Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage
Joined 2017
- 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.
Itinerary
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
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
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee(1100 yen for Yakusi-ji, 600 yen for Toshidai-ji)
Tour Important Information
-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.
Important message from the supplier
No special conditions
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
Joined 2017
About Tour Guide Makoto Y.
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!!
Reviews
Gerard B.
“A valuable dip into some critical points of Japanese history”
Makoto guided me through a very interesting and enjoyable tour with lots of useful additional information on each location. Both history and anecdotal facts. We toured Ninjo Castle and grounds and the Imperial Palace and grounds with valuable commentary from Makoto to understand the context of each. We then moved on to Kinkaku-ji Temple and grounds followed by Ryoan-ji Temple and gardens. Again with valuable context and background provided by Makoto. It was a well structured tour to gain a good understanding of the role of each of these locations in Japanese history as well as the stories associated with them. Makoto is attentive and knowledgeable and flexible to adjust to preferences of the people he is guiding. He knows a lot and has a lot to share. He guides you through a very worthwhile and enjoyable day.
Makoto Y.
Dear Gerard. Thank you for your nice comments in my tour. I am happy to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I have also enjoyed the guide as you have good understanding about the role of Emperor and Shogun, and the change depending upon the timeframe. I hope you come back to Japan again for which I will study the Japanese history more to prepare for your questions, which I will enjoy. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Donald H.
“Highlights of Kyoto”
An excellent tour of the temples and shrines of Kyoto. Makoto gave us the history and interesting facts about each of the sites we visited. He managed to quickly connect us through public transit to give us time to visit multiple locations during our day in Kyoto. Would highly recommend Makoto and this tour. Makoto is friendly, knowledgeable and has excellent English language skills.
Makoto Y.
Dear Donald, Thank you very much for your nice comments. I am happy to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I enjoyed to see the plumn blossoming, and enjoyed for you watching it. I hope you enjoy the trip in Japan. Thank you again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
Jacob R.
“Exceptional Guide: Makoto Made Our Japan Trip Unforgettable”
Our January trip to Japan, encompassing Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto, was transformed from a standard tourist experience into an unforgettable journey thanks to Makoto. We sought to immerse ourselves in the rich culture and history, and Makoto exceeded our expectations in every way. He didn't just point out landmarks; he brought them to life with insightful explanations and historical context, giving depth and meaning to every photograph we captured. More than a guide, Makoto became 'whānau,' a true member of our family, sharing his knowledge and warmth with us. Beyond the historical insights, Makoto expertly navigated the complexities of Japanese travel, seamlessly guiding us through train systems, recommending authentic local cuisine, and pinpointing the best shopping spots. His communication was impeccable, ensuring our itinerary aligned perfectly with our interests. He was incredibly responsive and flexible, tailoring our experience to our specific desires. Makoto's presence made our trip not just enjoyable, but deeply enriching. We left Japan with cherished memories and a genuine connection. Without hesitation, we will seek out Makoto's exceptional services on our next visit. Thank you, Makoto, for making our Japanese adventure truly extraordinary. Sincerely, Jacob
Makoto Y.
Dear Jacob, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy that you had nice trip of Japan, and I could support this trip. During the guide, I felt that you have really nice family relationship and I could feel that I am one of your family member. This is what recent Japanese people is missing recently. Please consider coming back to Japan again. Thaks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
$110/ per group
More tours by Makoto Y.
Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
One day tour of Osaka
Osaka has been developed as international commercial city historically. People have developed the special culture in food, entertainment. This tour covers the historical sight-Osaka castle, Downtown-Dotonbori, and new Osaka station area with Umeda Sky building. We may add some more spots depending upon the interests of the customer. You enjoy the local gourmet dining, entertainment, and historical sights. You will catch the energy of Osaka people as the international city.
One day trip of Nara Park
-Nara Park is famous and known as Deer Park, and more than one thousand deer roam freely in the park.-Numerous important temples, shrines, gardens and museums are within minutes of one another within the park.-The most famous sites are Todai-ji temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Kofuku-ji temple.-These temples and shrines were originally built in Nara period, 1,300 years ago.
Kyoto Historical Tour --- Memory of Emperor & Shogun
As emperor has stayed at Kyoto for more than one thousand years, there are so many historical places related with emperors in Kyoto.Also at samurai period, Muromati Shogun had stayed at Kyoto, and Tokugawa Shogun built the castle in Kyoto.This tour will visit Nijo-jo castle, Imperial palace, Kinkakuji temple, and Ninnaji temple to learn the history of Kyoto related with emperor and Shogun. Once you visit these historical sites in Kyoto, you will understand the history of Kyoto and Japan.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Nara
Your most memorable tour to Nara (Kyoto or Osaka departure)
In Nara deer Park, you can feed many cute wild deers. After playing with deers, you will go to Toudaiji Temple. You can see huge buddaha statue. Next, you will go to kasuga shrine After lunch, you will viist Koufukuji Temple and you can see a five-storied pagoda. Morover, based on your request, I will take you to other spots.
Nara, the oldest capital in Japan, Walking tour
We'll visit Todaiji temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Kasugataisha shrine whose god is believed to have come to Nara riding on a white deer, popular Japanese gardens if you like. We can enjoy pretty plum trees from late February to early March and cherry blossoms in spring. 1300 wild deer are roaming around in Nara park, where you can feed them deer crackers. In June Rokuen, the deer protection center, is open to the public, where mother deer feed their cute newborns.
One day trip of Nara Park
-Nara Park is famous and known as Deer Park, and more than one thousand deer roam freely in the park.-Numerous important temples, shrines, gardens and museums are within minutes of one another within the park.-The most famous sites are Todai-ji temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Kofuku-ji temple.-These temples and shrines were originally built in Nara period, 1,300 years ago.
Nara Highlights from Kyoto or Osaka
Nara is located about 40km south from Kyoto and 30km east from Osaka. It is an older capital than Kyoto and as old as Osaka. It was about 1300 years ago. There are ancient temples. Most of them are older than Kyoto and are not Zen temple. Nara is quieter than Kyoto and Osaka. More than one thousand friendly deer live with Nara citizens. And also Nara has a lot of local food like Sushi, Ramen and so on. You would be able to have unique experience.
