All Reviews for Cultural Experiences

I visited Nara with my wife for the first time since our elementary school field trip. Back then, we had a whirlwind trip over two days, visiting Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, so my memories of Nara were limited to seeing Kofuku-ji reflected in Sarusawa Pond and feeding the deer in Nara Park.

When we decided to go to Nara this time, I initially thought about renting a car to visit the main shrines and temples. However, considering that I was unfamiliar with the area, the challenge of securing parking, the high individual entrance fees, and lacking knowledge about the shrines and temples, I felt that even if we went, it wouldn't be enjoyable. So, I searched online for a good tour plan. I happened to come across a one-day tour organized by Nara Kotsu that included Horyu-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji, and I made a reservation, albeit with some skepticism about its cost-effectiveness.

Once the tour began, it turned out to be a delightful bus trip, with our skilled driver, Mr. K, ensuring safe driving, and our bus guide, Ms. Y, providing a humorous commentary filled with information about the temples we visited. The tour progressed on time and was more enjoyable than I had expected. After the trip, we stopped by an izakaya and enjoyed local Yamato vegetables and tofu dishes while sharing impressions from the tour over some local sake, creating new memories together.

　小学校の修学旅行以来の奈良見物を妻としました。当時は、一泊二日で奈良、京都、大阪を巡る強行旅行だったためか奈良の思い出と言えば、猿沢池に映る興福寺と奈良公園内で鹿にせんべいをやったことしかありませんでした。
　今回奈良に行くと決めた当初はレンタカーを借りて、主要な神社仏閣を見て回ることを考えましたが、やはり土地勘もない上、駐車場の確保、割高な個人拝観料、見学する神社仏閣に関する知識・情報がない状況では、行った事実になっても、何も面白味がないと思い、ネットでお得なツアープランを探しました。たまたま奈良交通主催「法隆寺、薬師寺、唐招提寺」等を巡る一日ツアーが目に止まり、コスパ・タイパになるツアーか半信半疑のまま早速予約を入れました。
　実際ツアーが始まると安全運転で熟練のドライバーＫさんと見学先の仏閣の表・裏の情報を交えたコミカルな話しぶりのバスガイドＹさんの息の合ったツアー劇場が時間通り進行して、予想以上に楽しいバス旅行となりました。旅行終了後は、居酒屋に飛び込み、妻と地の大和野菜や豆腐を使った料理、ツアーでお互い印象に残ったことなど肴に地酒など呑みながら、新たな思い出を作りました。

We were able to efficiently visit five locations, and the guide's explanations were thorough and easy to understand. The guide was also an interesting person, which added to the enjoyment.
Nara can be challenging to explore on your own, so I recommend this for first-timers or those who want to see everything efficiently.
However, unfortunately, the meal was terrible.
If possible, I would like to see a course option that allows for a choice between including meals or having free time for meals.

五カ所を効率良く周れ、ガイドさんの説明も丁寧で分かりやすかったです。ガイドさん自身が面白い方だったのでプラスαで楽しめました。
奈良は個人で廻るのは大変なので初めての方や、効率よく周りたい方にお勧めです。
ただ…残念ながら食事は酷かったです。
可能なら食事付き、食事なし（各自自由）を選べるコースを作って頂きたいです。

well organised

intimate, friendly, welcoming

thorough

excellent accompanying documentation - just need to work out how I can acquire/source cashew tree lacquer back home :-)

attention to detail re: packaging for travel home

Update Feb 2026

Hello, lucky enough to have another trip to Japan and was able to purchase small tin of Cashew Lacquer!
Please remind me what the (paint) powder was that we mixed with the lacquer to form the 'paint'. And is this the same powder that was dusted on at the end. (I have bought a small pot of gold coloured paint powder, will this do?) Thank-you

We went into it without prior knowledge of the venue, the actual setup or the details of the experience, and i was at awe of the arrangement and the experience, truly a once of a life-time experience you cannot miss if you plan to visit Kyoto!

The venue was superb, the restaurant being reserved solely for us, a genuinely private experience. However, I have to note that the initially, it wasn't a pleasant start due to a misunderstanding by the host restaurant staff. As the lead of the group I approached the front door of the venue, only to be shouted at by an elderly male saying that this is private and i have to leave. I tried to approach him to show him my reservation as i was trying to explain that we are the ones who booked the venue but his attitude got more aggressive and did not want to hear anything i had to say. I was not going to start the experience with conflict so i left and got in touch with the emergency number on the voucher, who immediately resolved the issue and the man later apologized for his behavior. I understand that tourist have been a bit of a hassle lately for Kyoto and hence do not take it personally, however for future reservations, please note of this and don't let it ruin your day.

