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

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. 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.

   1 h

2. 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

   20 min

3. 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.

   15 min

4. 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!

   Passes by

5. 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!

   1 h

6. "Akihabara" of Osaka, a town of electronics and animes! More concentrated than Akiba'

   Passes by

7. 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

   15 min

8. 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.

   15 min

9. The most crowded shopping arcade in Japan where you can see "the river of people", comparative to Shibuya Crossing

   5 min

10. 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!

    Passes by

11. 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!

    10 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 88 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Kyoto

• Its from-price is 60% above the median of the 171 city tours we list in Kyoto.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• By number of reviews it ranks 25 of 171.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years, is a city of temples, gardens, wooden townhouses and refined traditions.

The city holds many of Japan's most treasured sites. Fushimi Inari Taisha's thousands of vermilion torii gates climb a wooded mountain, Kinkaku-ji's Golden Pavilion shimmers over its pond, and Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage juts from the hillside above the city. The rock garden of Ryoan-ji and the mossy grounds of Ginkaku-ji invite quiet contemplation.

Top-ranked sights in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

See all 1713 experiences in Kyoto