From Kyoto Nara Private Tour with a National Licensed Guide

Kyoto, Japan
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Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Meet your guide in Kyoto and take a train to Nara to begin your walking tour. Explore some of Nara’s most fascinating historical and cultural sites, including Kofukuji Temple, Nara Park, Himuro Shrine, Todaiji Temple, and Yoshikien Garden.

One of the highlights of the tour is Nara Park, where you can see the famous freely roaming deer and learn about their special connection with the history and religious traditions of Nara. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most impressive Buddhist monuments.

Throughout the tour, your guide will explain the history, architecture, Buddhism, Shinto, and local customs in an easy-to-understand way, while also sharing stories and insights that you may not discover by exploring on your own.

As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests, walking pace, and available time. Your guide will do their best to make your visit to Nara enjoyable and memorable.

What's included

  • Nationally Licensed English-Speaking Guide born and raised in Japan
  • Admission fee to Todai-ji Temple
  • Pick-up service on foot
  • Train fares
  • Optional guide gratuity

What to expect

  1. Higashimuki Shopping Street
    20m
    Higashimuki Shopping Street is a lively shopping street located right near Kintetsu Nara Station. It is lined with local specialties, souvenir shops, long-established Japanese confectionery stores, and cozy cafés, allowing visitors to enjoy an atmosphere that truly feels like Nara.
  2. Kofuku-ji Temple 3 Storey Tower
    30m
    Kōfuku-ji Temple is known as a symbol of Japan’s Buddhist culture. With a history spanning more than 1,300 years, its architecture and Buddhist statues embody the essence of Japanese art and faith. Within the temple grounds, there are numerous buildings and statues designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
  3. Nara Park
    30m
    Nara Park is a charming place where Japan’s history and nature come to life. Here, you can enjoy a luxurious moment spending time with deer while feeling the spirit of the ancient capital of Nara.

    Nara Park is home to several historic buildings that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a precious place where you can experience Japanese culture and the spirit of Buddhism.

    Another highlight of Nara Park is, without a doubt, the famous Nara deer. Living in harmony with nature, the deer roam freely around the park, delighting visitors with their presence. When you offer them shika senbei (deer crackers), they may respond with adorable gestures, creating a heartwarming experience—especially memorable for international tourists.

    Nara Park is a harmonious blend of the atmosphere of Japan’s ancient capital and the beauty of nature, offering unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.
  4. Himuro Shrine
    20m
    Himuro Shrine is an ancient shrine located near the entrance of Nara Park and is dedicated to the deity of ice. It is a quiet and beautiful place where visitors can feel the changing of the seasons in a serene atmosphere.
  5. Todai-ji Temple
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Tōdai-ji Temple is an iconic symbol of Nara and a place filled with mysterious charm for international visitors. The Great Buddha Hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and its grandeur overwhelms all who see it. The immense scale and beauty of this building, constructed by ancient artisans over centuries, offer a precious opportunity to experience the precision of Japanese architecture and the depth of its traditions.

    There are also many highlights within the Tōdai-ji grounds. Elegant gardens and impressive Buddhist statues create a space where history and beauty coexist. In particular, the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji has long captivated people with its power and magnificence. Seeing its dignified presence up close will surely deepen your understanding of and appreciation for Japan’s Buddhist culture and artistic heritage.
  6. Yoshikien
    20m
    Yoshikien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in a quiet corner of Nara Park. It consists of three distinct gardens: a pond stroll garden, a moss garden, and a tea flower garden, each offering beautiful scenery in every season. It is a hidden gem with few visitors, making it a perfect place to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Your guide will be waiting in front of your hotel or port entrance, holding a Viator logo sign. Depending on the situation (weather or hotel rules), I may wait inside the lobby instead. When I arrive, I will send you a message to confirm the exact meeting location.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
24,540.00 JPY 19,632.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Masa Japan Travel · Booked through Viator
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From
19,632.00 JPY per person
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