Super Express Nara & Kyoto Private 1-Day Tour from Tokyo

5.0 (7 reviews) Tokyo, Japan
Duration11h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Only have one day to spare but want to explore Japan’s ancient capitals, Nara and Kyoto from Tokyo??? Many say it’s impossible—but with our licensed English-speaking guide, it’s absolutely doable! Start with an early bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, then a limited express to Nara. Enjoy a peaceful walk through Nara Park with over 1,000 friendly deer, and visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the massive Great Buddha statue. After an optional lunch, head back to Kyoto to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Japan’s most iconic Shinto shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Though fast-paced, this tour offers a deep dive into Japan’s rich history and culture—experiences you won’t find in Tokyo. Return to your hotel by 6:30 PM, full of unforgettable memories!

Options

Standard Class (Bullet Train)

Pickup included

Green Car Class (Bullet Train)

Green Car (Premium Class)
Pickup included

What's included

  • Certified English-speaking guide
  • Todai-ji Buddhist Temple
  • Round trip tickets from and to your hotel to Tokyo Station
  • Bullet Train Tickets (Round Trip / Non-Reserved Seat Class)
  • Local Transportation in Nara and Kyoto (Including Limited Express Train)
  • Gratuity
  • Lunch

What to expect

  1. Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba
    2h 40m · Admission ticket included
    The tour guide will pick you up from most hotels in central Tokyo. If your hotel isn’t on the designated list, just let us know — we might still be able to arrange a pick-up for you!

    Once you've been picked up, we’ll hop on a subway or local train to Tokyo Station. From there, get ready for an exciting ride on Japan’s world-famous high-speed train — the Shinkansen, also known as the Bullet Train!

    The distance between Tokyo and Kyoto is approximately 514 km (320 miles), but the super express train covers it in just 2 hours and 10 minutes! If the weather’s clear, keep an eye out — you might be treated to a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji from your window. It’s a truly unforgettable way to travel!
  2. Kyoto Station Building
    50m · Admission ticket included
    After a comfortable 2-hour ride on the Bullet Train, we’ll arrive at Kyoto Station. From there, we’ll transfer to a local limited express train bound for Nara — our first destination! Nara was once the capital of Japan back in the 8th century and is rich in history and culture. Sit back, relax, and enjoy another short but scenic ride on one of Japan’s amazing trains!
  3. Nara Park
    40m
    From the station, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to Nara’s iconic attraction — Nara Park, where over 1,000 friendly deer roam freely and peacefully coexist with the locals.
  4. Todai-ji Temple
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Tōdai-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and impressive Buddhist temples. It’s best known for housing one of the largest wooden structures in the world, which shelters the awe-inspiring Great Buddha — a massive bronze statue that truly takes your breath away.

    And don’t worry — you won’t miss a thing! This tour is led by a certified English-speaking guide with deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and much more. Your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the temple, the Great Buddha, and of course, the friendly deer of Nara.
  5. Nara
    1h
    Nara was Japan’s ancient capital from AD 710 to AD 794, before the capital moved to Kyoto. The city has a truly unique and historic atmosphere that you can feel as you walk through its streets. There are also plenty of restaurants offering a wide variety of delicious options for lunch. (Lunch is optional.)
  6. Kyoto Station Building
    50m · Admission ticket included
    After enjoying lunch, we’ll hop back on a local limited express train to Kyoto Station. The train features large panoramic windows, offering beautiful views of the passing scenery during the short and relaxing ride to Kyoto.
  7. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
    50m
    Upon arriving in Kyoto, we’ll transfer to the JR Line and take a short 10-minute ride to Fushimi Station. From there, we’ll visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine — the most visited Shinto shrine in all of Japan. It’s especially renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form a magical pathway through the forested hillside.
  8. Kyoto Station Building
    2h 10m · Admission ticket included
    To return to Tokyo, we’ll board the Nozomi Super Express, Japan’s fastest Shinkansen. The journey back to Tokyo Station takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the final leg of our adventure on this world-class train!
  9. Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba
    30m · Admission ticket included
    After arriving at Tokyo Station, we’ll escort you back to your hotel. You can expect to return around 7:00 PM.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

The guide will meet you in your hotel lobby or at the main entrance. If your hotel is not listed, please select the nearest hotel from the pick-up list. Alternatively, we may be able to arrange a pick-up service for an additional fee.

Additional information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • A subway or local JR train will be used after picking you up at your hotel, and the same applies for the drop-off service.
  • For those who choose the Japan Rail Pass Holder option, a Bullet Train ticket must be purchased on your own if the Japan Rail Pass is expired or invalid.
  • Please prepare rain gear, such as umbrella or a raincoat, in case of bad weather.
  • If your hotel is situated outside our designated pick-up range and alternative transportation, such as a subway, is not feasible, guests are responsible for covering the fare. This includes the cost for both the guide's transportation to the first destination and from the last destination back to your hotel.
  • Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.
  • The tour involves a good amount of walking outdoors. We suggest wearing sneakers or comfortable shoes.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (7)
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