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
Domen D.
“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.
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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!
Scott G.
“Two Days With Michiko in Kyoto ”
My wife and I spent two wonderful days with.Michiko. She was kind and patient while she explained all of the wonderful cultural and historical shrines and temples in kyoto. I highly recommend Michiko.
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Michiko T.
Scott, thank you for giving me the opportunity to guide you both and for your wonderful review. I was truly impressed by your interest in and insight into the local history and culture. I appreciate your kindness and excellent sense of humor as well. I’ll never forget seeing you take a commemorative photo with a figurine that looked just like you when we visited the pottery shop, which made everyone smile! Your wife is also sincere and smart, and moreover a great walker, which surprised me a lot. I hope you both continue to have wonderful travels together!
Scott G.
“A Lovely Day in Kyoto ”
My wife and I spent a lovely day with.Michiko. She was kind and patient while she explained all of the wonderful cultural and historical shrines and temples in kyoto. I highly recommend Michiko.
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Michiko T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Actually, you two were my last guests of April, and I’m truly grateful that you gave me a great opportunity to reflect on my guiding approach. I intend to continue discovering places and experiences that move me deeply, so that I can share them with my guests. Thanks again, and I wish you all the best!
$187/ per group
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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~
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Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit
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Uji-tea plantation visit
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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.
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Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit
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Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit
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