At Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, travelers will be captivated by the iconic pathway of thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity, features stunning traditional architecture, including the main shrine building and various smaller shrines scattered along the hiking trail. Visitors can explore these sacred grounds, enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto, and experience the serene and spiritual ambiance that pervades the shrine complex.
Arashiyama, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque and serene district renowned for its natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Travelers to Arashiyama will be enchanted by the iconic bamboo grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere. In addition to the bamboo grove, visitors can explore the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, spanning the Katsura River, offers a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Arashiyama also features the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where travelers can hike to the top of a hill to interact with wild monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto. The area's charming streets are lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and restaurants, providing a delightful blend of cultural experiences and natural splendor.
Nara Park, situated in Nara, Japan, is a picturesque and historic park renowned for its serene ambiance and friendly deer population. Spanning over 500 hectares, it is home to several iconic landmarks, including Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Nara National Museum. Visitors can stroll through lush greenery, interact with the freely roaming deer, and explore centuries-old cultural treasures. Nara Park is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil retreat amidst Japan's ancient capital.
Todai-ji Temple, located in Nara, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the country. Constructed in the 8th century, it houses the Daibutsuden, or Great Buddha Hall, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. The main attraction of Todai-ji is the colossal bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, known as the Great Buddha of Nara, which stands at over 15 meters tall. Surrounded by serene gardens and ancient stone lanterns, Todai-ji Temple is a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
The Kasuga Taisha Museum, located in Nara, Japan, is dedicated to showcasing the cultural and religious significance of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum exhibits a collection of sacred artifacts, including ancient religious objects, intricate sculptures, and historical documents related to the shrine's history and rituals. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Shintoism and learn about the role of Kasuga Taisha in Japanese spirituality. With its informative displays and serene atmosphere, the Kasuga Taisha Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Nara's cultural heritage.
Vicky, as he likes to be called, was quiet, kind, friendly, and knowledgeable. He was a safe driver, and once we exchanged WhatsApp numbers, communication went very well. He got us to the sites we really wanted to see, and the experience was more than we could have hoped for.
We had an amazing time! Danni is an extremely safe, courteous, and friendly driver. He managed our itinerary exceptionally well—we were able to see all the planned destinations and even fit in an extra stop while staying perfectly on schedule.
Our driver Hassan was very professional and knowledgeable, he was in constant contact through WhatsApp before and during our day trip. Visited Fushimi inari taisha shrine, Golden Palace, Bamboo forest, Kyoto. Highlight of our day was visiting the deer at Nara park.
We had a fantastic day out with Zohaib. He was extremely accommodating, helpful and knowledgeable. Also very friendly and made everyone feel comfortable. Highly recommend.
Our trip to Nara & Kyoto was quite memorable because of our guide Zamad Jutt!! Very professional & knowledgeable
Sunny & Talal were perfect tour guides. So very kind and respectful. They are ambitious and smart. We felt safe when driving and had a nice time with both of them! Good luck in school guys! 😃 They drove us where ever we wanted and suggested beautiful places to go! We loved it! We went from Osaka to Nara to Kyoto! They shared information about the places then let us go and explore! From the deer in Nara to the bamboo & Kimono Forest, with more adventures in between! Such a great day!
Sunny & Talal were wonderful guides! My wife and I were traveling from Tokyo to Osaka and while we were on the Shinkansen, we scheduled this private vehicle afternoon tour of both Nara and Kyoto for the afternoon of the day that we arrived in Osaka. Sunny & Talal suggested great locations to visit, while also accommodating the sites we wanted to visit, and we were able to see many historic and modern sites in both Nara and Kyoto in one short afternoon. Great job and THANK YOU, Sunny & Talal!
Driver and guide were very friendly and ensured we saw all the things we wanted to see. The tour was what we expected
We had a great experience, we got to do many things! We wish we would prioritized our time better in different areas that we went to. But overall it was great and Ali stayed in contact with us via what’s app and recommended a great ramen place to eat in Kyoto! We only paid to go into 1 temple that we thought would be nice to see and it was for the ojakko-ji which was around 600yen to get in. We opted out of buying biscuits for the deer in Nara but you could do that as well. Lots of people, which was expected but Overall nice experience!
