Nara Day Trip : Giant Bhudda, Friendly Deer, Timeless Charm & A Craft to Take Home
Cute Deer, UNESCO World Heritage Temples, Hands-On Memories !
Enjoy a perfect balance of nature, culture, and creativity on this unforgettable day trip in Nara!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Osaka station or at your hotel in central Osaka
- I can meet you at Osaka-Numba Station or at your hotel **Please note that hotel pickup may not be possible depending on the location of your accommodation.
Todaiji Temple
Explore the majestic Todaiji Temple-a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kasuga Taisha is lined with ancient lanterns- and curious deer often peek out to greet you along the way
Nara Park
In Nara, deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods. you can enjoy up-close encounters with these gentle creatures as they roam freely around the grounds.
Lunch
I will be happy to recommend dining preferences, from casual local spots to authentic Japanese cuisine.
Please feel free to let me know if you have any dietary restrictions.
A Special Hands-On Experience
Make a beautiful, personalized aromatic keepsake, inspired by centries of Japanese tradition.
Visit a traditional townhouse
Step into a charming historic townhouse where you can step back in time and experience everyday life in old Nara.
Ending Point
Tour ends at your hotel or any location of your choice
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
Public transportation fees (from 1400 yen per person).
Temple&Shrine entrance fees(1500 yen per person)
Meals or refreshments during the tour
Hands-On Experience (2500-3500 yen perp erson)
or any other personal expenses are not included.
**At many sites,my official Guide license allows me to enter free of charge.
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Important message from the supplier
My days off vary each week, so I can't specify a fixed day I'm available, but I'm flexible and can adjust to your request.
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
About Tour Guide Nikki K.
I'm a Certified English Interpreter Guide accredited by Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu cities — top performer in Kyoto's official training program and selected for Japan’s elite government project for VIP luxury travel.
Having lived in 7 countries for 30 years — including 9 years in the U.S. (California, New York, and Texas) — I bring a truly global perspective and deep cultural understanding to every tour.
A descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai,” I was raised with a strong appreciation for history and the bushido spirit.
Before becoming a guide in Japan, I worked as a licensed NYC tour guide, British Airline flight attendant, medical interpreter, and TV reporter — all roles focused on connecting with people and sharing cultures.
I love showing my guests not only Japan’s must-see landmarks but also hidden local gems off the beaten path.
I mainly guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Tokyo upon request.
From fun street food adventures to refined cultural and luxury experiences, I design each private tour to match your interests and create unforgettable moments that last a lifetime.
I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the true heart of Japan!
Reviews
Eric L.
“Easy Day in Kyoto from Osaka”
Exploring Kyoto with Nikki was a deeply memorable experience. She revealed the city’s many layers—guiding me from the quiet beauty of Kiyomizu Temple to the historic streets of Gion, and into shops that matched my own curiosities. When I mentioned my son wanted a sword as a souvenir, she immediately looked up local sword shops and suggested one conveniently close to where we were walking, which made the day feel even more personalized. Her choice of a wonderful lunch spot added another dimension, giving me a taste of the city’s culinary traditions. The day left me with not just beautiful sights, but a lasting appreciation of Kyoto’s character. Highest recommendation from me.
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Nikki K.
Thank you so so much Eric for your wonderful review and amazing photos! Having guided you the day before,I was able to get a better understanding of what you like and what interests you. Because of that, I could show you the places I thought you would truly enjoy, and I am very happy to hear that you did!Knowing that you enjoyed my guiding means so much to me and is my greatest motivation. I hope you continue to enjoy every momrnt of your special trip!
Eric L.
“Spectacular Day in Nara”
Nikki gave me an unforgettable private tour of Nara, perfectly adjusting the pace to match both my feedback and what she observed throughout the day. Her warmth and deep knowledge brought Todai-ji’s Great Buddha, the sacred deer of Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and more vividly to life—including stops at shops I was curious about and an amazing lunch spot she selected. Exploring Nara with Nikki felt less like a formal tour and more like discovering the city with a trusted friend. Don’t wait—book Nikki today and make your Nara visit extraordinary!
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Eric for your lovely review with wonderful photos. While we were talking throughout the day, I could really sense your interest in major historical architecture and how much you enjoy taking your time with good meals. So I tried to tailor the tour a little with that in mind, so I’m really happy to hear it worked well for you. Knowing my guest had a great time truly makes my day! Enjoy the rest of your stay, and I hope it leads you to even more wonderful discoveries!
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Mark J.
“Outstanding Tour of Japanese Samurai History and Culture”
Nikki-san provided me a customized tour of several sites in some of the more obscure parts of Kyoto at my request. This included the former residence of the leader of the famous 47 Ronin, which is a location only available by advanced arrangement. She also describe her families Samurai history, and we had discussions covering Japanese history from the 1500's to 1800's. I also enjoyed the general discussions we had on the tour that covered a variety of topics. I highly recommend Nikki-san to anyone who wants a guide in Japan -- she is the best!
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Mark-san for your wonderful comments and the great review(and photos!)—it truly made my day! Since you’re a repeat visitor to Kyoto, prefer to avoid the major tourist spots, and have a real love for history, I tried to craft a special route with some hidden historical gems. I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed it. By the time you visit Japan again, I’ll be sure to have another exciting “surprise route” ready for you! Thank you once again!
$335/ per group
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