Why choose this Nara tour ?
Back in the year 710, Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan, making it a treasure trove of historical and cultural significance. It is home to some of the country’s oldest and most revered temples, including Todai-ji, with its towering Great Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha, famed for its enchanting lanterns.
This half-day private guided tour is perfect for those who want to see the old grandeur of Nara during their trip to Japan. It’s just one hour away from Kyoto and Osaka so can be done as a day trip, or you can choose to sleep in Nara and further explore the prefecture.
The tour will take you to all the highlights of this historic city, from its majestic temples and shrines set amongst the deer filled Nara Park, to its charming old town area. We will also take you to several off-the-beaten-track spots such as a sake tasting store and secluded garden.
Make the most of your Nara adventure
What makes Nara Half Day Tour Discover Ancient Temples and Friendly Deer a unique experience ?
Stroll through Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer that are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shintoism. You can feed the friendly deer with special crackers sold in the park, but remember to be gentle as they can get quite enthusiastic! In the park you can buy various snacks and souvenirs, or stop at a traditional tea house.
Yoshikien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden that contains a tranquil moss garden, Japanese style pond and a tea ceremony area. The garden is a beautiful place of peace and quiet which provides a peaceful retreat from the bustle outside.
Todai-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. Home to the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji houses a massive bronze statue of Buddha which is over 15m tall and contains 130kg of pure gold. Marvel at the intricate architecture and explore the surrounding temple grounds, which are equally breathtaking.
Walk through the park to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, an iconic Shinto shrine renowned for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns. The serene forest path leading to the shrine is lined with ancient stone lanterns, creating a mystical atmosphere. Inside, the shrine is adorned with numerous bronze lanterns donated by worshippers over the centuries.
In April/May you can visit the adjoining Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden which houses many varieties of wisteria flower.
Explore Naramachi, Nara’s historic old town merchant district. Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, many of which have been converted into charming shops, cafes, and museums.
Some of the places you may visit include:
The Naramachi Koshino-ie House
The Herbal Medicine Shop Kikuoka (Kikuoka Kanpo Yakkyoku) which dates back to 1184 and is run by the 24th generation of the same family.
If you have a sweet tooth, pay a visit to Nakanishi Yosaburo, a traditional sweets shop that has been in business for over 150 years. They sell Japanese sweets called “wagashi”, perfect for accompanying your cup of green tea.
You can also see sweets being made at Nakatanido, where their high speed mochi pounding displays are an entertaining sight.
Due to its many forests and pure clear water, Nara is renowned for its high quality sake. Visit the Harushika Sake Imanishi Seibei Brewery to learn about how sake is brewed try five different types of local sake.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Nara Half Day Tour Discover Ancient Temples and Friendly Deer
Add
Pickup included
Nara Half Day Tour Discover Ancient Temples and Friendly Deer Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Entry to temples listed
- English speaking guide
- Hotel pick up/drop off if in Nara City
Trending Nara Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out
Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by Trip Designer Inc..
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 1 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.