How to Plan Your Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour from Osaka/Kyoto with National Licensed Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Osaka or Kyoto and looking for a unique, customizable tour, then the Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour is just what you need. This tour takes you to some of the most famous landmarks in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, and lets you experience the city’s rich history and culture.In this blog post, we will guide you through how to plan your Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour from Osaka/Kyoto with National Licensed Guide.

Overview

The Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour is a customizable walking tour that lasts for approximately 8 hours. You’ll get to choose from a list of 3-4 sites that you would like to see on your tour. The tour includes the expertise of a national licensed guide, who is fluent in English and Japanese, as well as food and drink for yourself, entrance fees where applicable, and transportation fees for yourself.

What’s Included

The following is included in the Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour:- Licensed Local Guide: Your guide will accompany you throughout the tour and provide you with insights into Nara’s history and culture.

– Customizable Tour: You get to choose three to four sites from the ‘What to expect’ list below that you’d like to see on your tour.

– Meet-up with Guide in Osaka/Kyoto: You can arrange to meet your guide either in Osaka or Kyoto.

– Food and Drink (for yourself): The tour includes food and drink for yourself.

– Entrance Fees where Applicable (for yourself): All entrance fees that are applicable for the destinations you choose will be covered for yourself.

– Transportation Fees (for yourself): You are responsible for your own transportation fees, but your guide will assist in making all necessary arrangements for you.

Meeting and Pickup

The Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour is a walking day tour with meet-up in Osaka/Kyoto. A private vehicle is not included, and public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese yen on hand for your transportation costs.If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact the tour operator directly. All private vehicles must be booked at least two days in advance. The maximum number of passengers is seven.

What to Expect

The following are the sites that you can choose from:1. Todai-ji Temple: One of Japan’s most famous temples, home of the Great Buddha statue, which is one of the largest bronze statues in the world. (Admission ticket not included)

2. Nara Park: A vast natural park in Nara where you can encounter free-roaming deer, considered sacred in Japan. (Admission ticket free)

3. Kasuga-Taisha Shrine: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its vermilion-lacquered buildings and hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns. (Admission ticket not included)

4. Yakushi-ji Temple: A temple complex with two main halls that are considered architectural masterpieces of the Nara period. (Admission ticket not included)

5. Horyu-ji Temple: One of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples, housing many national treasures and World Heritage Sites. (Admission ticket not included)

6. Isuien Garden: A unique Japanese-style strolling garden that features two traditional gardens from different eras. (Admission ticket not included)

7. Yoshiki-en Garden: A serene Japanese garden with a central pond and a tea-house that offers tea ceremonies. (Admission ticket not included)

8. Nigatsu-do Temple: A temple with stunning views of Nara city and a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. (Admission ticket not included)

9. Kofuku-ji Temple: A temple complex with impressive pagodas, ancient halls and a treasure museum. (Admission ticket not included)

10. Japan’s Oldest Wooden Structure: An ancient wooden building from the Asuka period, one of the oldest wooden structures in Japan that can still be visited. (Admission ticket not included)

11. Nara National Museum: A museum exhibiting many of Nara’s artistic and cultural treasures. (Admission ticket not included)

12. Kyu-Furukawa-tei: A beautifully preserved traditional Japanese house and garden. (Admission ticket not included)

13. Todai-ji Museum: A museum located within the Todai-ji temple complex, showcasing artifacts from the temple and its history. (Admission ticket not included)

Additional Info

Here are a few other things to keep in mind while planning your Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour:- This tour is customizable to your interests and preferences. You will work with your guide to create the perfect itinerary for your day trip in Nara.

– Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as this is a walking tour.

– The tour does not include transportation to and from your residence in Osaka or Kyoto to the meet-up point.

– You’ll need cash in Japanese yen for entrance fees, transportation, and any personal expenses you may have during the tour.

– Please note that the tour may change or be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, or public events. The tour operator will communicate with you in case of any changes or cancellations.

Book Your Tour Here

To book your Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour, please visit Viator.

The most frequently asked questions about Nara

Nara is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan. Known for its historical sites and natural beauty, Nara attracts tourists from around the world. If you are planning to visit Nara, you may have a few questions about the city. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Nara.

1. What is the best time to visit Nara?

Nara, like many other cities in Japan, experiences four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The best time to visit Nara depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to see cherry blossoms, visit in late March to early April. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, visit in November. The summer months of July and August can be hot and humid, so plan accordingly.

