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

Why choose this Kyoto tour ?

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!

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

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Make the most of your Kyoto adventure

What makes Osaka & Nara in 1-Day by Private Van with Local Japanese Guide a unique experience ?

Yoshikien is an authentic Japanese garden in Nara Park. Starting with a beautiful pond with Japanese Carp (Koi) and Japanese Maple trees, you will enjoy the distinctive seasons of Japan. The iconic moss garden is beautiful for the whole year but especially the autumn season is breath-taking with all the colours change.

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!

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.

Walking 5-10 minutes from the main temple with adorable deer, an ancient wooden temple sits on the top of the hill. The name Nigatsu “February” is named after its one of the most important religious ceremonies in Japan, “Omizutori” in the Chinese lunar February.
Rest yourself while watching the great view of Nara and listening to the history of the 1270-year-continued ceremony.

Osaka Castle has been the most iconic symbol of Osaka for more than 500 years. Not only the unique and futuristic outlook telling the mixing culture of Osaka and Japan, but the museum inside displays countless Samurai armors and swords used by famous Shoguns, and holds seasonal exhibitions focusing on Samurai histories which will definitely attract you.
The castle around is a park loved by local Japanese people, especially on cherry blossom seasons. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

“Shibuya” of Osaka! All the good nightclubs and gigs are here!

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

“Akihabara” of Osaka, a town of electronics and animes! More concentrated than Akiba’

Another symbol of Osaka since 1912. The design is heavily inspired by French Eiffel Tower but also has a lot of unique characters.

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.

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!

One of the most famous ghetto areas in Osaka, very few places where you can see homeless people in Japan.
It used to be dangerous with more Yakuza gangs and drug dealers, but the area has been keeping becoming cleaner and cleaner for these 10 years for the Tokyo Olympics. Now here is also known as a cheap backpacker hostel area for tourists with very few homeless people left, so it’s very safe to visit here.
The local guide who was born and raised in Osaka tells you everything about Osaka’s social problems and things that most Japanese people won’t discuss!

Tour Description & Additional Info:

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
No earlier services for pick-up/starting time

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Options To Choose for Your Trip:

Nara All-Day
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Nara’s Nostalgic Night Course: Course Dinner + Lantern Temple
+Choose 1: Kasuga Shrine/Gold Fish Art Aquarium/Mt.Kasuga Drive-way to top/anything on the way
Pickup included
Osaka & Nara (Main course)
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Pickup included
Osaka All-Day
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“The Nonpareil Osaka” Couse: Choose from:
Katsuo-ji + Cup Noodle Museum or
Shitennō-ji + Kuromon Fish Market or
Kaiyūkan (World Biggest Aquarium)
Pickup included