Things to Do in Nara

Discover the rich history and natural beauty of Nara on a morning tour from Kyoto. Visit Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the city's famous deer.

After enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto or Osaka, why not visit Nara? This ancient city, rich in nature and history, offers a unique kind of charm. For a smooth and comfortable tour, you’ll be accompanied by two staff members: a dedicated driver and a friendly guide. Depart from your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka ↓ Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha ↓ Stroll through Nara Park, feed the deer, and take photos ↓ Enjoy lunch at a lovely local Japanese restaurant Other dining options available on request ↓ Explore the Naramachi area Walk through traditional townhouses and browse local shops ↓ Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine A historic shrine set in a sacred forest preserved for over 1,000 years ↓ Drive to Mount Wakakusa summit Enjoy panoramic views and photos with the deer ↓ Return to your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka ★ Optional experiences if time allows: Afternoon tea at the historic Nara Hotel Casual matcha experience Local Nara sake tasting Seasonal activities like strawberry picking

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and gorgeous natural settings await you on this private walking tour of Nara. Get ready for an unforgettable visit!

Depart from Osaka or Kyoto for a day trip to 3 popular destinations: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nara Park, and Fushimi Inari Taisha. Try our new famous meal option "Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu" in Kyoto!

**Important Notice**If you need to change the participation date or number of participants after making a reservation, please cancel your original booking and place a new one. Changes made without canceling the original reservation will not be accepted. Discover the wonders of Nara on this immersive tour, visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple, with its impressive Nandaimon Gate and the iconic Great Buddha Hall, and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its beautiful main shrine. Experience the breathtaking views from the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, a grass-covered mountain offering a panoramic vista that will leave you in awe. Our expert English-speaking guide will lead you throughout the day, providing insightful commentary and stories about these historical sites. As a special bonus, you will receive a “Nara-Yamatoji 2-Day Pass,” which allows unlimited rides on local buses within the designated area, along with an exclusive original handkerchief.

Temples, pyramids, parks and viewpoints... Discover the delights of Nara on this guided walking tour through its historic centre, which also includes lunch! 

Depart from Osaka or Kyoto and enjoy a day trip to 4 popular destinations – Kinkaku-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Nara Park. Upgrade your tour with a Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu lunch.

Start your day with our PRIVATE morning tour and experience Nara's top attractions before the crowds arrive! As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a unique blend of history and nature. Feed the friendly wild deer, visit Todai-ji to admire the world’s largest bronze Buddha, and conclude with a sake tasting to savor the local flavors. In just a few hours, this tour allows you to experience the best of Nara in a relaxed and efficient manner. It’s the perfect day trip for those staying in Kyoto or Osaka who want to explore the charm of Nara! 《PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY》 ➡The tour duration depends on the departure point—around 6 hours from Kyoto and about 4 hours from Nara. If you opt for the sake tasting, please allow an extra 30 minutes. ➡This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, using public transportation and plenty of time on foot to explore Nara. ➡If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.

Discover Kansai with the Kintetsu Rail Pass. You'll have unlimited train travel for 1, 2 or 5 days to explore this area of Japan at your own pace.

Embark on a day trip from Kyoto to Nara, Osaka, and Fushimi Inari. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, see the charming deer of Nara, and explore the vibrant energy of Osaka.

Quiet and luxurious time: This time and space in a traditional Japanese house will allow you to forget the fatigue of traveling and enjoy and learn about Japan with all five senses. Tea Tasting: Discover your perfect cup among various types of tea. Experience the depth of Japanese tea culture while savoring the unique characteristics of each tea. Interaction with Locals: Spend time with local Nara shopkeepers and learn about Nara's culture and history from their perspective. The friendly conversation with the shopkeepers will deepen your understanding of Nara. Historical Exploration: Explore the history of Nara with the shopkeepers. Under their guidance, you will gain a deep understanding of Nara's historical sites and the stories behind them.

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From Osaka to Nara and Kyoto, wander among deer in Nara Park, meander through Fushimi Inari Taisha's torii gates, stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and marvel at historical Nonomiya Shrine.

The ancient capital of Nara, older than even Kyoto, is easily reached by train from Osaka or Kyoto. The enormous Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha inside, the deer park where you can feed crackers to the semi-wild deer, everything is more laid-back and quieter than Kyoto with much fewer tourists. Stroll through the vast temple grounds and back into the city where the tour takes you to a typical Izakaya standing bar to try some local sake and food. A wonderful way to spend a leisurely afternoon!