AB was such an amazing tour guide. He was friendly, knowledgeable and great to be around. He gave us the perfect tour and was very accommodating. I would highly recommend.
Today’s tour was phenomenal. I was traveling with my boys and we had specific things we wanted to do before leaving Japan. They created a tour that was specific to our needs and our timeframe. Our true guide was very knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
Usama is very friendly and detail . He was on time and on point and dealing with problem well . Thank for to have him as our tour guide . He showed us the best noddle shop …….! Thankful to have him as our private tour guide .
Usama was great! He escorted me to the sites in Nara & Osaka since it was a solo trip.
The trip was amazing and the driver was very friendly and caring towards the customers. He was patient enough to guide us through all the sight seeing places..very kind and gentle person
Hassan was on time, very professional. Flexible with time and places to stop. suggested few good spots and resturents
We had a wonderful time exploring Osaka with our guide Ali. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole experience fun and engaging. Ali shared great insights about the city’s history and culture, and took us to some fantastic spots we wouldn’t have found on our own. His warm personality and professionalism made the tour truly memorable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Osaka!
My wife & I, along with a friend & his wife loved the tour. Especially Ibrahim who was our driver, friendly and easy to talk to, made it a very special day. We loved the Golden temple Kinka ku ji, Arishiyama , is a bit over rated though, the Temple next to it Tenryu ji is really beautiful. Nara with its deer park and Todai ji temple is a great experience. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a beautiful shrine & would recommend. The tour was just about right and we loved it. Subramani Iyer
We had Ali as a guide and he was amazing! He was very patient and flexible while we tried new things and figured out what we wanted to see most. He was always great about making sure we didn’t get lost and that we knew where to reach him and where to meet. We felt very attended and cared for. You can tell that he puts his best effort into making sure we had the best trip possible. He made our day!
Absolutely DO NOT BOOK this tour. It was not a tour. It was an insanely overpriced taxi ride in a dirty van. Showed up 1.5 hours late. Driver spoke English but didn’t speak the entire time. No information on either stop. Dropped off and waited for us to walk around. We could have taken the train or a taxi for so much less and the same experience. Complete disappointment. Asked for a partial refund that was denied- so that also tells you about this company. Run away.
Hassan was our driver. He was a nice kid. He took us where we asked him to go. He is the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one.But unfortunately, there were many negatives to this day. Hassan was very new to the job. Not knowing where to park, not knowing where to drop us off, not knowing anything about the sites we are visiting, not knowing anything about the path we should take. At one point we visited the market alleyway, which was interesting. He dropped us off and then we called for a pick up. After 45 minutes, he said he couldn’t find us. We were standing exactly where he dropped us off. But he was either lost, or he was off doing something else. Our trip to Nara was great. Beautiful place. Most of your time should be spent here. Had to use AI to explain all the sites. His knowledge was zero to minimal. He should not be on his own. I highly recommend not to booking with this agency. Since they let a kid with 0 Experience drive us around.
Abad was great! We really enjoyed our tour and can recommend it! Kyoto and Nara are beautiful and well worth seeing from Osaka!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had an unforgettable experience exploring Nara and Kyoto with our incredible guide, Hamza. From start to finish, he made our trip truly special. Hamza took us to the most amazing places — beautiful hidden spots and must-see sights that we would have never discovered on our own. He was extremely knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the history and culture of each place we visited. What really stood out was how accommodating he was. Hamza never rushed us; instead, he patiently adjusted to our pace and always looked for ways to make us feel comfortable and happy. He went above and beyond to please us, making sure we were enjoying every moment. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Thank you, Hamza, for an unforgettable journey through Nara and Kyoto! We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a personalized and memorable experience.
