How to Plan your Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour from Osaka Kyoto With National Licensed Guide

Nara is a beautiful city located in Japan, famous for its beautiful parks, historical temples, and traditional Japanese culture. Nara can be reached easily from nearby cities such as Osaka or Kyoto, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. If you plan on visiting Nara, a private custom tour may be the perfect way to see all the highlights of the city in just one day. In this article, we will discuss 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 from Osaka Kyoto is the perfect tour for those who want to explore Nara’s history, culture, and exciting landmarks. With a licensed local guide, you can customize your tour to include three to four of the stops listed in the “What to Expect” section. Along with this, you will also get food and drink for yourself, entrance fees (if applicable), and transportation fees (for yourself) covered under the tour.

What’s Included

The Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour includes a lot of features. Here is what is included in the tour:

1. Licensed Local Guide

You will be accompanied by a licensed local guide who is knowledgeable about the history, culture, and landmarks of Nara. They will personalize the tour according to your interests and ensure that you have an enjoyable time.

2. Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

The tour is customizable, which means you can select the sites you want to visit from the “What to Expect” list. This list includes important landmarks and tourist attractions of Nara.

3. Meet up with guide in Osaka/Kyoto

The tour starts with a meet-up with the guide in Osaka or Kyoto. This can be decided according to your convenience and comfort.

4. Food and Drink (for yourself)

During the tour, food and drink will be provided for yourself.

5. Entrance fees where applicable (for yourself)

The entrance fees for tourist attractions will be covered for yourself.

6. Transportation fees (for yourself)

The transportation fees will be covered for yourself. However, if you decide to use a private vehicle, you will have to bear the cost yourself.

7. Maximum number of passengers: 7.

The maximum number of passengers for the tour is 7.

Meeting and Pickup

The pickup points for the tour are decided according to your convenience. The tour is a walking tour, and a private vehicle is not included. You can discuss exact transportation costs with the guide after finalizing the reservation.

Pickup points

You can select the pickup points according to your convenience.

Select a pickup point

Depending on where you are staying in Osaka or Kyoto, you can select a pickup point for the tour.

Pickup details

The pickup details will be discussed and finalized with the guide after making the reservation.

Note:

Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites.

Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.

If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact the tour operators directly. All private vehicles must be booked two days in advance before the tour.

What to Expect

The Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour from Osaka Kyoto offers a variety of exciting stops and landmarks to visit. Here are some of the top recommendations of what to expect from the tour:

1. Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a World Heritage Temple and one of the most popular landmarks in Nara. The temple is known for its huge bronze Buddha statue, the Daibutsu.

2. Nara Park

Nara Park is home to hundreds of friendly deer that roam freely around the park. The park is also home to many important landmarks, such as the Kasuga-taisha Shrine and the Todai-ji Temple.

3. Kasuga-taisha Shrine

The Kasuga-taisha Shrine is another World Heritage Site in Nara. The shrine is known for its beautiful lanterns and the winding paths leading to its main hall.

4. Yoshiki-en Garden

Yoshiki-en Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Nara’s eastern hills. The garden is known for its beautiful stone paths, bridges, and lush greenery.

5. Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is another beautiful garden in Nara that dates back to the Edo period. The garden is known for its pond, stone bridges, and beautiful bonsai trees.

6. Horyu-ji Temple

Horyu-ji Temple is another World Heritage Temple in Nara. The temple is known for its beautiful wooden architecture, including the pagoda, which is the oldest wooden structure in the world.

Additional Info

If you are traveling alone or with a small group, the Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour from Osaka Kyoto is an ideal choice. The tour is customizable, and you can choose the sites you want to visit according to your interests. The licensed local guide will provide you all the necessary information about the landmarks, culture, and history of Nara. The tour is a walking tour, and you need to ensure that you have appropriate footwear and clothes for the day. Please note that while most of the entrance fees and transportation fees are covered under the tour, you need to carry enough Japanese yen in case of any additional expenses.To book the Nara Full Day Private Custom Tour from Osaka Kyoto with National Licensed Guide, you can visit Viator.com and book the tour here. Remember to book at least two days in advance and ensure that you select the pickup points and destinations according to your convenience. With the tour, you are sure to have an enjoyable and informative day exploring the beautiful city of Nara.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nara – Your Ultimate Guide

Nara, located in the Kansai region of Honshu Island in Japan, is known for its temples, shrines, and its population of wild sika deer that roam freely around the city. It was once the capital of Japan in the 8th century, and its history can be traced back even further to the 3rd century. With its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Nara is undoubtedly one of Japan’s must-visit destinations. In this guide, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Nara.

