One day trip of Horyu-ji Temple
Joined 2017
-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.
Itinerary
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
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,
-Entrance fee of Horyu-ji temple is 1500 yen/person.(excluding guide)
-Entrance fee of Chuguu-ji is 500 yen/person(excluding guide)
Tour Important Information
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
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
Nick R.
“Kyoto and Nara”
Had a great time traveling around Kyoto and Nara and learning about the history of Japan. Very informative and interesting tours.
Makoto Y.
Dear Nick. Thanks for your prompt review comments. I had wonderful time spent with you as you had good knowledge about history of Japan. We have good time of cherry blossoming, autumn leaves etc. Please come to Japan again. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
Steve L.
“Makoto is marvelous!”
We arrived at Kyoto around noon and met Makoto, aka Mac. We visited several shrines/temples: 1) Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine (it’s famous for its thousand torie gates); it’s the most popular spot In Japan according to Trip Advisor; 2)Arashiyama Area----Bamboo grove, Tenryuji temple with beautiful garden; and, 3) Togetsu-kyo Bridge(Moon-crossing Bridge). Everything was great!!! MAC is marvelous!!!
Makoto Y.
Dear Steve, Thank you very much for your nice review comments. It was so fun for me to guide you as you and your wife have nice sense of humor, and I really enjoyed the conversation. I hope you come back again sometime, to see the cherry blossoming, autumn leaves, etc. Thanks again for you to choose me of your guide. Mac
$89/ per group
More tours by Makoto Y.
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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.
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, 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.
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.
