Deep in Nara from Osaka by car ~ Off the beaten track ~
Joined 2023
In the southern part of Nara Prefecture, you will see more ancient and diverse cultural and historical ruins, temples, shrines, and views. Please enjoy the ancient atmosphere off the beaten track.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or railway station in Osaka
- We can meet at the railway station or in the lobby of your hotel
Imaicho Town
This is listed as an Important Traditional Buildings area. In the late medieval era, it was built as a powerful Ikko Sect town. The whole town is well-preserved. You can see the people's lives from four hundred years ago.
Lunch
There are many casual restaurants near the temple. They also serve some traditional sweets,
Hasedera Temple
It has a nickname, Flower Temple. You will enjoy flowers in every season. It has an ancient history and dynamic wooden buildings.
Horyuji and Chuguji Temple
Horyu-ji Temple is the oldest wooden building in the world.
It has many important things (national treasures) and was first listed as a World Heritage Site in Japan.
Along with Chuguji, they have extraordinarily beautiful Buddha statues. Worth a visit.
Ending
At your hotel or train station
Ending Point
Your hotel or train station in Osaka
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
- National licensed guide fee
- Vehicle expenses (fuel, accident insurance, highway tolls, parking fees, and other maintenance fees)
- Air-conditioned vehicle (5 seater Volkswagen Golf 8 with safety equipment)
- Hotel or train station pick up and drop off
- Insurance except for car accident
- Lunch or tea for you and the guide
- Entrance fees (approx. 4000 yen per person; no guide is required)
Tour Important Information
I will use my car for our tour.
You can't see deer with this tour.
This tour will be closed during November 21st to December 5th because of the traffic.
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 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Blair L.
“Fun, upbeat tour of Osaka”
Shuji led my family on a fun tour seeing the highlights of Osaka. Despite having limited time due to my cruise's port schedule, Shuji was able to guide my family through a number of the city's top highlights. Shuji's easy-going personality made it easy for him to connect with all members of my family group, ranging in age from 12 to 75. Shuji also took photos of our group at many of the top sites; his photos were excellent, and some of my favorites from the trip!
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind review. It reminded me of our tour. Yes, it was really fun. We changed the plan from the start. We were a bit lucky to have a nice table for the lunch. I could have spend more time with you all. I hope this tour and photos will be good memories for you all. Thank you very much. Shuji O.
Megan M.
“We had a wonderful day!! Highly recommended! ”
My husband and I highly recommend this tour. We started early - ahead of both the heat and the crowds - and wandered through the most beautiful parts of Eaatern Kyoto. Shujio was an excellent guide - we really enjoyed his company and his deep knowledge of the area. We saw hidden spots, quiet gardens and ate delicious food in local restaurants for breakfast and lunch. We highly recommend this day and enjoyed Sujio’s company immensely.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You got ready really well for this tour. We started very early in the morning so that we could enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Higashiyama district. This area is usually very crowded during the day. But today it was as if we were in a different world. We talked about our jobs and even our grandchildren. Thank you for the happy time.
Jolie K.
“Wakayama Tour - Castle and Meet the Cat Stationmasters”
We had an amazing time on our Wakayama tour with Shuji! We told him what we wanted to see, and our dietary needs, and Shuji came up with the perfect itinerary for our day including a stop for lunch where we enjoyed excellent food suited to our requests. He is very kind and knowledgeable of the places we visited. He went above and beyond to make good use of our time and to make us as comfortable as possible, considering the very hot weather we experienced. What really brought us to Wakayama was to see the cat stationmasters and ride the Tama trains of the Wakayama Electric Railway’s Kishigawa Line. We had a wonderful time visiting, seeing the cats, and riding the different themed trains. Thank you Shuji for an unforgettable experience, and for the great photos we have to remember that very special day!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for your amazing review! I usually like dogs, but I had fun at the cat stationmaster Tama's amazing stations and railways. It was an unforgettable experience for me too. I felt as if I were in a fairy tale. Thank you very much for such a wonderful tour!
$544/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Best of Kyoto - enjoyable in any season
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
Best of Kyoto - enjoyable in any season
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Osaka
Misaki&Wakayama: A Half-Day Escape from KIX Airport
Enjoy 5-hour course and experience the best of the region with a local guide! Begin with an activity of kimono experience followed by a delicious lunch at a hidden gem restaurant known only to locals. Afterward, Enjoy a serene tea ceremony at historic Wakayama Castle. Savor traditional Japanese tea amid lush gardens and stunning castle views—a peaceful blend of culture and nature. Other unique options are also available, offering you a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Misaki&Wakayama: A Half-Day Escape from KIX Airport
Pick up and drop off
Isn't it troublesome to navigate the airport and public transport with large luggage? Carrying heavy bags while figuring out train and bus routes can be a hassle. And what about your luggage before hotel check-in? I take care of all that for you. Plus, I'll make sure you enjoy some sightseeing along the way.
Pick up and drop off