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Explore the best of Nara on E-bikes, including some gems off the beaten tracks, and insights with your local guide.

We offer sake tours in Nara, the birthplace of sake, where you can experience its historical brewing and culture. Accompanied by a sake-loving guide, you can interact with locals, enjoy local sake and cuisine, and have the special experience of toasting in front of World Heritage sites. We promise you an unforgettable journey, fully immersing you in the charm of Nara.

Learn tea ceremony and matcha basics One-on-One with a Tea master in a 120-year-old Japanese house. Take your time, ask freely, connect deep Japan. Families with young children are welcome!

1. Authentic Experience Unlike standard sushi classes, this experience covers every step, from preparing rice to crafting perfect nigiri. You’ll use authentic tools and techniques under the guidance of skilled instructors. 2. Cultural Insight Learn not only how to make sushi but also its cultural significance in Japan. It’s more than a cooking class—it’s an exploration of tradition. 3. Personalized Instruction With small group sizes, you’ll receive guidance tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. 4. Hands-On Fun Grate fresh wasabi, slice sushi-grade fish, and assemble sushi in an engaging, interactive environment. 5. Graduation Ceremony Celebrate your achievements with a fun graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion. 6. Take-Home Skills Learn techniques and recipes to make sushi at home, impressing friends and family. 7. Unique Setting Held in the heart of Japan, this class offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Nara gets crowded in the afternoon so in our tour we start early to avoid the crowds. This tour ends before noon so you will have time to explore other parts of Nara or make a day trip to Osaka/Kyoto.

This bike tour is based on our most popular tour, Nara Highlights, but without Yoshikien Garden and reserved for families with kids who can ride a bike. No E-bike nor Child seats are available. As it is a private family tour, you can be sure that your guide will take extra care of your group, and adjust and adapt the tour based on your preferences. Pour la demande de guide francophone: Nous ne pouvons pas garantir la francophonie pour un tour partagée, car mélangeant plusieurs nationalités, la priorité deviendra l'anglais. Tous nos guides parlent au minimum anglais et japonais, ce qui veut dire que le français sera une langue supplémentaire. Le guide pourra donc alterner entre anglais et français si nécessaire. Pour garantir la disponibilité du guide francophone à la date souhaitée, veuillez nous contacter à l'avance, afin que nous puissions confirmer qu'un guide francophone est toujours disponible pour votre date de réservation. Merci pour votre compréhension.

Discover the history of Osaka Castle on a guided tour with a local guide. Learn about the samurai who once lived there and gain insights into the Edo period.

Nara city is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. As the capital of Japan in the 8th century, it can offer a variety of old temples and shrines, but also the charm of its former merchants’ quarter with quaint old houses serving as shops or restaurants. In this tour we will visit the biggest and most famous temple and shrine dating back to the 8th century as well as the old townscape.

Embark on a serene journey to the historic city of Nara on a private tour from Osaka. Visit the Kofuku-ji Temple, Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple.

This special adventure offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and authentic experiences from famous to hidden gems within the 4 destinations, in a single/multi-day plan. Also, it can be customized for the best highlights across the cities on the same day, such as pick-up and sightseeing around Kobe, then visits to Kyoto/Uji or Nara city and drop-off in Osaka/ back to Kobe at the end of the tour. A single booking is for one day unlimited excursions up to two destinations. The-4 day highlights give a glimpse of a multi-day trip, which can be arranged according to the travelers’ interests, with inquiries for additional booking(s) at discounted rates. Nature lovers can reprieve from the city bustles into tranquil nature trips, including the countryside to experience authentic local lifestyles in fishing villages, farm visits to enjoy fresh produce while taking in picturesque sceneries such as for the beautiful Kyoto’s coast, that will create them unforgettable memories in Japan.

See the best of Kyoto and Nara on a day trip with hotel pick up and drop-off from Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. Visit the Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Fushimi Inari Nara Park,Todai-ji Kasuga

This private and customizable tour for Nara is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Explore Japan's first capital city on a half-day walking tour with a local guide. Discover a secret spot, and visit both a temple and a shrine listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Get a taste for Japanese religious culture, then savor a local lunch.