We had a day trip to Nara and Kyoto today with Usama as our driver. Overall, it was a great experience. Usama was polite, respectful, and a safe driver — we felt very comfortable with him behind the wheel. He was quiet and only answered when we asked questions, but he was always courteous. One point to note is that the vehicle did smell of cigarette smoke, which was a bit unpleasant. Also, Usama wasn’t sure about the exact closing times of some places, so unfortunately we missed two locations because we arrived too late to visit them. On the positive side, Usama kindly dropped us off in Osaka shopping and even waited to make sure we got back to our hotel safely, which we really appreciated. All in all, despite a few small issues, it was a good trip and we enjoyed exploring Nara and Kyoto.
They tell us 10 minutes before this trip is supposed to start that they will arrive 1 1/2 hours after the start time! .,,. Terrible! Do not book with them
Hamza was great, and he was wonderful in accommodating our specific requests during the day, as changing conditions warranted. We also started the day with Nara instead of Kyoto.
Hamzah was amazing, We had a great tour. We enjoyed the culture and history of both cities. His tips help alot, Ramen was delicious near Bamboo forest. Highly recommended.
Hamza was our driver. He was informative and was very efficient in taking us to each place. He knew the routes and best places to take pictures. Our agenda was pretty full and consisted of the Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Nara Park, Todai Ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Museum. We were a group of 6 and really wanted to also see Kinkaku-ji Temple and even though it wasn’t in the agenda, Hamza was nice enough to take us there as well! He really knows his way around and went out of his way to make the visits informative.
Yama was our English/Japanese guide. Was attentive and friendly. Found us a great traditional lunch and ice cream spot in Kyoto. Would definitely recommend!
He was friendly and helpful. Though the vehicle we were in wasn’t the cleanest and had a bit of an odd smell. Given it was our car for the entire day and we paid $$ for the tour, I wish it was at least cleaned and ready for us.
Our group of 4 was fortunate to have Yama as our tour guide/private driver. He took us to all of the highlights listed on the itinerary and more. It also helped a lot that he was able to speak English and Japanese fluently. Yama was just awesome and we would hire him again without any hesitation if we were to come back. So if you’re looking for someone to drive you to every must see location then I highly recommend Yama with this company. It was worth the money!
Dilshara Sha was the most amazing person. He made our day fun and interesting. He captivated my wife and I with his knowledge of beautiful Kyoto and Nara! Thank you for lovely and magical day- Kind regards, Patrick and Cindy Boyle
This is a driver, not a guide. And it's no more of a tour than if you put the points in Uber in advance. Change your expectations and you can still have a good time. My experiences with Viator private tours over the years over the globe have been superb: a knowledgeable, helpful guide who can give you some background on your tour, provide interesting points of interest, provide an insider guide on where to eat, shop, etc. In this case, our driver, Saad, arrived 30 min late had little to say except where we can find him after we finish looking at each of the drop off sites. You must be your own guide, come prepared with your own research, including where, when and what you would like to eat. Think of it as an Uber driver for the day, and thats what youll have.
Very disappointed with this experience. Our driver was over 30 minutes late and initially arrived at the wrong hotel, even though we confirmed numerous times the timing and location of pickup. The van was too small for the number of people in our group so we were cramped the whole time. The driver hardly said a word for the entire trip (even though he spoke perfect English) and provided zero guidance on what to do, where to go, etc. He merely dropped us off at random spots and told me to call him when we are ready to leave. I understand this wasn’t supposed to be a guided tour but this was very abrupt and unhelpful. Meanwhile he would smoke in the van so we came back to a car that reeked of smoke. The destinations themselves in Nara and Kyoto were lovely. The experience of getting there, traveling between locations and getting back was awful. Would not recommend this at all.
Awais is a very considerate and friendly tour guide. Me and my families very happy with the tour. I would recommended with this tour.
Amazing day, covered all spots. Driver (Mr. Awais) was punctual and very accommodating. 100% recommend him for Osaka based trips.
We had such a nice time with Ali , we did three days tour with him in Osaka , Kyoto , Nara , and we really enjoy it , he is well knowledgeable person and speak good English and have knowledge about Japaness culture and like in Japan , we hit all the famous places in three cities and would like to come back again and must book Milkyway Tours. Thanks Ali being nice with us , See you again ..
