Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Joined 2023
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At you hotel lobby
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka
Namba Station, Osaka Station, Tennoji Station
There are two train services from Osaka to Nara
Kasugataisha Shrine
It's wonderful. You will experience the ancient atmosphere here. You will learn something about Japanese culture.
You'll see a wedding ceremony here if you're lucky (I'm often fortunate).
Nara Park
There are many friendly wild deer in the beautiful natural pard. You can feed them.
Sangatsudo Temple
Buddhism has a long history in Nara. Sangatsudo has unique Buddha statues such as the Fukukenjaku-kannon. Please enjoy my presentation.
Nigatsudo Temple
You can enjoy the view of Nara city from there. You will find the stage used for the dynamic "omizutan" ritual held in February.
Lunch
Lunch at a casual local restaurant near Nigatsudo Temple
Downhills to Todaiji Temple
Let's go down to the most important area of Nara
Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha Statue
You will see two of the most important sites here. The largest Buddha statue(Great Buddha) and the largest wooden building(Todaiji) in the world are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can take photos inside.
Nara Park
You will play with many lovely deer.
Kofukuji Temple and it's museum/ or another part of Nara Park
You will see the most popular statue in the Tofukuji Museum.
If you prefer, you can walk in another part of Nara Park and old Naramachi town.
Nara Station
Take a train from Nara Station
Ending point
Your hotel or where you never get lost
Ending Point
At you hotel lobby or the 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
-Hotel pick-up
-Transportation fee (you and the guide) about 2000~3500 yen/per person (train, bus)
-Lunch (you and the guide) about 2000~4000/per person
-Admission fees (you only) 2000yen/per person
Tour Important Information
We walk about 2 miles down hills,
There are nice train services between Nara and Osaka. If you like, you can choose a nicer train service between Namba to Nara with a 520 yen additional fare.
Available in the all year around
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!
$269/ per group
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