Embark on an enriching journey through Nara, a city where history and nature intertwine beautifully. Your family will be captivated by the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Roam the verdant paths of Nara Park, mingling with friendly deer that symbolize the city’s harmony with nature. Discover the spiritual serenity of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with ancient lanterns, and feel the historical significance at the UNESCO-listed Horyu-ji Temple. Explore the charming streets of Naramachi, a district echoing with tales of the past. Witness the architectural splendor of Kofuku-ji and Yakushiji temples, each a serene oasis of Buddhist heritage. Uncover the hidden beauty of Shinyakushiji Temple, and delve into Japan’s rich cultural history at the Nara National Museum. Stroll through Heijō Palace Site Historical Park, imagining the grandeur of bygone eras. Visit Toshodai-ji Temple, a symbol of Nara’s enduring spiritual legacy.

Explore Nara's ancient traditions and natural beauty. Discover serene Nara Park, the sacred Kasuga Shrine, and Todai-ji Temple's colossal Great Buddha Hall.

【Just opened in 2025. Now offering special pricing】 The downtown area of Nara City is a unique place where buildings with more than 100 years of history and newly built ones coexist. A local who has lived in the area for 15 years will help you discover the hidden history from the traces that remain in the cityscape. After walking around, enjoy sake tasting or green tea Finally, try on as many costumes as you like and take fun pictures!

This tour covers the top highlights of Kyoto and Nara. In Kyoto, you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and in Nara, you’ll experience the deer park and the Buddha statue.

Embark on a half-day tour of Nara’s rich heritage. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the sacred wild deer of Nara Park, believed to be divine messengers for over 1,200 years. Your tour starts with Kofuku-ji Temple, known for its five-story pagoda, then continues to Todai-ji Temple, where you’ll see the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue. Your guide will share stories about these historic sites and Japanese Buddhism. Next, enjoy panoramic views from Nigetsu-do Temple, and walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its lanterns and deer. After exploring Nara Park, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. End the tour with a visit to a traditional old town, contrasting modern Tokyo, and see a merchant’s house to experience Nara’s past. This tour offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and history in Nara.

See the best of Kyoto and Nara on a day trip with hotel pick up and drop-off from Osaka, Nara and Kyoto. Visit the Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Fushimi Inari Nara Park,Todai-ji Kasuga

Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese house ┗ Savor the serene, tranquil setting that creates a truly special atmosphere. Taste two types of Nara single-origin matcha ┗ Compare flavors and aromas, and discover your personal favorite. Witness the tea master’s demonstration ┗ Observe expert skill and hospitality firsthand as the tea master prepares matcha. Learn tea ceremony basics ┗ Explore its history, etiquette, and the proper use of tea utensils. Whisk your own matcha ┗ Get hands-on experience using a bamboo whisk (chasen) to prepare matcha yourself. Blend focus and relaxation ┗ Find a perfect balance of concentration and calm as you create your own cup of matcha.

Enjoy a rickshaw tour through Nara, the former capital of Japan, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. With 3 different options, visit Mt. Wakakusa, Tokondo Hall, and Todaiji Temple.

Hi, my name is Masae. After traveling to 40+ countries, living oversea for 7+ years, I came back to my home to share the love of Matcha & rich Japanese cultural history with the world! The day starts in Nara to visit most visited shrine and the deer park. Then, you will have a chance to visit local Matcha Farmers, invited to traditional Japanese style home to enjoy the most premium Matcha (宇治抹茶) used for Häagen-Dazs and Starbucks, participate in Matcha tasting and tea tasting. You will not only learn all about Matcha but also smell, taste, and even take home some of those premium Matcha from farm previously owned by the Imperial Family.

Drift through Kinkakuji’s shimmering gold, lost in Fushimi Inari’s red torii maze, and stand in Sanjusangendo’s sea of deities. Immerse in Todaiji’s great presence and the grace of deer in the park.

This tour is a tour using public transportation. Nara is ideal for those who wish to see not only numerous historical structures but also to touch, feed wild deers roaming freely around in the Nara Park. There are 8 UNESCO heritages in Nara spotted sparsely in the historic regions which have full of rich tales in Nara period (from 710 to 794). Visiting 4 UNESCO heritages (3 temples and 1 shrine) in this tour in addition to one Japanese garden. See inclusions and excursions for what is included in the price of this tour.

