-Horyu-ji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607(Asuka period).
-The location is about 16 km(10 miles) southwest of Nara city
-The temple structures are the oldest wooden buildings in the world.
-The temple was the first place in Japan to be designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
-It would take three hours minimum to see the major areas of the temple.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At JR Horyu-ji station
Horyu-ji Temple West Complex: Kondo(Main Hall), Five-storied Pagoda, Kodo(Lecture Hall) etc.
Treasure House: Kudara Kannon(Buddha statue come from Kudara), Yumetagai Kannon(Dream Changing Kannon)
Horyu-ji Temple Eastern Complex: Yumedono(Dream Hall)
Chugu-ji Temple: Next to Horyu-ji Temple, Famouse Miroku Bosatsu statue with a mysterious smile.
Houki-ji Temple: Three storied Pagoda(oldest three storied pagoda)
Fujinoki Kofun tumulus: built late 6th century. Superb horse fittings gold plated
Ending Point
At JR Horyu-ji station
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,
-Entrance fee of Horyu-ji temple is 1500 yen/person.(excluding guide)
-Entrance fee of Chuguu-ji is 500 yen/person(excluding guide)
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!!
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
Chris M.
“Visit Himeji castle and Koko-en Japanese gardens ”
Makoto met us at the port and guided us via trains to Himeji where we visited a beautiful and famous castle and fabulous gardens. Lots of steps to the top of the castle but worthwhile for fantastic views. Great lunch afterwards and visiting local shops on the way back to train, we also stopped at Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge the longest in the world. Makoto was very friendly and knowledgeable with nothing too much trouble. A great day out
Makoto Y.
Dear Chris, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy that you have enjoyed the tour. You are the very first customer who knows 007 series movie, which was taken at Himeji castle. I am very happy that I can communicate 007 movie at Himeji castle. It was so windy at Akashi Kaikyo bridge park, where normally people can relax and enjoy. Maybe you can visit there again someday. Awaji island is very beautiful island, which may be similar to your hometown. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
$92/ per group