Osaka & Nara in 1-Day by Private Van with Local Expert Guide
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 mo
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!
Travel Insurance for Japan
SafetyWing covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and adventure activities. Plans from $1.5/day.
What To Expect
Stop 1
⏱ 1hThe 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.
Stop 2
⏱ 20 minOsaka 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
Stop 3
⏱ 15 minA 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.
Stop 4
Pass byAmerican 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!
Stop 5
⏱ 1hTodai-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!
Stop 6
Pass by"Akihabara" of Osaka, a town of electronics and animes! More concentrated than Akiba'
Stop 7
⏱ 15 minDotonbori/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
Stop 8
⏱ 15 minThis 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.
Stop 9
⏱ 5 minThe most crowded shopping arcade in Japan where you can see "the river of people", comparative to Shibuya Crossing
Stop 10
Pass byThis 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!
Stop 11
⏱ 10 minThe 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!
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
What’s NOT Included
- ✗Any additional cost by your customization
- ✗Fee for dinner
- ✗Lunch time
- ✗Admission fees
Additional Info
- ♿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
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