Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City

Experience the charm of Nara City on a four-hour private tour. Explore stunning temples and lush gardens that highlight Nara’s history as Japan’s first permanent capital. Your friendly guide will share captivating stories and insights, bringing the city’s rich past to life.

Take in the peaceful countryside vibes as you wander through picturesque parks where deer roam freely. Enjoy the blend of tradition and nature that makes Nara so special today. Perfect for history buffs and those looking to unwind, this tour offers a delightful glimpse into Japan’s timeless culture at your own pace.

What’s Covered

• Professional guide service

• Guide’s transportation, entry fees, and meal costs

What’s Extra

• Entry fee for Todaiji Temple (600 JPY per person)

• Entry fee for Kasuga Taisha Shrine (500 JPY per person)

• Personal meal, snack, or drink expenses

Good to Know

• The tour is stroller and pram accessible for families with young children.

• Pets are welcome to join the experience.

• Convenient access to public transportation is available nearby.

• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

• Infants should have their own seating arrangement; sitting on laps is not permitted.

• Infant seats are not provided during the tour.

• This is a private day tour, offering a personalized experience.

• The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

• Live tour guide is available in French, English, and Japanese.

Tour Itinerary

Meeting Point

Duration: 10 minutes

Meet your guide at Kintetsu-Nara Station. After a brief introduction, get ready to dive into the history and charm of Nara, Japan's first capital.

Todaiji Temple

Duration: 1 hour

Visit the Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The temple itself is a marvel, built almost entirely from wood and holding the title of the largest wooden building globally.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Duration: 40 minutes

Explore Kasuga Taisha, a historic Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. Located within the peaceful Nara Park, the shrine feels like stepping back in time. Look out for the friendly deer that wander freely here—they are believed to be messengers of the gods.

Nara Park

Duration: 40 minutes

Stroll through the iconic Nara Park, home to over 1,400 freely roaming deer. Feeding the deer is a fun highlight, with "shika senbei" (deer crackers) available for purchase. These deer are a symbol of Nara and add a unique charm to the park's serene atmosphere.

Naramachi Old Town

Duration: 40 minutes

Walk through Naramachi, the old merchant district of Nara, filled with beautifully preserved traditional wooden buildings. This area offers a glimpse into life during the Meiji era and earlier. Along the way, you might spot small craft shops, cozy cafes, and local treats to try.

Kofukuji Temple

Duration: 30 minutes

End your journey at Kofukuji Temple, known for its striking five-storied pagoda, one of Japan's tallest and most elegant. This UNESCO World Heritage site reflects the deep Buddhist roots of Nara and provides a peaceful setting to conclude the tour.

Related Read: Discovering Ancient Temples and Castles in Kyoto and Nara