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Nara Private Tour - Deer in Nara park
Deer in Nara park
Nara Private Tour - The statue of Great Buddha in Todai-ji temple
The statue of Great Buddha in Todai-ji temple
Nara Private Tour - Kasuga grand shrine
Kasuga grand shrine
Nara Private Tour - Indigo-dyeing studio
Indigo-dyeing studio

Nara Park & Indigo dyeing experience

Unique Experience
Nara Tour Guide - Michiko T.

Joined 2017

Michiko T.
4.99 / 5
(95 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Nara
English
7 hours
Private tour (only you and Michiko T.)
Up to 5 people

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!

10:00 AM

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?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

guide fee,

transportation fee from home to Nara

What‘s not included

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
Nara Tour Guide - Michiko T.

Joined 2017

Michiko T.
4.99 / 5
(95 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

A perfectly balanced and memorable day in Nara

We were two couples, and we had a wonderful day in Nara with Michiko. She met us at our hotel in Kyoto, and from the beginning everything felt smooth, well organized, and easy. Even getting to Nara was part of the experience, as we combined the metro and a local bus, which made the day feel even more authentic and interesting. We started with a walk through Nara Park, where the many freely roaming deer are a special attraction in themselves. We also visited Kasuga Taisha Shrine and were lucky enough to witness a traditional wedding there, which made the visit even more special. After that, we visited the impressive Todai-ji Temple, entering through the famous gate with the two giant guardian statues. The temple was absolutely beautiful, and with the cherry blossoms in bloom, the whole setting felt unforgettable. Michiko also took us to an excellent local restaurant, where we sat on tatami mats around a low table and enjoyed a full table of delicious food. Later, we walked through the old part of town, visited a traditional Japanese house, and stopped at a small craft brewery, which was a fun and unique experience. What we appreciated most was how well Michiko guided the whole day. She was very organized, well prepared, and shared a lot of interesting knowledge and context throughout the day. She was respectful, always happy to explain anything we asked, and kept a very good walking pace, which suited us perfectly. At the same time, she always kept a careful eye on the group, helping us move smoothly through the crowds and see as much as possible. She also had a very good energy and was always ready to help, including taking photos for us. We had a fantastic time with her and would happily recommend her to anyone visiting Nara or Kyoto.

Domen D.

Michiko T.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I was truly happy to explore Nara with all of you on that beautiful spring day when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. You kindly shared your requests and interests before the tour, which was really helpful. Thanks to that, we were able to experience the many charms of Nara—both past and present—by visiting magnificent temples and shrines in the morning and exploring the local town in the afternoon. I’m also glad you enjoyed the taste of the salted cherry blossom leaves—you bought sakura mochi as souvenirs. How did they taste? Even after cherry blossom season ends, every time I eat sakura mochi, I’ll think of you, Domen and everyone. Please come back to Japan again and enjoy the diverse local cultures!

Want to Personalize?

$187/ per group

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