Private Alphard Tour: Nara Highlights with Guide & Driver





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Duration
7 hours to 8 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant Then Manual
Pickup
Pickup details available
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Overview
Discover Nara’s serene beauty and history in the exclusive comfort of a luxury Toyota Alphard. This private tour is crafted for travelers seeking a sophisticated, stress-free exploration of Japan’s first capital. Experience the spiritual awe of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and wander through the mystical Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of lanterns and ancient forest. You will also enjoy a traditional stroll through the Naramachi district, immersing yourself in the charming atmosphere of preserved Machiya townhouses. At Explorer Tours, we redefine luxury. With a professional dedicated guide and chauffeur, we ensure a seamless journey with personalized attention. Unlike large bus tours, we prioritize your group's privacy and comfort with a true "Personal Touch."
What's Included
Included
Admission fee
English-speaking Conductor
Highway tolls
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gasoline cost
Parking Fees
Not included
Tips for guide/driver are optional
For lunch, you will have free-time in a designated area where you can walk around and pick a lunch spot for you and your group.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Itinerary
Stop 1
20 minutes
Stop 1
This area features a group of beautifully preserved traditional townhouses, including Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie, Naramachi Monogatari-kan, and Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie. Together, they offer a deeper look into the daily life, architecture, and culture of old Nara. Visitors can explore restored merchant houses, learn about local history, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese townscape.
Stop 2
30 minutes
Stop 2
A UNESCO World Heritage Site originally founded in the 6th century. Gango-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and a symbol of Nara’s deep historical roots, famous for its ancient roof tiles and peaceful atmosphere.
Stop 3
10 minutes
Stop 3
Sarusawa-ike Pond is a beautiful scenic spot in Nara where we will take a relaxing walk by the water. You can enjoy the reflection of nearby temples and seasonal scenery on the calm surface of the pond, perfect for photos.
Stop 4
10 minutes
Stop 4
After visiting the Central Golden Hall, walk towards the five storied pagoda and be amazed with the structure of this wooden tower. Built in 730 by the founder of Kofuku-ji, this five-storied pagoda has endured disasters and rebuilt 5 times over the years. The pagoda we see now was reconstructed in 1426, standing in 50.1m tall. The five roofs symbolize land, water, fire, air, and sky, representing the 5 dimensions of our world.
Stop 5
1 hour 20 minutes
Stop 5
Naramachi is the main town area of Nara, where you will be spending your free-time and lunch break. Enjoy a walk around on your own and find a local lunch spot for you and your group. Enjoy some local delicacies, or have a sit-down meal in one of the local restaurants in the area. This is also a good area to look for souvenirs. During WW2, this charming area was spared from air raid damage, preserving the old structures and facade of the old town of Nara. You can find several town houses, galleries, restaurants, and shops that are refurbished in contemporary style, while keeping its original machiya facade. Many of the structures here where originally built in the late Edo period to Meiji period.
Stop 6
1 hour
Stop 6
Here our tour conductor will talk about the history of Nara and the nearby temples while assisting you in feeding and playing with the famous bowing deer of Nara Park.
Stop 7
30 minutesAdmission included
Stop 7
Todaiji Temple was built to pray for the peace of the country. The Great Buddha Hall, where the Great Buddha sits, is one of the largest wooden structure in the world, with a width of about 57m, a depth of about 50m, and a height of about 48m. Originally completed in 751, the structure was destroyed in 1181 and 1567. The current building we see today was rebuilt in 1709, and was registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
Stop 8
45 minutesAdmission included
Stop 8
Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine, established in 768 to protect the capital. This UNESCO World Heritage site is world-renowned for its mystical atmosphere and 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns, which were donated by devotees over centuries. As you walk through the primeval forest where sacred deer roam freely, you will find the vibrant vermilion shrines reflecting Japan’s profound spiritual heritage. It offers a serene escape where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony.
Additional Info
Infants Must Sit On Laps
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Pets Welcome
Service animals allowed
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other
Activity Level: This tour involves walking through historic districts and temple grounds. It is not recommended for travelers with mobility challenges.
Other
Flexibility: While we follow a curated itinerary, the private nature of the tour allows for a more relaxed and flexible pace.
Other
Meeting Point: If you selected “I’ll decide later,” please send us a message via Viator to finalize your pickup location.
Other
The vehicle/car used for this tour is fully licensed by the Japanese government.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience may be cancelled for bad weather.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
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