OsakaSightseeingPrivate toursCulture and history

    Private Alphard Tour: Nara Highlights with Guide & Driver

    By Explorer ToursProduct code 71179P78
    Private Alphard Tour: Nara Highlights with Guide & Driver photo 1
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    Private Alphard Tour: Nara Highlights with Guide & Driver gallery 6

    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

    Mobile ticketsPickup details available

    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

    Fees

    Admission fee

    Other

    English-speaking Conductor

    Other

    Highway tolls

    Transportation amenities

    Air-conditioned vehicle

    Other

    Gasoline cost

    Fees

    Parking Fees

    Not included

    Other

    Tips for guide/driver are optional

    Food and drink

    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

    Pickup available
    Custom traveler pickup may be available
    Before entering each destination, your tour conductor will hand you an entry ticket. If you have any further questions, contact us via e-mail: contact@exp-tours.jp WhatsApp: +81-80-2747-7470 .

    Itinerary

    Standard7 hours to 8 hours
    1

    Stop 1

    20 minutes

    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.

    2

    Stop 2

    30 minutes

    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.

    3

    Stop 3

    10 minutes

    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.

    4

    Stop 4

    10 minutes

    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.

    5

    Stop 5

    1 hour 20 minutes

    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.

    6

    Stop 6

    1 hour

    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.

    7

    Stop 7

    30 minutesAdmission included

    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.

    8

    Stop 8

    45 minutesAdmission included

    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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