Kyoto/Osaka: Nara Customizable Self-Guided Tour With Driver

Exploring the historic city of Nara from Kyoto or Osaka has never been easier. This customizable self-guided tour provides the flexibility to craft your perfect day, complete with a professional driver to transport you seamlessly between iconic sights. From the serene Nara Park to the awe-inspiring Tōdai-ji temple, the opportunities to learn about Japan’s rich cultural heritage are truly boundless. With a rundown and practical details, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that caters to your unique interests and preferences.

Key Points

• This customizable self-guided tour from Kyoto/Osaka allows visitors to explore Nara Park and other optional attractions at their own pace with a private driver.
• The tour’s duration is 10 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and includes an air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver services.
• Visitors can choose from various vehicle options to accommodate their group size and luggage requirements, with additional fees for overtime, night service, and baby seats.
• The tour offers a flexible itinerary, allowing visitors to customize their experience by visiting Nara Park and other optional sites, as well as dining and shopping in Nara.
• The tour is fully refundable with 24-hour advance cancellation, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available without any upfront payment for reservations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Nara Customizable Self-Guided Tour offers a flexible and immersive way to explore the historic city of Nara. Priced from $522.15 per group (up to 6 people), this 10-hour tour provides complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and professional driver services.

Travelers can customize their itinerary to visit Nara Park, Tōdai-ji, Kasuga-taisha, and other optional attractions. The tour is fully refundable with 24-hour advance cancellation.

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment. Overtime, night service, and additional fees apply for expanded itineraries or larger group sizes.

Itinerary and Attractions

Though the Nara Customizable Self-Guided Tour offers flexibility, its primary attractions include Nara Park, which visitors can explore on their own for around 2 hours.

Plus, guests can opt for paid visits to other sites like Tōdai-ji, Kasuga-taisha, Mount Wakakusa, Toshodai-ji, and Heijō Palace Site Historical Park, each taking approximately 1 hour.

After sightseeing, the tour includes 2 hours for dining and shopping on Sanjo dori Street in Nara.

Pickup and drop-off locations are in Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, allowing for a customizable itinerary based on individual preferences.

Transportation and Accessibility

The Nara Customizable Self-Guided Tour offers various vehicle options to accommodate different group sizes.

Customers can choose from 6-seat, 9-seat, or 13-seat cars. The 6-seat car can fit up to 6 people and 4 pieces of luggage. The 9-seat car can fit up to 9 people and 10 pieces of luggage. The 13-seat car can fit up to 13 people and 6 pieces of luggage.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a professional driver is provided, though no tour guide or translation services are included.

Additional fees apply for extras like baby seats and overtime.

Inclusions and Fees

The Nara Customizable Self-Guided Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and coverage of highway tolls and parking fees.

A first baby seat is free, but a second one costs 2,000 yen. Overtime fees apply at 5,000 yen per hour for 6-seat and 9-seat vehicles, and 10,000 yen per hour for 13-seat vehicles.

Plus, there’s a 2,000 yen per hour night service fee after 9 PM. Admission tickets, food, and drinks aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour is customizable, and customers can contact the provider via email, WhatsApp, or phone for any questions or adjustments.

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Customer Experience and Reviews

Customers can expect a flexible and customizable experience with the Nara Customizable Self-Guided Tour. The tour allows for adjustments to the itinerary during the day, catering to individual preferences.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, the tour offers a positive customer experience. Travelers can contact the provider via email, WhatsApp, or phone for any inquiries or customer service needs.

The driver’s nationality and language are randomly assigned, which may include English, Japanese, or Chinese, providing a multilingual option.

Exploring Nara Park

Why not start the journey by exploring the captivating Nara Park? This expansive, lush park is home to over 1,200 free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods.

Visitors can wander through the serene grounds, feed the friendly deer, and visit ancient temples and shrines. The Tōdai-ji temple, with its colossal bronze Buddha statue, is a must-see.

Kasuga-taisha shrine is also a highlight, known for its striking vermilion torii gates. With 2 hours allotted for self-guided exploration, guests can enjoy Nara’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty at their own pace.

Visiting Tōdai-ji and Kasuga-taisha

After exploring the captivating Nara Park, visitors can delve deeper into the region’s cultural heritage by visiting the renowned Tōdai-ji temple and the striking Kasuga-taisha shrine. Tōdai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, while Kasuga-taisha is known for its thousands of lanterns and scenic forest setting. Both sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and spiritual traditions.

Tōdai-ji	Kasuga-taisha
Giant Buddha Statue	Thousands of Lanterns
Impressive Architecture	Tranquil Forest Setting
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Shinto Shrine
1 Hour Visit	1 Hour Visit
Additional Entrance Fee	Additional Entrance Fee

Discovering Mount Wakakusa and Toshodai-ji

As visitors venture beyond the tranquil confines of Nara Park, the self-guided tour offers the opportunity to discover two captivating destinations – Mount Wakakusa and Toshodai-ji.

Mount Wakakusa, a verdant hill, beckons with its panoramic vistas and the annual "Yamayaki" festival, where the mountain is dramatically set ablaze.

Toshodai-ji, a historic Buddhist temple, impresses with its striking architecture and the serene gardens that surround it.

Visitors can explore these sites at their own pace, soaking in the unique cultural and natural experiences they offer.

The tour’s flexibility allows travelers to craft an itinerary tailored to their interests.

FAQ

Can I Customize the Tour Activities and Schedule During the Tour?

Yes, the tour is customizable. Travelers can adjust the itinerary and schedule during the tour based on their preferences. The driver is available to accommodate changes and ensure a personalized experience.

How Reliable and Punctual Is the Driver Service?

The driver service is reliable and punctual, transporting guests to their desired locations on time. Flexible itinerary adjustments are possible during the tour, allowing for a customized experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts or promotions at this time. However, it provides flexible booking options like reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Driver?

Yes, you can request a specific language for the driver. The tour allows you to choose between English, Japanese, or Chinese-speaking drivers, though they’re randomly assigned. Make your preference known when booking to ensure you get the desired language.

What Is the Policy for Luggage Storage During the Tour?

The tour offers ample luggage storage based on the vehicle size – 4 pieces for the 6-seat car, 10 for the 9-seat, and 6 for the 13-seat. Customers can easily accommodate their belongings during the self-guided tour.

Sum Up

The Nara customizable self-guided tour from Kyoto or Osaka offers a flexible and convenient way to explore the stunning sights of Nara. With a professional driver, comfortable transportation, and the freedom to tailor the itinerary, this tour provides an exceptional value for groups of up to six. Whether you’re interested in Nara Park, Tōdai-ji, or other iconic attractions, this tour ensures a memorable and hassle-free experience in this enchanting Japanese destination.

You can check if your dates are available here: