-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!!
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
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
$135/ per group