1. Why is Nara famous?

Nara is famous for several reasons, one of which is its status as Japan’s first permanent capital. It was ruled by the Yamato dynasty from 710 to 784, during which time many temples and shrines were built. Today, eight of these temples and shrines, including Todai-ji and Kasuga-taisha, are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.Nara is also renowned for its population of over 1,000 sika deer, which are regarded as sacred messengers by the locals. These deer roam freely around the city and are well known for bowing to visitors in exchange for a biscuit.

2. When is the best time to visit Nara?

The best time to visit Nara is during the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms or autumn leaves are in full bloom. The cherry blossoms usually bloom in late March to early April, while the autumn leaves peak from mid-November to early December. However, Nara is also worth visiting in other seasons as each offers unique attractions and festivals.

3. How do I get to Nara?

Nara is easily accessible by train from Kyoto, Osaka, and other major cities in the Kansai region. From Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, which takes around 45 minutes. From Osaka, take the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station to Nara Station, which takes around an hour.

4. What should I wear when visiting Nara?

When visiting Nara, it’s important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting temples and shrines. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes as some of the temples have large areas to explore. Further, it’s important to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Dressing modestly and appropriately demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect.

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

Some of the must-visit attractions in Nara include:

a. Todai-ji Temple

This temple is home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha. The temple was completed in the 8th century and is an absolute must-visit.

b. Kasuga-taisha Shrine

This is one of Japan’s most celebrated shrines, and is an excellent example of traditional Japanese architecture. The shrine is known for its lanterns, which are lit twice a year during the Setsubun Mantoro festival in February and August.

c. Nara Park

Nara Park is the perfect place to see wild sika deer up close. Some people also love Nara Park because of its beauty, spaciousness, and for its location next to some of the most magnificent temples and shrines in the city.

d. Yoshiki-en Garden

The Yoshiki-en Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located near Nara Park. It is divided into three parts, each showcasing a different garden style. Yoshiki-en is at its best during the autumn when the fall foliage is at its peak.

6. What are some traditional Japanese foods I should try in Nara?

Nara is famous for its cuisine, and there are several traditional Japanese foods that you should try, including:

a. Kakinoha-zushi

Kakinoha-zushi is a dish of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. The persimmon leaves give the sushi a unique flavor and aroma.

b. Somen

Somen is a type of noodle that is typically served cold with a dipping sauce. It’s perfect for hot summer days and is a must-try when in Nara.

c. Mochi

Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice. It’s often filled with sweet red bean paste and is a popular snack and souvenir.

Conclusion

Nara is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With its numerous temples, shrines, and wild sika deer, there’s something for everyone in this ancient city. By answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Nara, we hope we have provided you with useful information that can assist with your travel plans to Nara.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Nara

Nara is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan, and it is most famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites and friendly deer. If you’re planning a trip to Nara, there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy. Here’s a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Nara.

1. Visit the Deer Park

One of the biggest attractions in Nara is the Deer Park, where over one thousand Sika deer freely roam around. Visitors can purchase special crackers to feed the deer, which have become accustomed to human interaction. It’s a fun and unique experience to interact with these friendly deer, but it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect.

2. Explore the Temples and Shrines

Nara has a rich history dating back over a thousand years, and it is home to several ancient temples and shrines. The most famous of these is the Todaiji Temple, which hosts the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. The Kasuga Taisha Shrine is another popular destination, famous for its thousands of hanging lanterns. Other notable temples and shrines include the Kofukuji Temple and the Nigatsu-do Hall.

3. Learn About Nara’s History

Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784, and it played an important role in shaping Japan’s history and culture. To learn more about Nara’s past, visit the Nara National Museum, which houses a collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. Another must-visit destination is the Heijo Palace, the site of the former imperial palace in Nara.

4. Sample Nara’s Cuisine

Nara has a unique food culture, and there are several dishes that you shouldn’t miss while you’re there. One of the most popular dishes is kakinoha-zushi, or sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. Another specialty is narazuke, pickled vegetables with a sweet and sour taste. And of course, no trip to Nara would be complete without trying some of the local sake.

5. Take a Stroll through Nara Park

Nara Park is a sprawling green space that encompasses the Deer Park and several of Nara’s temples and shrines. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In the spring, the park is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.

6. Shop for Souvenirs

Nara has a variety of souvenir shops where you can pick up traditional Japanese crafts and gifts. One of the most popular items for tourists to bring home is a set of handmade Japanese ceramics. You can also find unique souvenirs like deer antler keychains and deer-shaped snacks.

Conclusion

Nara is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to offer. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich cultural heritage, interacting with friendly deer, or trying its unique cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Nara. Keep this guide in mind to make the most out of your trip to Nara.