Your Own Personal Guide
Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides will be glad to show you the sights in exchange for the chance to practice their English. A national organization of volunteers, Goodwill Guides range from students and housewives to retired people. Although a guide is often waiting at Kintetsu Station's tourist office to lead the first tourists who show up any day except Sunday, make reservations in advance if you want to be assured of having a guide by calling tel. 0742/45-5920 at least the day before to arrange a time. Guides are available daily from 9am to 5pm. There's no charge for these personal guides, but you are requested to pay their transportation to meet you, and I suggest you also pay for the guide's lunch (guides do not have to pay admission fares to attractions). Similar services are provided by Nara Student Guides by calling tel. 0742/26-4753 and by Nara S.G.G. Club at tel. 0742/22-5595.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
