Nara is ideal for those who wish to see not only numerous historical structures but also to touch, feed wild deers roaming freely around in the Nara Park. There are 8 UNESCO heritages in Nara spotted sparsely in the historic regions which have full of rich tales in Nara period (from 710 to 794). Visiting 4 UNESCO heritages (3 temples and 1 shrine) in this tour in addition to one Japanese garden.
At your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto or Nara
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
We take you to Osaka METRO station to lead Kintetsu Namba station whichever METRO station closer to your hotel. If you stay in Nara, we can save 45 min travel by train to Kintetsu Nara station. 10 min walk from Kintetsu Nara station to Kofukuji Temple through old temple town, Higashi-muki shopping arcade.
10 min walk from Kofukuji Temple on the way to Todai-ji Temple
5 min walk from Isuien Japanese Garden to Todai-ji Temple, through Nara park where 1,300 wild deers roaming freely around.
15 min walk from Todai-ji Temple to Kasuga Great Shrine
At your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto or Nara
Included:
*Guide fee
*Hotel pick up fee in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Travel expense as required for the guide to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses for the guide included herein are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals, drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
Not included:
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like as might be required for the guide at private or public museum, entertainment
facilities.
Messenger of deity of Kasuga Great shrine, 1,350 deers welcome you all the tour long in Nara national park. First stop is Kofuku-ji temple which was founded by Fuhito Fujiwara in 710 during Nara period where the five-storied pagoda is a symbol of Nara national park viewed over Sarusawa Pond. Next is a short walk to a Japanese garden, called Isui-en (on the way to the Todai-ji temple) is also a must-to-see scenic spot. The third stop is the main attraction in Nara i.e Todai-ji temple, the largest wooden structure in the world, built in 752 and 2.8 million people took part in to construct, houses the 15 m tall Great Buddha statue. Fourth stop is Nigatsudo Hall which stands close to Todai-ji temple where the water-drawing ritual ceremony is being held in every March since 752. Last stop is Kasuga Great shrine which is a national shrine founded to protect the Heijyo-kyo, the new capital of Nara (form 710 to 794). 2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lanterns are lit in February and August there and it brings you date back the time of the ancients.
* A scenic tour exploring, touching and feeling the area in 8th Century in Japan, a birth district of
Japan.
* A surprise greeting by wild deers
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, wheelchairs and strollers.
Be quiet and respectful in Temples and Shrines complex
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Temples, Shrines
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Temples, Shrines complex
Take your shoes off before stepping on tatami
We spent the day in Kyoto with Masahisa (Mike). We started the day at Katsura Imperial Villa - the gardens were magical. It is an incredible place, off the beaten path, and is worth a special visit. If you can get a tour with Mike, it is very special. From there, we went to Sanjūsangen-dō, the home of 1001 Buddhas. It is really awe inspiring. The 1001 Buddhas, and the statues of the deities, are amazing. After a well needed cold. drink, we made our way into the Kyoto National museum, which had a range of ceramics, scrolls, paintings, etc., which were all interesting. After lunch, we visited a craft area, which had a range of beautiful craft goods made in the Kyoto area. We could have hung around there all day! Mike was a terrific guide, and is kind, and generous. As much as we enjoyed the sights, we enjoyed meeting Mike even more. He took such good care of us on a hot and humid day, and made our tour of Kyoto one to remember. If you get a chance to get a tour with Mike, we recommend you do so. And I understand he can guide in many areas around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, etc., so you would have many options. Again, thank you so much Mike!
Guy Thank you for coming all the way to Kyoto in this sweltering heat from beautiful country. I still dazzle with the photos I took of the pure white sandy beach and clear blue sky at your Pearth Beach, West Coast which I visited some time ago. The scorching heat here is still continuing, so please take care of your health and I wish you return home safely. Thanks Masahisa
Masahisa is an outstanding guide with unmatched work ethics - it was a pleasure to spend two days with him. Initially, he stood out for me by detailed long responses. It allowed us to collaborate ahead of time with extremely detailed customized planning of the trip. Masahisa ensured that our wishes were accommodated, including a bullet train ride. He showed up on time for both days and stayed extra, as needed. Incredible planning skills resulted in minimal waiting for trains, even with 3 train changes. Masahisa is very kind and friendly - he took a lot of group pictures for us, and even printed them! He provided us with very detailed portfolio of information for both days. He was not available for the third day, so gave us detailed instructions. Choices of lunch places for both days were excellent. He went extra mile to book world-known Kobe beef restaurant for us. Highly recommend!
Alexander Thank you for stopping by Kansai in this scorching hot season. Hearing about your homes in S.F, NYK, Evanston, Northwestern Univ, and other update from your party reminded me of my active days in my yourth in US . I was also grateful for the two enjoyable days. If you have the opportunity, please come again. Wish you all return home safely with great family memory in the Far East Island. Thanks Masahisa
Msahisa (Mike) is a true professional and a gentleman. Despite living near Nara he travelled to and from Osaka to make sure we had no issues. He gave us tremendous history and whisked us around Nara via bus and taxi to insure we maximized the experience. Plus he took many wonderful pictures of our family that will be treasured. Arigato Masahisa-San We heartliy recommend him for others!
Chris I’m sure you're all tired from walking through the vast Nara Park after a long flight and not being able to compensate for the time difference. Wish you continue to enjoy your journey here, and return home safely with great family memory. Thanks Masahisa
Mike was a great tour guide whose attention to detail and kindness really made our trip. His knowledge of Kyoto and Japan made sure we left with a lot of good information. We went to many places, and he made sure our experience was streamlined and easy to follow. Thank you so much for the awesome adventure!
Jennifer Welcome from City of Big Hearts. I'm sure you are all probably tired from walking such a long distance today without recovering from jet lag. I wish adventure in the Far East for rest of days will be a memorable one for your family. Thank again for visiting us all the way. Thanks Masahisa