As for the main experience, there are no words to summarize how magical, pleasant and lovely the rest of the evening was. The translator, an expert in Geisha Tradition was superb, providing us with a detailed history of the tradition and guiding us on how to enjoy the experience as it plays out. The shimasen, Gecko, Geisha and Maikos made us feel like honorary guests and provided us with the most authentic and personal experience we have ever enjoyed, a lovely mix of dance, song, food, entertainment and conversation. Although i say it is a once in a life-time experience, i will definitely book when i visit the country again!

I never imagined that I could actually make Edo Kiriko, which I've wanted for so long! Moreover, thank you for teaching me kindly and patiently, and for helping me fix my mistakes. Thanks to you, I was able to create a piece that is uniquely mine!

ずっと欲しかった江戸切子をまさか自分で作れるなんて思ってもみませんでした！
しかも優しく丁寧に教えてくれて失敗した所も直してもらえてありがとうございました。
お陰で自分だけの作品を作ることが出来ました〜

The Noh theater located in the basement of the hotel was very impressive and beautiful. The pre-performance speakers were also interesting, filled with laughter and educational. The kyogen performance was excellent as well.

ホテルの地下にある能楽堂ですがとても立派で綺麗でした
前説の方々も面白く笑いありで勉強になりました
狂言もとても良かったです

It was great that I could visit Kofuku-ji before the tour started, even though the boarding and alighting stations were different. After getting off at Nara Station, I strolled along Sanjo Street to buy souvenirs, making for a very fulfilling day. Since I participated in consecutive tours from the day before, I used a 500 yen refund and a 10% discount coupon per person, which made the upgraded souvenirs very well received. We walked a lot during the tour, and when including the time before and after, I exceeded 19,000 steps. I was able to see the Buddha statues and temples I wanted to see, enjoy delicious meals, and even have a tea experience at Jiko-in, making it a wonderful trip. Thank you for the recommended photo spots from the guide.

乗車駅と下車駅が違っても良かったので、ツアー出発前に興福寺を見学してからツアーに参加、奈良駅で下車後に三条通りを散策しながらお土産購入と、とても濃い1日でした。前日から連続ツアー参加でしたので、1人に付き500円戻しと10パーセント割引券を使い、少しグレードアップしたお土産が喜ばれています。ツアーもたくさん歩きましたが、前後も入れると19000歩超えでしたが、見たかった仏像や仏閣が見られ、美味しい食事と慈光院でのお茶体験までできて、良い旅になりました。ガイドさんお薦めの写真ポイントもありがとうこざいます。

It was a full day of sightseeing. I was definitely tired, but it's something I couldn't have done on my own, so the sightseeing bus was really appreciated. I especially enjoyed having matcha and sweets during tea time. I once again felt that the sightseeing bus offers great value for both time and cost.

丸一日使っての観光でした。さすがに疲れましたが個人ではこれだけまわることは出来ないので観光バスはありがたいですね。特にお茶タイムでお抹茶とお菓子をいただいたのが良かったですね。観光バスはタイパもコスパもとても良いと改めて感じました。

大好き!!! I had so much fun making the lil food sample parfait, our helper was so perfect and sweet !!! he spoke English and would tell you what the word was in japanese, it was so so cute. I loved the whole experience so much and everything they make is so cute!!! im so happy to have a lil cutie parfait to sit on my desk at home

After the staff's explanation and demonstration, I practiced on my own before the actual event. At first, I struggled with the pressure and how to approach the carving, making many mistakes, but gradually I was able to do it as I intended. With the staff's advice, I managed to complete my piece. It was challenging, but creating a one-of-a-kind item was very satisfying. Thank you very much.

スタッフの説明、デモンストレーションの後、自分で実際に練習してから本番に臨みました。
最初は力加減や彫る箇所の見方等、掴めず失敗ばかりでしたが、少しずつ思い通りにできるようになっていきました。
スタッフのアドバイスをいただきながら、なんとか完成することができました。
難しかったけど一点ものを作るのは満足度高いです。
ありがとうございました。

Yakatabune Tsuri Shin has high-quality management and staff, which impressed me. The service on the boat was also excellent. I was especially grateful when they contacted me immediately about a lost item and sent it to me by mail. Their response was wonderful, and I am very thankful.

屋形船釣新は経営者や働いている人の質が高く、感動しました。船での接客姿勢もよかったです。特に忘れ物した際にすぐ連絡頂き、忘れ物を郵便送ってくれました。対応がすばらしく感謝しております。

Despite the light rain, I was thrilled to visit Nara for the first time. The pagodas and temple complexes of Hōryū-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Tōshōdai-ji had a charming atmosphere as they were wet from the rain, and the national treasure statues were amazing. I wished I could have spent half a day relaxing in the garden viewed from the tea room at Jikō-in if I had more time.