A great outing with a family of 3 x Adults and 3 x Kids (all under 10). Our guide Awais was very knowledgable of the three different locations we explored and was a safe driver transporting us around. I’s highly recommend him for other groups!
I decided to go with Milkyway Tours for my trip to Nagoya from Kyoto. I wanted to visit the Toyota museums and my options were either multiple trains, a rental car, Uber taxi or private driver. I’m glad I chose Milkyway. Awais was a fantastic driver. He was patient, considerate and able to answer all my questions. Highly recommended if you do not want to hassle with public transportation or the headache of driving or dealing with parking.
We sincerely appreciate our driver and guide Mr Awais for making our kyoto trip so smooth and memorable. Your knowledge, professionalism, and warm hospitality truly enhanced our experience. Thank you for your patience, insightful guidance, and safe driving—we couldn’t have asked for a better companion on this journey!
Our driver, Awasi, was very attentive to our needs. We felt well taken cared of. Great experience at Nara, Arashiyama and Fushi-Inari.
Ali was amazing!!! Very knowledgeable, kind, patient, he made our tour absolutely amaizing!!! Visited allá the places in the “what to expect list”. Tickets are not included but you can buy them on the spot easily.
Awashi drove us around and was very patient and kind to our family. He went with us and offered to take family pictures for us, that was very nice. My family wanted to take a lot of pictures of the beautiful scenery and selfies - Awashi was very patient and did not rush us. We had a very nice day and enjoyed our time. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking for a customizable tour of Kyoto and Nara. Thank you Awashi, you are a very skilled driver!
Driver was on time, friendly and spoke English. Car was clean and comfortable, would definitely recommend for someone that wants to see attractions with their own schedule and not be rushed by a tour guide.
Had a great informative day with Ali! We were able to see a lot of Kyoto and Nara. Enjoyed the Nara park and the monkey park.
Ali did a great job of accommodating our needs today, and providing essential information for what to do, where to go, and what to see in Nara and Kyoto.
We had a great experience with our driver, Ali. He was efficient and was very accommodating to our little one and my parents. We are so glad we were able to see and experience Nara and Kyoto with this tour group.
Ali took us to amazing spots. He was flexible and made sure we went to all the spots we wanted to see. Nara, bamboo forest, and great lunch recommendations were a hit with my family.
Our driver Abdullah was an hour late, due to which he claimed was an emergency company meeting but did not let us know until 8:05am. We were supposed to start the tour at 8:00. Unfortunately, the car (which we would drive around in all day) also reeked of smoke. I hoped that as a “tour guide”, the guide would be telling us all about the areas we were seeing, starting off with Osaka (like Osaka Castle). He didn’t. He just drove us straight to Nara. I was surprised that he didn’t get out of the car to actually give us a tour. He just dropped us off and said he was going to stay in the car. Since I was expecting a private tour, I didn’t do any research beforehand on the areas we were visiting. Same for the Bamboo Forest and the Torii Gates. I would’ve preferred a tour guide to show us around since that’s what we had signed up for.
We took a tour with Imran Khan and he was absolutely amazing! Highlights of the tour were the Nara Park, Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest), Todaj-ji Temple, Fushimi Shrine. Imran was extremely knowledgeable and answered all of our questions about what we were seeing. Our group took a private tour with Imran and he was able to tailor the tour to what we were most interested in and recommend an appropriate amount of time to spend at each stop based on what we wanted to see. As well, Imran was very prompt and responsive to our communications prior and during the tour. Imran clearly knows the different sites and how to make the most out of a tour. Would recommend Imran to anyone coming to Kyoto for the first time or returning!
Ali was an exceptional tour guide! He was knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic day exploring Kyoto and Nara. He took us to some stunning spots and provided valuable insights into the area's history and culture. I highly recommend this tour, especially if you have Ali as your guide. He made the experience truly unforgettable.
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