Private Alphard Tour: Nara Highlights with Guide & Driver
Nara
Important Information
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Activity Level: This tour involves walking through historic districts and temple grounds. It is not recommended for travelers with mobility challenges.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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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...
Highlights
From 7 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 7 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Admission fee
English-speaking Conductor
Highway tolls
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gasoline cost
Parking Fees
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.
Private Alphard Tour: Nara Highlights with Guide & Driver
Nara
About
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...
Highlights
From 7 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 7 hours to 8 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Admission fee
English-speaking Conductor
Highway tolls
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gasoline cost
Parking Fees
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.
Itinerary
1
Naramachi Koshino Ie
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.
20 minutes
2
Gango-ji Temple
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.
30 minutes
3
Sarusawa Pond
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.
10 minutes
4
Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
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.
10 minutes
5
Naramachi
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.
1 hour and 20 minutes
6
Nara Park
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.
1 hour
7
Todai-ji Temple
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.
30 minutes
8
Kasuga Grand Shrine
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.