あいにくの小雨でしたが初めての奈良に感激です。法隆寺•薬師寺•唐招提寺の塔と伽藍が小雨にぬれた趣のある雰囲気、国宝の仏像が最高でした。慈光院の茶室から眺める庭園は時間があれば半日でもゆっくりしたかったな。

It had been several decades since I last visited Nara. I had planned to explore on my own by obtaining a sightseeing map in advance, but since I only had one day, I decided to use a bus tour. I was determined not to miss any of the guide's extensive explanations. We efficiently visited famous temples, and the historical stories and backgrounds were explained in a way that kept me engaged throughout. I'm glad I participated in this tour. Thank you very much. Next time, I would like to take my time exploring the attractions I haven't visited yet.

奈良観光は数十年ぶりでした。
事前に観光マップを取り寄せ自力での観光を考えていましたが、
限られた1日でしたのでバスツアーを利用してみることにしました。
ガイドさんの幅広い説明を聞き漏らすまいと必死でした。
有名なお寺を効率良く回り歴史的な話、背景を飽きることなく説明してくださりこのツアーに参加して正解でした。
ありがとうございました。
次回はまだ訪れていない名所などじっくりと回りたいと思っています。

The location of the kimono and the Tokyo Skytree is a bit far apart, and the kimono place might be a little hard to find, but they were very kind and accommodating. I would like to use their services again. Thank you very much.

着物とスカイツリーの場所が遠いのと着物の場所は少しわかりずらいかもですがとてもお優しく対応してくださいました。またご利用したいなと思います、ありがとうございました。

Thank you for your kind guidance, even though I am a beginner. The result is at level one, but I would like to try again next time to improve my level. I would like to participate again.

初心者ですが、丁寧にご指導くださりありがとうございました
出来上がりは　レベルワンですが　次回トライしてレベルをあげたいです　
又　参加したいです

I participated with my 85-year-old mother to create memories for Mother's Day. We chose designs based on various beautifully cut glass pieces. As expected, we couldn't cut as perfectly as the samples, and my elderly mother struggled a bit, but in the end, the staff helped us finish the pieces and even took photos to make them look great. The service was also very attentive.

母の日に重ねて、思い出作りの為に85歳の母と参加しました。いろんな綺麗にカットされた切り子グラスを参考にデザインを選びます。
当たり前ですが、お見本の様にはカット出来ず
高齢の母も苦戦してましたが最後にスタッフさんが整えて頂き、映える様に写真撮影もさせてくれます。接客も丁寧でした。

The explanation from the microphone was loud (a common opinion among 13 customers). I wonder why it couldn't be done in English since the maiko spoke softly when addressing us. Although we didn't participate, most of those who experienced the matcha ceremony proceeded without proper explanations, leaving them confused. It hardly felt like a traditional cultural experience. As someone who has practiced tea ceremony for many years, I hope they can find ways to "convey" the true purpose of tea ceremony rather than just scratching the surface. It was nice that we were able to take a group photo.

マイクの説明がうるさい( 13人のお客様共通の意見　舞妓さんに話しかける時は少しソフトなのでなぜ英語でできないのか疑問。　私たちはしませんでしたがお抹茶体験の方のほとんどは何をどうして良いのか適切な説明がないままさっさと進行しわけわからない　伝統文化体験とは到底言えない感じでした。
茶道を長年している者として　表面的ではなく真の茶道の目的を「伝える」よう工夫して欲しい。
グループ写真取れたのは良かったです。

Since it was the first day of the holiday, I thought it would be crowded, but it wasn't at all, and I was able to take my time, which was great. The weather was nice, and the guide's explanations were thorough—an excellent sightseeing experience!

連休の初日なので混雑しているかと思っていましたが、そんなこともなくゆっくりと回れたので良かったです。天気も良く、ガイドさんの説明も丁寧で言う事なし！な観光でした。

I participated with my daughter. The explanations were thorough, with demonstrations and practice, and the instruction was very careful. I was able to create a simple wisteria pattern quite well, so I got a bit carried away and tried the bellflower, which was difficult and I struggled. However, when I had trouble, I could ask for help, and in the end, they made adjustments for me. When I placed it on the black cloth under the light, I was amazed by its beauty. I had a lot of fun concentrating for two hours.

娘と二人で参加しました。
説明もお手本を見せながら、練習もあり、丁寧教えて頂きました。簡単な藤の花の模様が、けっこう上手くできたので、調子に乗って桔梗に挑戦したら、難しく苦戦しました。でも、困った時に聞きながら、最後は、お直しもしてくださり、ライトの当たった黒い布の上に置くと、素晴らしさに感激しました。2時間集中して楽しかったです。

The meal, dance, and game were all incredible. Our translator was great and provided fun facts and history of Geisha culture.

Above all, the bus guide was knowledgeable and great. It had been over thirty years since my last visit to Nara, but I was captivated by the efficient and witty explanations about the places to see. I could really feel that Japan's bus tours have evolved.

