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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 very beautiful. You will experience the ancient atmosphere here. You will learn something about Japanese culture.
If you're lucky (I'm often lucky), you'll see a wedding ceremony here.
Nara Park
There are many friendly wild deer in the beautiful natural garden
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
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
You will see the most popular statue in the museum. This is the best today.
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
“Shuji-san's way is the right way!”
First off I wanted to thank Shuji-san for a wonderful experience in Kyoto with my family and friends. We live in Tokyo and decided to take a 1.5 day trip down to Kyoto with out of town guests from the US. Shuji-san was extremely accommodating and was able to help adjust his suggested itinerary with a customized agenda to help ensure that we could see some of the primary sites that were more crowded in addition to the lesser known shrines and areas that across Kyoto. We traveled also with our 2 x boys aged 13 & 10 years old and Shuji-san was also connecting with them to make sure that they were also having a great experience as well. We trusted Shuji-san to help us deliver an experience for our friends and he was able to surpass our expectations. His knowledge and experience was super helpful and our Kyoto visit would not have been the same if it wasn't for him. Even though we have been to Kyoto several times ourselves, this added experience and help navigating the locations was a great way to compliment our exploration. Highlights included an appreciation of the beauty of temples, the fall foliage as noted by the agenda, spontaneous photos and a less traveled aqueduct bridge through one of the temples. Thank you Shuji-san. It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope to cross paths again. ありがとうございました。お時間を割いていただき、会話も楽しめ、素晴らしい経験ができました。どうぞ良いお年をお迎えください。
Shuji O.
Hi Richard, Thank you for a very thorough review. I'm happy I got it. I called this tour 'Less Crowded, Stunning Fall Foliage - Kyoto'. But since you were with your friends who were visiting Kyoto for the first time, I changed it on the spot. But the most exciting thing was that you and your kids chose 'Adventure' from my last suggestions. It was already a little dark, but we enjoyed the last place. You made our tour very great. Yes, I enjoyed it a lot too. Even though you live in Japan, guides can make your trip to Japan different. See you again in the near future again. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Shuji is one of a kind!”
I had a wonderful time exploring with Shuji, an exceptional guide. The temples and gardens were stunning and captivating. The experience of walking around the small streets was fantastic. Shuji was eager to share his knowledge, which was both interesting and informative. His expertise and support were beyond my expectations, and I will always be thankful. You are truly the best!
Shuji O.
Thank you for your wonderful words, which seem too good for me! I'm so glad you enjoyed the places and our experiences. Yes, we had an extraordinary time in Kyoto, avoiding the crowds. We rarely have such a special moment. You were so interested in Japanese nature, culture, and heritage. I hope you can visit Japan again and add more Goshuins. See you again!
Alyssa A.
Deep in Nara from Osaka by car ~ Off the beaten track ~
“Enjoy a Historical Tour in Nara!”
Traveling with Shuji felt like going on a field trip, especially with his background as a history teacher. He took the time to explain several major cultural locations, including the art displayed in museums, but also adjusted the tour to include a trip to Nara Park based on my request for my daughter. If you're looking for something different, highly recommend talking to Shuji to personalize your trip!
Shuji O.
Thanks for the great review. We enjoyed the beautiful and historic temples, Hasedera and Horyuji, avoiding the crowds as much as possible. We also enjoyed playing with the deer in the popular Nara Deer Park. We enjoyed wonderful places in the best season of fall foliage. I hope this will be a good memory for your family.
$254/ per group
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