2. What are the must-visit attractions in Nara?

Nara is home to many historic and cultural landmarks. Here are some must-visit attractions in Nara:

Todaiji Temple

This temple is known for its Great Buddha Statue, which is the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world.

Nara Park

Nara Park is a public park that is home to hundreds of tame deer that roam freely. Visitors can feed and pet the deer.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

This shrine is known for its thousands of lanterns that are lit twice a year during festivals.

Isuien Garden

This traditional Japanese garden has two parts: a front garden and a back garden. Both gardens offer scenic views of the surrounding area.

3. How do I get around in Nara?

Nara has an efficient transportation system that includes buses and trains. The Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station serve as the main transportation hubs in the city. Visitors can also rent bikes to explore the city at their own pace.

4. What is the local cuisine in Nara?

Nara has a rich culinary tradition that is influenced by both Japanese and Chinese cultures. Some popular dishes include:

Kakinoha-zushi

This is a type of sushi that is wrapped in persimmon leaves.

Mochi

Mochi is a type of traditional Japanese rice cake that is usually served with soy sauce or miso soup.

Yamatocha

Yamatocha is a type of tea that is grown in the Nara region. It has a rich, earthy flavor and is often served with sweets.

5. What is the etiquette for visiting shrines and temples in Nara?

When visiting shrines and temples in Nara, it is important to respect the local customs and traditions. Some etiquette tips include:- Remove your shoes before entering the main hall of a temple or shrine.

– Bow before and after praying.

– Do not touch or take photographs of any objects that are considered sacred.

– Do not smoke or eat inside the main hall or other areas that are marked as off-limits.

6. What are some local festivals and events in Nara?

Nara has many festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones include:

Omizutori

This Buddhist festival takes place in March and involves lighting torches in the Nigatsudo hall of Todaiji Temple.

Yagyu Gaiden Festival

This festival takes place in October and features samurai demonstrations, music performances, and food stalls.

Shinshuichi Matsuri

This festival takes place in November and celebrates the harvest season with food stalls and music performances.

Conclusion

Nara is a city that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history and culture or nature and wildlife, Nara has it all. By following the tips and advice in this blog post, you can make the most out of your visit to Nara. Happy travels!

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Nara – A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re planning to visit Japan, Nara should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Located in the Kansai region, Nara is home to many historic and cultural landmarks that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Nara, including the must-see sights, popular activities, and essential tips.

1. Visit Nara Park to See the Deer

Nara is famous for its sika deer, which roam freely in Nara Park. The deer are considered sacred by locals and are protected by law. You can buy deer crackers (shika senbei) at the park and feed the deer, but be careful as they can sometimes get aggressive if they smell the crackers.

2. Explore Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Nara, and it houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in Nara. You can also explore the surrounding park, which is home to several smaller temples and shrines.

3. Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a Shinto shrine that was established in 768 AD. The shrine is known for its beautiful lanterns, which are made of bronze and stone. The shrine also has a beautiful walking trail, which takes you past several smaller shrines and into the surrounding forest.

4. Check out Naramachi

Naramachi is the old town section of Nara, and it’s full of traditional houses, shops, and restaurants. Walking through Naramachi is like taking a step back in time, and it’s a great place to relax and soak up some culture. Be sure to stop by the Nara National Museum, which houses many artifacts from Nara’s rich history.

5. Visit Horyuji Temple

Horyuji Temple is a Buddhist temple that was founded in the 7th century. It’s one of the oldest temples in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is home to many beautiful buildings and artifacts, including the world’s oldest surviving wooden structure.

6. Take a Stroll Through Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is located near Todaiji Temple and is a beautiful Japanese garden that dates back to the 17th century. The garden features two ponds, several walking paths, and many beautiful trees and plants. It’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.

7. Try Nara’s Famous Cuisine

While in Nara, be sure to try some of the local cuisine. Some of the most famous dishes include kakinoha sushi, which is sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, and cha-soba, which are noodles made from green tea. You can also try some of the local sweets, such as sakura mochi, which is a sweet rice cake filled with cherry blossom paste.

8. Take a Day Trip to Yoshino

If you have an extra day in Nara, consider taking a day trip to Yoshino. Yoshino is a small town located in the mountains, and it’s known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. The town also has several shrines and temples, including the Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, which is known for its beautiful torii gate.

Conclusion

Nara is a beautiful and historic city that’s full of amazing sights and experiences. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Nara has something for everyone. Be sure to visit Nara Park, explore Todaiji Temple, and try some of the local cuisine. With this comprehensive guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to Nara.