Osaka & Nara in 1-Day by Private Van with Local Expert Guide

5.0 (90 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
Duration6h 30m - 7h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Have your best and most unforgettable day trip in Japan, guided by a local specialist to tour two unique cities, ancient Nara and urban Osaka, efficiently in a comfortable air-conditioned car!

You will first visit Nara, “Deer" Park, the sanctuary of super-friendly wild Japanese deer, and see the most ancient, significant and biggest temple in Japan, Todaiji Temple, with the biggest Buddha Statue in Japan.

After visiting ancient Nara, you will move to the most urban area of Osaka and take a cruise by car to see the most iconic landmarks of Osaka, including Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, walk some unique streets of Osaka and eat the best Osaka local foods!

This tour includes an optional "dark tour" into a ghetto area of Osaka, the "Airin Area" and one of the most historical red-light districts in the world, Tobita-Shinchi. (omittable)

Your friendly and flexible local guide will explain everything about those two cities in a comfortable car!

Book Now for a Perfect Day!

Options

Nissan Van "Serena" (2-6 pax)

Nissan Serena S-Hybrid (c26)
Pickup included

Mini Convertible (1 pax only)

Mini Convertible "Highgate"
Pickup included

What's included

  • Air-conditioned private car [Nissan Serena (2-6 pax) / Mini Convertible (1 pax)]
  • Full English guide & driver from local
  • Fuel & Highway Fees
  • Free pick up and dropping off anywhere in Kyoto, Osaka and Nara cities
  • Parking Fees
  • Dinner time & Local Restaurant Guide
  • Any additional cost by your customization
  • Fee for dinner
  • Lunch time
  • Todaiji

What to expect

  1. Nara Park
    1h
    The sanctuary of wild deer! You will be amazed to see so many wild deer relaxing in nature, in the temples, on roads and almost everywhere, not scared of people at all. What's interesting is that this park has been a national park of Japan for 1400 years, designated by the emperor. So even though it's right next to the downtown area of Nara, nature is primeval and the atmosphere brings you to ancient periods.
    You'll be guided with many information about Japanese deer and also with enough safety guidance to hang out with the wild and sacred animal.
  2. Osaka Castle
    20m
    Osaka Castle has been the most iconic symbol of Osaka for more than 400 years. The truth of the samurais, the founder Shogun's story and history behind the castle counted as one of the 3 most beautiful castles of Japan.
    The castle around is a park loved by local Japanese people, especially on cherry blossom seasons. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
    *Not going inside of the castle tower because it's just a museum now
  3. Yoshikien
    15m
    A beautiful Japanese garden composed of a few distinctive areas covered by seasonal flowers and trees, and Japanese representative mosses which shines all seasons. You'll be also guided to the traditional style buildings harmonising with the garden and learn the unique philosophy of Japanese art style, Wabi-sabi, explained from the knowledgeable guide.
  4. America Mura
    Pass by
    American village!? But this is not for Americans but for Osakan Youngs. The atmosphere is like "Shibuya" and "Harajuku" of Tokyo got combined, so cooler! All the good nightclubs and gigs are here!
  5. Todai-ji Temple
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Todai-ji Temple, the biggest historical wooden architecture in the world with also the biggest Buddha statue sitting inside, is the most important Buddhist temple to Japanese people to 1400 years.
    You'll be explained so well about its dramatic history and all the meanings of each statue with deep insights into Buddhism and Japanese culture.
    You will touch the essence of Buddhism with your eyes and ears by visiting here on this tour!
  6. Nipponbashi Denden Town
    Pass by
    "Akihabara" of Osaka, a town of electronics and animes! More concentrated than Akiba'
  7. Dotombori District
    15m
    Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi area, is the most famous, iconic and crowded of all Osaka, known for the "running man" sign, the riverside with full of fancy neons and the longest shopping street of Japan
    The energy of Osaka is here
  8. Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street
    15m
    This is Osaka! The symbolic street of Osaka with unique shops and friendly (drunken) people where you can taste famous Osaka street foods. Try Takoyaki (Octopus balls) and walk the lively street with fancy billboards.
  9. Shinsaibashisuji Kita Shotengai
    5m
    The most crowded shopping arcade in Japan where you can see "the river of people", comparative to Shibuya Crossing
  10. Tobita Shinchi
    Pass by
    This is the deepest spot in Osaka, the so-called "red-line district". You will be so surprised by the prostitutes with school-uniform costumes on, waving hands from very traditional Japanese houses.
    The area's history will be well explained by the guide
    NO PHOTOGRAPHS if you don't want to get killed by Yakuzas protecting this area!
  11. 10m
    The top 3 greatest bells of Japan, the loudest bell of Japan, 1300-year-old bronze bell located in the middle of Nara park has been rang by a monk every 8 pm, but never gets hit on target because it will sound for 3 days!

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Nissan white minivan no.(53-35) will pick you up from your hotel, so please be outside to wait for your car by 1 pm
If the car arrives earlier or later, we will notify you via e-mail so please be available to check your e-mail box
If you prefer iMessage (iPhone) or WhatsApp, please contact once to the number +81 08031386328

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The itinerary gets updated flexibly by the seasons and conditions. Not all the small sites listed are guaranteed to cover

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (90)
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