何よりもバスガイドさんが博識で良かった。三〇十数年ぶりの奈良だったが、見るべきところを、要領良く、しかもピリリとウィットを効かせた解説に、思わず聞き入ってしまった。日本のバスツアーも進化していることが実感できた。

The bus guide's thoughtfulness and guidance were truly wonderful. I was able to enjoy the temple tour in Nara smoothly.

バスガイドさんの気遣いや案内がとても素晴らしかったです。
奈良のお寺巡りがスムーズに楽しめました。

I was able to visit at a good pace without feeling rushed. There were quite a few students due to the revival of school trips. The guide's quick thinking was demonstrated in many situations, which helped us avoid any issues. Even when I had sudden questions for the guide, they kindly shared a lot of knowledge.

However, regarding lunch... I didn't have high expectations since it's typical for tours to include a stop at a souvenir shop, but I did forget about my husband's dish (a small omelet). It's not a big deal, and the souvenir shop likely makes a lot of them.

As a suggestion, it would be nice to have the option of a lunch course provided by the traditional souvenir shops, as well as a paid option for a famous Nara lunch. Since I finally visited the longed-for Nara, I would love to enjoy a delicious lunch. This was just a foodie’s opinion, but the sightseeing course was absolutely perfect.

効率よくかつ慌しくもなく、ゆっくり拝観できました。修学旅行の復活でかなりの生徒さん達。ガイドさんの機転が沢山の場面で発揮。遭遇しなくて済みました。ガイドさんに咄嗟の質問でも、丁寧にかなりの知識を教えて頂いた。
ただ昼食は・・ツアーでのお土産さんとの抱き合わせは、こんなものだなぁ〜と、期待はしていませんが夫の料理に（小さな卵焼き）忘れてましたよ。
大した事でもないし、お土産屋さんも大量に作るので・・

要望としては、従来のお土産物屋さんが提供してくれるランチコースと、追加料金ありの奈良の名物ランチが選べると良いな。
折角、憧れの奈良に行ったのだから美味しいランチ食べたいですね。
食いしん坊の意見でしたが、観光コースは大正解でした。

Explanations were simple and clear. Helpers were polite. Results were satisfying.

Fun experience learning about the Koto and Shamisen. Host is a charming professional musician and was very patient instruction newbies on trying the instrument. He is a master player so do request that he give you a sample of his musical skills.

The location of the restaurant was impressive as well as the room, and the kaiseki dinner was really delicious.
Of course, the highlight of the evening was the performance of the amazing maiko san.
It was a unique experience to have maiko san dance just for us and have a talk with us.

It was a great experience on the yakatabune for the first time. The food was delicious, especially the freshly fried, piping hot tempura, which was the best. Being near Odaiba and the Tokyo Skytree, I was able to go up on the roof of the boat and enjoy the scenery while feeling the gentle breeze, which was wonderful.

初めての屋形船で、いい体験でした。
料理がお美味しく、特に揚げたての熱々の天ぷらが最高でした。お台場とスカイツリーの近くで船の屋根に上がってそよ風を受けながら周りの景色を見ることができ、素晴らしかったです。

The destination is accessible by a local bus, but the frequency is limited, making it inefficient to get around. If it's crowded, you should be prepared to stand.

In that regard, a sightseeing bus allows you to travel efficiently without worries, and you are guaranteed a seat. Additionally, you can listen to the excellent explanations from the guide. They answered detailed questions accurately, allowing me to gain new knowledge.

I thought the cost performance was outstanding, as the price includes transportation, the guide fee, entrance fees, lunch, and tea.

All parts of the itinerary were enjoyable and educational. Personally, I appreciated the talk about tea knowledge from the head priest of Jiko-in.

行くところは路線バスも通っているところですが、本数も限られているので効率的に回れません。混んでいたら立つことも覚悟しないといけません。
その点、観光バスなら気にせず効率的に、しかも座席確定で連れて行ってくれます。
また、ガイドさんの秀逸な説明を聴けます。細かな質問も的確に答えていただき、新たな知識を得ることもできました。
移動代＋ガイドさん代＋入場料＋昼食代＋お茶代がセットでこの価格はコストパフォーマンスも抜群と思いました。

全ての行程が楽しく、勉強になりました。個人的には慈光院のご住職の茶の心得の講話が良かったです。

We had a magnificent time with our instructor for the food class! He was instructive, patient, and made the experience the best it could be. You can really tell he loves what he does, and teaching people about it. If we ever come back to Japan, we will definitely be taking another class.

I also want to note: these classes can be taken in English is need be. Our instructor apologized for his “bad English” - and then spoke perfect English the whole time. I was like “no- WE apologize for OUR bad Japanese >_<“

Great fun for all ages. I took my husband and his guy friend, and they loved it more than they thought. Just 10/10 experience.

My daughter and I had a great time making food samples. The guide was so nice and helpful.