Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Kohfukuji Temple and its national treasure museum
Nara Park ( You can enjoy feeding rice-bran crackers to deer.)
Isuien Garden, a strolling-style landscape garden with two different types of gardens built in different ages.
Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokke-do Hall )
Kasuga Grand Shrine ( Strolling in the cedar forest is very cool and refreshing. )
Local sake tasting at a sake brewery in Nara Machi
Ending Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
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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.
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee ( ¥3600) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall ) and local sake tasting (¥500 or more ) at the sake brewery.
This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Pascal N.
“Amazing Day-Tour with Yoschi”
Our second day in Kyoto with Yoshi was just as wonderful as the first — this time exploring what he calls his favorite Silver Tour. Everything was perfectly arranged, and we once again experienced Kyoto through Yoshi’s deep knowledge and genuine passion for his city. We began at the graceful Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), followed by a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, where every step felt calm and timeless. At Nanzen-ji and the tranquil Murin-an Garden, we admired beautiful architecture, flowing water, and the quiet elegance of nature. Before continuing through the Gion district, Yoshi took us to a lively restaurant famous for its delicious okonomiyaki — a fun and tasty stop that added a special touch to the day. In the afternoon, we explored the impressive Kennin-ji Temple, the charming Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka slopes, and the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its sweeping views. We ended the day at the awe-inspiring Sanjusangen-do Temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon and a majestic central Buddha — a truly breathtaking sight. Yoshi once again proved to be an exceptional guide — knowledgeable, attentive, and kind. Thanks to him, we discovered another side of Kyoto’s beauty and spirit. It was truly an unforgettable day.
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Pascal. Thank you so much for your excellent comment on my Silver Route tour. I am very delighted to know that you had precisely grasped each and every good point of the places on the tour. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross someday in the near future. I wish you the very best of luck. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie
Pascal N.
“Great full-day Tour in Kyoto with Yoshi”
We spent a wonderful day in Kyoto with our guide, Yoshi. Everything was perfectly organized from the start, and we explored many of the city’s most beautiful and historic sites together. From the elegance of Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and the calm of Ryoan-ji’s Rock Garden to the peaceful surroundings of Ninna-ji Temple, Yoshi shared his deep knowledge of Kyoto’s history in an engaging and thoughtful way. In the afternoon, we enjoyed Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, the serene Tenryu-ji Temple, and the mossy hillside of Jojako-ji, before ending the day at the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine. After the tour, Yoshi took us to one of his favorite Izakayas — a truly authentic Japanese culinary experience and one of the gastronomic highlights of our trip to Japan. Yoshi was knowledgeable, kind, and attentive throughout. Thank you, Yoshi, for a day we’ll never forget!
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Pascal. I really appreciate your thoughtful review for my Golden Route tour. I am pleased to learn that you were deeply impressed with each characteristic of the sites we visited. I am also glad that you liked the food and atmosphere of the izakaya for dinner. Thank you again. Yoshie
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Lachlan M.
“History and Story Excellence ”
On a busy day, partly rainy day in October, a beautiful mix between tourist filled sights and quiet off beat locations. Yoshie's knowledge of history, and insight on all locations are unmatched, blended the fantastic imagery and scenic walks, definitely a tour I'd do again in different seasons. Thank you Yoshie for an unforgettable experience!
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Yoshihisa T.
Hi Lachlan. Thank you so much for your excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I also enjoyed myself guiding and talking with you two. I hope our paths will cross again during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. With best wishes. Yoshie
$228/ per group
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