Embark on a journey with MagicalTrip, a distinguished recipient of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is expertly guided by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, who undergoes professional training and careful selection to guarantee both quality and authenticity.
Our exploration begins with a stroll through a vibrant shopping arcade, leading us to Kofuku-ji Temple. Here, you'll have the opportunity to admire its magnificent five-story pagoda and capture memorable photos. We will then proceed to Todai-ji Temple, home to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue. Throughout our walk, your local guide will illuminate the history of these sacred sites and share profound insights into Japanese Buddhism.
Next, we ascend to Nigetsu-do Hall, perched on the hillside of Todai-ji. From this vantage point, you can soak in breathtaking panoramic views of Nara. The tour continues with visits to charming traditional souvenir shops before we make our way towards Kasuga Shrine.
This intimate small-group experience is proudly hosted by Magical Trip, a reputable local tour operator recognized with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, offering distinctive tours across Japan.
✓ Entrance fees for all temples and shrines visited.✓ Guidance from a Certified MagicalTrip Guide.✓ Lunch (Vegan option available).1 Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
We will visit the iconic Kofuku-ji Temple, renowned for its stunning five-story pagoda.
This ornately carved pagoda, built by the Fujiwara clan in 730, stands today as a quintessential historical landmark of Nara.
· 15 min
2 Todai-ji Temple
Explore the Todaiji Temple Main Hall and Nandaimon.
As you approach, you will be greeted by two imposing guardian statues known as Kongorikishi. Beyond them lies the Great Buddha, a sight that consistently captivates visitors. During this tour, your local guide will share captivating stories and intriguing insights into Japanese Buddhism and the significance of these historical temples!
· 30 min · Admission included
3 Lunch at a Traditional Japanese Restaurant
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a well-established restaurant nestled within an old Japanese town!
· 45 min
4 Kasuga Grand Shrine
Explore Kasugayama Primeval Forest and Kasuga Taisha.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is situated in Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is recognized as one of the 22 shrines within Shikinai Shrines and is among the 22 Shinto shrines. Formerly a kanpeitai-sha, it is now an annexed shrine of the Jinja Honcho (Agency for the Promotion of Shinto Religion). The shrine was previously known as Kasuga Shrine, and its emblem is a 'falling wisteria'. It serves as the head shrine for approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines across Japan and is designated as one of the 'Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara' on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
· 30 min · Admission included
5 Nara Park
Wander through Nara Park, where you can encounter charming wild deer.
Discover the beautiful red shrine adorned with hundreds of lanterns!
· 30 min
Mobile or paper tickets are accepted. One ticket is required per booking.
Meet in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or the East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station.
Please ensure you go to Kintetsu Nara Station, not JR Nara Station.
Kintetsu Nara Station is a 10-minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Return to the meeting point in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or the East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station.
Please ensure you go to Kintetsu Nara Station, not JR Nara Station.
Kintetsu Nara Station is a 10-minute walk from JR Nara Station.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This tour is not advised for individuals with spinal injuries. This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Travelers with cardiovascular health concerns should avoid this tour. The tour is suitable for all levels of physical fitness. Please note that some locations on this tour's itinerary are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. This tour welcomes participants of all ages. While we include short breaks, kindly inform us in advance of any health concerns within your group. There is no need to cover the guide's food and drinks. Please bring cash for any personal purchases of additional snacks or beverages. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate gluten-free requests for this tour. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee allergy-free meals or cater to specific dietary restrictions, as the food is prepared in kitchens not operated by MagicalTrip. Substitutions may not always be possible at certain stops, but we will make every effort to compensate at other points during the tour. During Japan's hot and humid summers, we strongly recommend bringing water and wearing a hat to prevent heatstroke. For any dietary requests, please submit them in advance (by the day before the tour). Requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated. Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C (110°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. Group Tour A combination of various groups. Private Tour An experience exclusively for your group. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves a significant amount of walking. Bring water and wear a hat, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Carry some cash for personal purchases of souvenirs or snacks. Familiarize yourself with the meeting point instructions to avoid any confusion. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and dress in layers if necessary. Inform the guide in advance about any dietary restrictions or health concerns. For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 63670P36
Activity offered by MagicalTrip Inc. via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Discover the iconic Kofuku-ji Temple and its five-story pagoda. Marvel at the Great Buddha statue at Todai-ji Temple. Enjoy panoramic views over Nara from Nigetsu-do Hall. Experience a traditional Japanese lunch. Explore the historic Kasuga Grand Shrine. Encounter friendly wild deer in Nara Park.
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 meeting point for the tour? + The meeting point is in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or the East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station. Please ensure you go to Kintetsu Nara Station, not JR Nara Station.
Is lunch included in the tour? + Yes, lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant is included in the tour. A vegan menu is also available.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair? + Please note that some locations on this tour's itinerary are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Are there any dietary restrictions that cannot be accommodated? + We are unable to accommodate gluten-free requests. Please note that we cannot guarantee allergy-free meals or cater to specific dietary restrictions as food is prepared in kitchens not operated by MagicalTrip.
What should I bring for the tour? + During Japan's hot and humid summers, we strongly recommend bringing water and wearing a hat to prevent heatstroke. Please also bring cash for any personal purchases.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Wonderful.
979shaeh, October 2026
I had a wonderful time, our guide was very lnformative, friendly an knew the streets very well! I really liked him. Lunch was VERY tasty as well.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great Day in NARA
Wanderer509247, October 2026
We had a great day visiting Nara . Our guide shared the history of Nara with us and we enjoyed visiting the temples. Also, she took us to an old house for the most delicious lunch totally away from the crowds.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great tour and guide!!
davidtW2320VE, October 2026
Nao was an amazing guide!! We had trouble getting to the Nara meeting spot and she waited a little extra time. She then took us to a number Shinto and Buddhist sites as well as lunch. She explained everything so clearly and had so much knowledge about history and religion. She was also so personable! I would jump at the chance to have her as a guide again.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great guide for Nara
ewZ9202AH, October 2026
Our guide was Nao. She was excellent, extremely knowledgeable, friendly and responsive to our questions. I highly recommend Nao.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Walkaround in Nara (temples, shrines, deers)
291d_vidf, October 2026
Had an amazing trip with such a lovely guide (Nao-san) and two other fellow tourists from America. We saw a lot of cultural and historical milestones which were nothing short of amazing. The length of the tour was just right, we had a lovely lunch in the middle of it, which was traditional Japanese lunch. The whole city's atmosphere with the deers, parks and forests were such a blast. Although the crowd was quite big at some points but this is what happens when you are in such a nice city which attracts other excited people. This tour is the best for those who like walking in nice and serene environments and would like to study the Buddhist and Shinto roots of Japanese culture.
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