Nara's Soul: Private 8-Hr Shore Excursion from Osaka/Kobe

We were a group of solo travellers from a cruise ship. Akie was a terrific guide. She was punctual meeting us at our ship and returning us to port. We had an amazing day at Nara with the deer and beautiful shrine. We also got to try some local cuisine.

We had a wonderful time on this private tour to Nara. Ichiru was instrumental is getting us through the public transportation system from the Kobe Port to Nara. He was so patient with us as we got sidetracked with feeding the bowing deer. It was a worthwhile, unforgettable excursion.

Our tour guide, Aki-san, was awesome! She paid attention to every detail, answered all of our questions and was extremely patient with my two grandchildren. She even entertained us at the end of the tour with fun clapping songs to end our tour in a very happy and dynamic mood.

From beginning to end, my husband and I had a wonderful day trip to Nara with our excellent guide, Miyo. She first met us at our hotel to greet us. From there, we walked, took the subway, and made our way to Nara. Using the subway system was so much easier with a guide around, especially since we are new travelers to Japan. During our tour to visit various sites within Nara, we learned a lot about the history. Miyo also answered the many questions we had about Japan and its culture. She also provided us with some tips on where to eat, etc. After visiting Nara, Miyo guided us through some Osaka spots that we weren't aware of previously. I can't express enough how wonderful it is to have a private guide, but to have one that we connect with. She made our day special and memorable. Definitely recommend it.

From beginning to end, my husband and I had a wonderful day trip to Nara with our excellent guide, Miyo. She first met us at our hotel to greet us. From there, we walked, took the subway, and made our way to Nara. Using the subway system was so much easier with a guide around, especially since we are new travelers to Japan. During our tour to visit various sites within Nara, we learned a lot about the history. Miyo also answered the many questions we had about Japan and its culture. She also provided us with some tips on where to eat, etc. After visiting Nara, Miyo guided us through some Osaka spots that we weren't aware of previously. I can't express enough how wonderful it is to have a private guide, but to have one that we connect with. She made our day special and memorable. Definitely recommend it.

We did this tour to Nara from the cruise ship in a group of 8 friends. Communication was great beforehand and Kaori was easy to find at the cruise.port. The taxi van was also comfortable with a good driver. We drove to Nara with Kaori telling us lots of facts and history to pass the time - not boring but very informative. On arriving in to Nara, we went to the parks and fed the deer (fab) and then went to see the Buddha and the temple. Kaori was our own personal tour guide and was just brilliant. We then went to the old town and wandered through with several stops to old houses and even saki tasting as we said we'd like to try! Then lunch which was well organised and delicious. Kaori went out of her way to find some gifts that a couple of our party wanted and a cash machine with instructions on how to use!! We then went to the shrine but unfortunately it was partly closed that day and Kaori was very apologetic but it wasn't her fault and couldn't be helped. It didn't spoil our day and she more than made up for it. Kaori took lots of photos of us which was great. We then travelled back to the port getting back in plenty of time. She even found us some treats to eat on the way back! A fantastic tour and Kaori was brilliant, thank you. Highly recommended.

I can't say enough about this tour. Minako met us as we came off the cruise ship in Kobe and escorted us via train to see Nara. She was helpful, pleasant and full of information without trying to bore us with too many details. She seemed to know just how much we wanted to talk without being too intrusive. I felt like I had a relative showing me the city rather than an official tour guide. We fed the deer at Nara park and visited the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Minako even went out of her way to try to find a souvenir mug that my wife was looking for. Anyone visiting Kobe/Osaka/Nara must use All Star Osaka Walk if they want a tour of the area.

I can't say enough about this tour. Minako met us as we came off the cruise ship in Kobe and escorted us via train to see Nara. She was helpful, pleasant and full of information without trying to bore us with too many details. She seemed to know just how much we wanted to talk without being too intrusive. I felt like I had a relative showing me the city rather than an official tour guide. We fed the deer at Nara park and visited the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Minako even went out of her way to try to find a souvenir mug that my wife was looking for. Anyone visiting Kobe/Osaka/Nara must use All Star Osaka Walk if they want a tour of the area.

Thank you Kiko for the wonderful experience exploring Nara. We have memories we will forever cherish You were so kind & knowledgeable. Thank you

Kaori is awesome. We had a wonderful day learning about the history and beauty of Nara. She met us at the cruise ship port in Kobe and had the whole day visit to Nara planned out. We took the train from Kobe to Nara. In Nara park, we bought special deer crackers. See photo of Alan feeding the (very tame) deer. Lunch was included Kaori had booked at a tiny restaurant (only four tables) and ate oone of Nara's specialties - somen (thin) noodles. Kaori came equipped with small Japanese coins that she gave us, several times, to throw into a special place at the shrine and temple so that we could make a prayer (wish). At the end, she bought us all a very tasty baked thing, stuffed with red bean paste. See the picture of the three of us holding them. On the train ride back, we had a chance to talk to her about a whole range of things. It would be great to spend another day with her.