picking guide was also an absolute joy. Her incredible energy inspired us all. Sharing that beautiful day with you made me truly happy as a guide. Wishing you many more wonderful journeys ahead!
$190/ per group
More tours by Michiko T.
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Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~
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' townscape.
Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~
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Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
Asuka, the ancient political center, has been preserved. Not only historical structure such as Asuka dera, the oldest temple in Japan and "Ishibutai", mysterious huge stone tomb, but also tranquil village landscape must leave deep impression on you. "Tanada", terraced rice field, mountains and streams, old village houses will surely energize busy modern people. In the afternoon, we will explore the beautiful village, experience traditional Japanese natural dyeing,and visit the farmers' market.
Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
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Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit
In the morning, we will visit Nara Park, Todaiji temple, Kasuga grand shrine. You will have a chance to see, take photos and feed deer. After lunch, we will have a short trip to Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit
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Uji-tea plantation visit
We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
Uji-tea plantation visit
Other Popular Unique Experience Tours in Nara
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Nara – Explore old Ancient Temples and Shrines, beautiful Tea Houses, Parks with unique Sika Deer.
My goal is for every guest to fully unwind. I value creating a calm, peaceful experience where you can escape the pressures of daily life. That’s why I design my tours to avoid large crowds and focus on a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Nara – Explore old Ancient Temples and Shrines, beautiful Tea Houses, Parks with unique Sika Deer.
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Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit
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". You will experience at a studio called "Konya", the fine renovation of an old merchant's house in Yamato-koriyama city, a castle town. After that you will visit Yakushiji Temple. .
Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit
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