Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Nara Park with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Make your stay in Nara complete with these things to do
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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"Hiroyuki our guide for the day is so hospitable and knowledgeable about everything. If you really want to get more out of your stay, history, culture, people in Nara then Hiroyuki is the right choice. Greetings from Sweden"
"We met Hiro at his very popular cafe which was a great start to the day. Our tour was fun and informative and Hiro then walked us to a locals only Izakaya for lunch, after lunch and well into overtime for the tour he walked us to an amazing, non-descript speakeasy that we would never have found on our own. A great way to finish our visit to Nara! "
"I needed a tour guide who could customize a tour to my specific requests. I was in Nara to do research for a novel. I had written out the details of what I needed to see ahead of time. Hiro understood far better than I did what was essential to experience. His family roots go back at least three hundred years here. And you can tell that bringing his guests into the heart and soul of Nara is a mission for him. Within ten minutes I forgot that I was with a tour guide and then spent several hours walking around with a friend. I hope that you are lucky enough to book Hiro. If so, tell him Kevin sent you."
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Nara with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Nara has to offer
Imagine a place where sacred deer roam free among ancient temples. This is Nara Park! A world of wonder awaits, and there's no better way to see it than with a local guide. Get ready for your unforgettable Nara Park adventure and create memories that last a lifetime.
Did you know the sika deer in Nara Park are considered sacred messengers of the gods? According to local folklore, a deity arrived in Nara on a white deer. These revered animals now roam freely, creating a magical atmosphere unique to Nara Park.
Experience a unique cultural interaction in Nara Park: the bowing deer! For a deer cracker, many will politely bow their heads. This charming habit has become a beloved symbol of the park and offers a delightful connection between humans and nature.
Nara Park was established in 1880, but its history runs much deeper. The park grounds include the ancient Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha shrines, whose histories date back to the 8th century when Nara was the imperial capital of Japan. Walk through living history in Nara Park.
Within Nara Park lies Todai-ji Temple, which holds the Great Buddha or 'Daibutsu'. This colossal 15-meter bronze statue is housed inside one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Feeling its immense, peaceful presence is a core part of the Nara Park experience.
Don't just see Nara Park, feel its spirit. A private tour with a passionate local guide is waiting for you. Discover hidden stories and see the park through a local's eyes. Spots are limited, so book your exclusive Nara Park experience now to avoid missing out!
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Easily reschedule your booking
Fast, secure checkout in your currency
"Hiro-san gave us an incredible, fully custom day at Nara that has been a highlight of our visit to Japan... - Views of the city that we never would have discovered on our own - Understanding on the significance and history of the major attractions - Insight into some unique shops - A special meal in a local favorite restaurant - The opportunity to visit a special off-the-map venue of personal interest Thanks for a great day Hiro-san! All the best!"
"Hiroyuki gave us a wonderful introduction to Nara by bike. He was flexible about meeting us, when our lunch lasted longer than we had expected; he showed us a traditional Chinese pharmacy, founded in 1124 and owned by 24 generations of the same family; he helped us explore local antique shops to find a deck of \"100 poems\" playing cards; he took us for a ride along the river to the Great Buddha Temple and bought crackers to feed the deer. We had no specific objectives for our visit, and were happy that Hiro was so creative in proposing things for us to do. We recommend him highly."
"Hiro is engaging and knowledgeable and have us an excellent tour of Nara Park that avoided crowds and took us to fantastic sites and stops!"
"She met us at the station and she is a very lovely person with great English. She was flexible to our needs and adapted to my disability for which I am grateful. "
"We had a wonderful day exploring Nara with Hiroyuki. Make sure to bring your walking shoes, because you're going to cover a lot of ground! Beautiful sites and great guide!"
"Hiro was a great tour guide, full of interesting information and cultural insights. He was very patient and flexible and adapted the tour to accommodate the different needs of our family (daughters aged 13, 11 and 5). It was a pleasure to spend time with Hiro. We would recommend this tour. Thank you! "
"Hiroyuki was both very fun and knowledgeable. He made our tour of Nara amazing - even tough it was raining cats and dogs. Great guide!"
Discover experiences based on your interest
Just a short walk from Nara Park, you must try 'yomogi mochi'. Watch the dramatic, high-speed pounding process at Nakatanidou, a famous local shop. Biting into a fresh, warm mochi is the perfect local treat to fuel your Nara Park exploration.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
