- Yakushi-ji Temple is located about five kilometer south west of JR Nara station.
- Two major UNESCO World Heritage temples(Yakushi-ji & Toushodai-ji) are located here.
- After meeting at Nishinokyo station, we walk through Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji Temple.
- As an optional tour, we can visit Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, next to Toushoudai-ji Temple.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Nishinokyo station of Kintetsu Line
Yakushi-ji Temple, UNESCO World Heritage
Toshodai-ji Temple, UNESCO World Heritage
Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, Ancient Keyhole-shaped tumulus ---- Optional tour, only if the customer is interested in
Ending Point
At Amagatsuji station of Kintetsu Line
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(1100 yen for Yakusi-ji, 600 yen for Toshidai-ji)
-This is walking tour for 5 hours and need to prepare for the walking such as walking shoes, hat. etc.
-Visiting Mausleum of Emperor can be added if the customer is interested in. This can be discussed and adjust the schedule.
No special conditions
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide.
My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period.
Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan.
Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge.
Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Ian B.
“Enjoyable & informative day exploring Kyoto castles, palaces and temples”
We very much enjoyed our day with Makoto. The sites visited were an interesting selection where we could learn more about Japanese history and culture. Makoto is a very thoughtful guide, providing us with material to take home as well as a momento of our day together. Having Makoto guide us between the four sites made the day so much more seamless than if we’d tried to do it ourselves.
Makoto Y.
Dear Ian, Thank you very much for your nice comments. It was so hot today but I have enjoyed the tour with you as you are so keen to learn about the Japanese history and culture. Also you brought good memory of England and U.S. for which I enjoyed very much. It was amazing that you enjoyed "Ochazuke" (rice with tea), and "Kakizouri" (shaved ice), which is typical Japanese food. You fit Japanese culture so well and quickly. I am sure that you find more of Japanese culture and food in your trip. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
Lara B.
“Kyoto Day Tour with Makoto”
We had a wonderful day in Kyoto with Makoto! He was well prepared with the days itinerary and brought us additional information about the history and areas we visited. He was kind, energetic, fun and knowledgeable. He also assisted us with our upcoming days travel plans. He looked for ways to connect with us and when he learned one of us was having a birthday on the day of our tour he found ways to make our time together extra special which was deeply appreciated. We would recommend anyone to tour with Makato and it’s sure to be a great day!
Makoto Y.
Dear Lara, Thanks for your nice comments. Please understand that I also had a wonderful day with you as you brought nice memory of US. I am so happy to know that you enjoyed the Kyoto tour. I recommend you to visit Nara next time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Katy A.
“Excellent guide, very informative ”
We booked Makoto for 2 days - Kyoto site seeing and Nara. Both days were wonderful. We were there during Golden Week and even though both places were extremely busy, he knew were to take us to see the sites and to avoid the crowds. He has very good English and a great knowledge of the history. Excellent guide and I 100% recommend him
Makoto Y.
Dear Katy, Thank you so much for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I also enjoyed very much especially knowing that you are both good animal lover. It was wonderful timing to see the wisteria in Kyoto and Nara. I am sure that you will enjoy the autumn color of Japan. Please visit Japan again. Thank you for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
$112/ per group