-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!!
Mitul P.
“Excellent guide to see Osaka if you are short on time”
Makoto was excellent guiding us to see the main spots of Osaka since we were limited on time. He was very informative on all the major sights that we saw and my family including 2 teens enjoyed the tour very much! Highly recommend him! Thank you Makoto.
Makoto Y.
Dear Mitul, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you and family enjoyed the tour. This tour was done in the limited time frame, so please come back again with enough time frame next time. I assure that you will enjoy more. Thanks again for your choosing me for your guide. Makoto
Niki O.
“Wonderful Guide in Kyoto”
Mak made our visit interesting and memorable. His English was excellent and he was well organised with the route of his tour. He has an in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of Kyoto and gave us a fascinating view of this ancient city. We enjoyed his company, guidance and choice of lunch venue. We recommend him very highly.
Makoto Y.
Dear Niki, Thanks for your nice comments. I also had a wonderful time guiding with you, talking about England. I am so happy that you could see the cherry blossoming in this Japan trip. Please consider visiting Japan again in Automn time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Edgar L.
“Creating Special Memories - Heartfelt Thanks to Makoto for an Exceptional Kyoto Tour”
Dear Makoto, Thank you for guiding my family and me through Kyoto this March. Thanks to you and your professional planning, we were able to see and experience the most special places, as well as the hidden gems of this ancient city. Combined with your wonderful humor and friendliness, this day became the best we could have had in Kyoto. We will always cherish this day in our hearts and would always choose to experience a tour with you again in the future. Once again, my sincere thanks, Makoto. Sincerely, Edgar
Makoto Y.
Dear Edgar, Thank you very much for your nice comments in the tour. Please understand that I had a wonderful day with you as you are so nice family. Especially I was so impressed with your grandmother, who is so young and active. I have learned a lot from your grandmother. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
$92/ per group