Nara becomes extremely crowded in the afternoon, making photos difficult.
In our tour, we visit the main sites—Kofuku-ji, Todai-ji, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine—before the crowds arrive.
⬇︎PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY⬇︎
* Please arrive 10 minutes early. Late guests cannot be accepted and no refunds will be given.
* For the Kyoto/Osaka Station Pickup option: the one-way train fare to Nara is included. The return ticket is not included.
*This tour has up to 12 guests.
*In this tour, we will walk about 10,000 steps. (stairs and hills included)
*We will be using the public train (not a private vehicle) to go from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara which each takes around 1 hour.
* Tour duration:
– Kyoto/Osaka Departure: 4.5 hours
– Kintetsu Nara Station Meeting: 3.5 hours
Please provide a phone number that is reachable in Japan and on WhatsApp so that we have a smooth interaction before the tour date. Travel agents must enter the guest’s phone number, not the agency’s.
✓ Transportation Fee from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara (Only if you select the option)✓ English-Speaking guide✕ Food and Drinks✕ Transportation Fee for returning from Nara to Kyoto/Osaka✕ Todai-ji Temple entrance fee1 Kofuku-ji Temple
30 min
Kofuku-ji Temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710.
It is famous for its five-storied pagoda, the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan just seven meters shorter than the five-storied pagoda at Kyoto's Toji Temple.
See this temple for yourself at sunrise!
· 30 min
2 Kasuga Grand Shrine
1 h
Kasuga Grand Shrine is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers.
There are approximately 3000 stone and bronze lanterns, standing as one of Japan's most historical shrines.
It holds significance as the sacred grounds that inspired the presence of deer in Nara Park.
· 1 h
3 Nara Park
30 min
Nara Park is home to thousands of wild deers.
These deers are considered to be sacred because it's said that one of the 4 gods in Kasuga Shrine rode the deer to Nara.
The cute thing about these deers is that they bow at you when you feed them!
It's an experience that everyone should try!
· 30 min
4 Todai-ji Temple
1 h, entrance fee not included
Todaiji Temple is famous for its Great Buddha Statue, the biggest Buddha statue in Japan.
Until recently, this temple's main hall was the world's largest wooden building.
It looks beautiful but once you know the history to why it was built and its historical significance, you will be shocked!
· 1 h · Admission not included
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
Osaka Namba Station Pickup:
This is Osaka NAMBA station pickup. Meet us at Tullys Kintetsu Namba Building store and Our guide will be waiting in front, holding a sign that says GuideMe Japan
Osaka Station Pickup:
Osaka Station Central Gate, as soon as you exit the ticket gate there will be a big sign that says "Osaka Tourist Information Center". Our guide will be waiting in front, holding a sign that says GuideMe Japan
Kyoto Station Pickup:
Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, the big gate of JR lines on ground floor, on the northern side of the station where Kyoto Tower is located. This is NOT the Shinkansen Central Gate.
Kintetsu Nara Meet Up:
We will meet you at in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or East Exist of Kintetsu Nara Station. There should be a Lawson nearby and a 7-Eleven right across the street. Please do not go to JR NARA station. It takes about 10 minute walk to Kintetsu NARA station.
Public transportation options are available nearby Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Not recommended for pregnant travelers Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness We will walk about 10,000 steps during this tour. Not recommended for guests over 75. Guests under the age of 6 cannot join. Osaka Station Pickup Starting point: Osaka Tourist Information Center, Japan, 530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3-chōme−1−１ JR大阪駅中央コンコース Osaka Namba Station Pickup Duration: 4 hours Kyoto Station Pickup Kyoto Station Pickup: We will meet at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, the northern side of the station where you can see Kyoto Tower outside. Starting point: Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan Kintetsu Nara Station Meet Up Kintetsu Nara Station: We will meet you at in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or East Exist of Kintetsu Nara Station. (NOT JR Nara) Duration: 3 hours Starting point: Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29 Arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves approximately 10,000 steps. Bring a Japanese-reachable phone number with WhatsApp for smooth communication. The train journey from Kyoto or Osaka to Nara takes about 1 hour. Consider the return train fare from Nara if you choose the pickup option. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 427786P3
Activity offered by GuideMe Japan via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Travelers seeking a less crowded experience. Photography enthusiasts. History buffs. Animal lovers. Visit Nara's main attractions before the crowds arrive. Explore Kofuku-ji Temple and its pagoda. Discover the thousands of lanterns at Kasuga Grand Shrine. Interact with the sacred deer in Nara Park. Marvel at the Great Buddha Statue in Todai-ji Temple. Enjoy an early morning experience in Nara.
Population 352,377 (2021)
Currency yen
Official language Japanese
Driving on the left
Power plugs A, B · 100 V
Emergency number 119
Capital city Tokyo Average temperatures 3° Jan 4° Feb 7° Mar 12° Apr 17° May 21° Jun 25° Jul 26° Aug 22° Sept 16° Oct 11° Nov 5° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the duration of the tour? + The tour duration is 4.5 hours when departing from Kyoto/Osaka, and 3.5 hours when meeting at Kintetsu Nara Station.
Is transportation included? + The one-way train fare from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara is included if you select the pickup option. The return ticket is not included.
What should I bring? + You should bring comfortable walking shoes, and a phone number reachable in Japan with WhatsApp for communication.
Can I get a refund if I cancel? + You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Is this tour suitable for everyone? + This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, those with poor cardiovascular health, guests over 75, or guests under the age of 6. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Nice tour !
549riaw, October 2026
The tour to Nara was amazing and we had an interesting guide ( Toshiki) who gave good explanations.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
An all round enjoyable day.
alisonbU1436FU, October 2026
Tomo was a great guide. He was very friendly, organised, considerate, polite and knowledgeable.
★★★★★ Viator review
Nara trip
Michele_B, October 2026
We had a fantastic guide named Toshiki on our trip. He was 5 stars! Loved the deer and the temples. Toshiki was very helpful and explained the history well. He also helped us with railway tickets and other suggestions of things to do in Kyoto.
★★★★★ Viator review
Moe is Amazing!!!!
Kate_M, October 2026
This was a fabulous tour! Moe was the sweetest and best tour guide! She pointed out all kinds of cool places starting right when we met up, not just in Nara. She got some absolutely wonderful photos of us throughout the tour. At the end of the tour she made sure we got back to the station and knew exactly which train to take back to Kyoto. I cannot recommend her highly enough! If I could give this a million stars I would!
★★★★★ Viator review
Nara
Shauna_C, October 2026
AyameF made this tour very interesting and enjoyable. She had good knowledge and was able to answer all my questions. I had a really great time on this tour!
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