Hidden Gems of Osaka Kyoto Nara - Private Car Tour by Local Guide

1. Katsuo-ji Temple
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   This temple located in the mountain area between Osaka and Kyoto is often picked up on the instagram with its unrivaled scenaries made by thousands of Japanese Daruma dolls placed everywhere in the temple!
2. 30m
   Experience the spirit of Shintoism which worships nature itself and contributed to Japan maintaining beautiful Japanese nature primitive since the ancient ages.
   Mitsushima Shrine is a very small local shrine located in a suburb city of urban Osaka, called Kadoma City. Although it's not even well-known by the local Osaka people out of small Kadoma City, you'll be amazed by the enormous lord of this shrine, one of the biggest camphor trees in Japan, worshipped for more than a thousand years.
   Its thickness is around 13 meters with a height of 25 meters.
   It's selected as a National Natural monument of Japan.
3. Hozan-ji Temple
   1h
   About halfway up the slopes of Mount Ikoma in Nara prefecture lies the beautiful temple complex of Hozan-ji, shrouded in incense smoke and intrigue. Dedicated to Kangiten, a Buddhist god of joy and prosperity, it’s particularly popular with those praying for success and luck in business. Despite the ease of access from Osaka and Nara cities, Hozanji Temple remains firmly off the tourist track. This means it retains an air of tranquility even during the holiday season, giving visitors the time and space to fully explore all the small nooks and interesting features of the complex.
4. Shingisan Chogosonshiji Temple
   1h 30m
   Our finale of the tour is an area of Mt.Shigi's mount top. These isolated temples and shrines become absolutely dreamy and nostalgic at night time. The complex ways are nostalgically lit by stony lanterns of shrines. Don't miss the beautiful garden fully colored in autumn. You can even climb up to the sacred mount-top in 15-20 min by walking through the countless gates of shrines in the dark, like the old monks or ninjas in training.

Pickup details

1. If WhatsApp or iMessage available, the driver usually sends GPS location before meeting up
2. Wait the car outside at 1 o'clock, look for your car (Nissan Serena - white van [わ51-15] or Mini Highgate - dark brown convertible [め 4 20])
*If there are no space for the car to park near the entrance or the meeting spot, it might be parking nearby. Please have a look around.
3. Knock your car and tell your name and the tour to the guide
*The driver doesn't come into your hotel lobby to call you, so you must look for the car by the license no.
*Delays more than 5 minutes will be notified through email or iMessage/WhatsApp (if provided)
*The car never misses your group because it's private, but as you delay more, you will have less time to complete the tour. If no appearance more than 30 minutes without notification, the tour will be canceled (no refund)
*drinking and eating in car is allowed, except for eating noodles with soup
*If you have desired options, schedule or sites you really wish to see, tell the guide at first (best effort)

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• There are walks and some stairs to some temples
• Some of the itinerary may change by the season or other circumstances