Experience Nara-Grown Teas Taste five selected Nara teas in a 120-year-old Japanese house. Enjoy them cold-brewed and teapot-prepared. Learn tips from the host to recreate the flavors at home.

Multilingual Guidance:Experience effortless communication with our guides, fluent in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese, offering you an enriched and authentic journey into the captivating world of Geisha culture. Intimate Atmosphere: Small group sizes create a relaxed environment, allowing for meaningful interactions, including Q&A sessions and playing Ozashiki games (traditional Japanese games) with a geisha. Convenient Location: The tea house is just a 10-15 minute walk from both Kintetsu Nara Station and Nara Park, two must-visit spots in Nara. This makes it an easy and convenient experience that won’t disrupt your sightseeing plans. Exclusive Access: This authentic venue not only preserves the footprints of geisha life but also showcases exquisite traditional Japanese architecture and interiors.

A national licensed guide will take you to the historical world of 1300 years ago by bicycle. After the tour you'd love to the opportunity to wear the traditional costume and take memorial photos.

This tour is recommended for those visiting Nara for the first time, and allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Nara in one day. This tour is a greedy plan that goes around all famous tourist spots in Nara City, such as Todaiji Temple, famous for the Great Buddha, and a historic shrine Kasuga Taisha, in addition to Kofukuji and Naramachi. It condenses various genres such as history, culture, and food, and is definitely a great satisfaction. If you want to spend the best day in Nara, please join this tour! [Standard tour visit spot] ・ Kofuku-ji Temple ・ Toadai-ji Temple ・ Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo ・ Kasuga Taisha Shrine [Customized tour selectable spot] Kofuku-ji Temple / Todai-ji Temple / Nigatsu-do Hall / Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara Park / Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine / Naramachi District / Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple / Isuien & Neiraku Museum / Toshodai-ji Temple / Heijo Palace Site Historical Park / Wakakusa-yama Hill / Yakushi-ji Temple

Discover the vibrant culture of Kyoto, Osaka and Nara places as you explore its bustling streets, savor world-famous street food, and immerse yourself in its rich history.

A one-day private tour that captures the essence of Nara through nature, history, and sake culture. Fully customizable to match your interests, this experience offers a truly personal journey through Nara. Meet the friendly deer of Nara Park and find peace in the sacred atmosphere of Tōdai-ji’s Great Buddha and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stroll through the charming streets of Naramachi and enjoy a quiet moment at the historic Imanishi Residence with Japanese tea and sake lees sweets from Harushika. Then, deepen your appreciation of Nara’s sake heritage with a tasting at the long-established Harushika Brewery. End the day browsing local shops for handcrafted souvenirs and regional specialties.

Discover Hiroshima and Miyajima Island on a private customizable tour. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, see the Atomic Bomb Dome, and take a ferry to Miyajima Island.

Nara was the capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Kyoto, where the Heijo Palace was located. In addition to the Heijo Palace ruins, Todaiji Temple, Kohfukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, and are fascinating places that are essential for understanding Japanese history and culture. This tour will take you on a leisurely tour of these fascinating towns on a BROMPTON bicycle with a navigator who knows the local area inside and out. ・The tour is a great way to visit places that are otherwise inaccessible by riding with a navigator who knows the local area inside out. ・Slow cycling is an easy way for people who are not confident about their physical fitness to take part. ・All equipment for riding is provided, so you don't need to bring anything. ・The tour course can be arranged according to your wishes. ・You can take photos with your stylish BROMPTON bike.

Enjoy a private shore excursion by public transportation from Kobe to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, or within Kobe. Customize your itinerary and see the places you want to visit with a local guide.

We’ve taken care of all entrance fees in advance, so you can skip the line and enjoy a smoother experience—because great service starts before you even step inside. Our knowledgeable guides are fluent in English and ready to answer any questions you may have, whether they're cultural, historical, or practical. But our service doesn’t stop there—beyond the guided tour, we’re happy to assist with any travel-related questions to help you make the most of your stay in Japan.

Experience western Japan on this day trip through Kyoto and Nara. Explore the serene nature of Arashiyama, stroll the gardens of Kyoto's UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, and enjoy feeding deer in Nara Park.