-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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Nara or JR Nara station
Kofuku-ji Temple; Famous five-storied pagoda, Tokon-do, Nan-En-do(South Octagonal Temple)
Todai-ji Teple; Nandai-Mon(Great South Gate), Daibutsu-Den(Great Budda Temple), Budda statue, Shoro(Belfry),Hokke-Do, Nigatsu-Do(Second Month Temple)
Kasuga Grand Shrine; Chu-Mon(Inner Gate), Hon-Den(Main Sanctuary), Many lanterns(2000 stone lanterns), Homotsu-Den(Treasury)
Option 1: Isuien Garden --- Traditional Japanese garden of nearly three acres. Ceremonial Tea House
Ending Point
At your hotel in Nara or JR Nara station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Nara city
transportation fee(you and guide), lunch, dinner(if the tour is extended), entrance fee, etc...
Entrance fee:
Todaiji Temple: 500 yen
Kasuga Grand Shrine: 500 yen
Isuien Garden: 900 yen
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!!
Ambalangodage J.
“Very immersive and insightful experience of Osaka”
Our tour with Makoto was one to remember. Punctual and organised with all the relevant materials, Makoto escorted us to iconic tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Funny and affable, Makoto had an extremely detailed understanding of Osaka history and Japanese culture that really enhanced our experience with the tour. He even took us shopping streets and knew a delicious place to eat lunch. Makoto gave us a beautiful photo of Osaka castle to take home and we continue to cherish it to this day. Thank you for an amazing day and we highly recommend Makoto for anyone visiting Osaka.
Makoto Y.
Dear Ambalangodage, Thanks for your nice review message. I am so happy that you have enjoyed my tour. I have also enjoyed guiding you especially shopping in the street, Also you clearly understood the relationship and power balance between Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu, which is not so easy to understand. I hope that you consider coming to Osaka again in the time of cherry blossoming. Thanks again fo your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
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
$130/ per group