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!
at JR or KINTETSU NARA STATION
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.
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.
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!
“Touring around Nara Park with Michiko T.”
My husband and I, and another friend, had a wonderful day with Michiko exploring Nara. It was a rainy day in Nara but Michiko was able to modify our itinerary to make the most of our visit. We saw the deer, visited Todai-ji (Great Buddha Hall), and saw Kasuga Taisha. We had matcha tea in a very typical Japanese place. We went to lunch together and had great ramen in a thick, white chicken broth. Afterwards, she escorted us shopping and took us to some unique places that specialize in Japanese crafts. Michiko is friendly and knowledgeable. We really enjoyed touring Nara with her. We would book Michiko again and we highly recommend her.
Michiko T.
(52 reviews)Thank you for the wonderful review! I also had a great time exploring Nara with you. I was impressed by the way you walked a lot even in the rain and enjoyed everything, not only world heritage sites but also nature, culture, and local products. Especially, I was glad that your husband enjoys calligraphy at home and bought some utensils, or you and your friend enjoy choosing tabi-socks as souvenirs. Our ramen lunch was all the better after walking in the rain. I hope to see you again!
“Wazuka tour”
Thank you, Michiko, for a wonderful day. Our group was very satisfied with the trip and with you. I hope we meet again sometime. Wishing you all the best.
Michiko T.
(52 reviews)Thanks for the great review. I also taking a half- day trip to Wazuka village with such a nice group of people. I hope you will remember this trip and the beautiful scenery when you drink a cup of green tea from now on. See you again!
“Asuka by e-bike”
Michiko-sensei is an excellent guide. She was knowledgeable, well organised, friendly & professional. She is also a good listener. She paid careful attention to my questions & interests, responding thoughtfully with considerable local knowledge. Couldn't have asked for a better guide. Thank you Michiko. Best wishes Robert
Michiko T.
(52 reviews)Thanks for the great review! It was a valuable experience for me as well. Thanks to your candid questions, we were able to discuss a variety of local and rather universal topics. I was impressed by your deep insight into the Japanese people and Japanese culture. I hope Asuka has left a deep impression on you. See you again!