Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Nara becomes extremely crowded in the afternoon, making photos difficult. In our tour, we visit the main sites—Kofuku-ji, Todaiji, 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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Kofuku-ji Temple
Kofuku-ji Temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. It is famous for it's 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!
Kasuga Grand Shrine
Kasuga Grand Shrine is famous for it's 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.
Options
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
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
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
What‘s Included
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,042 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thank you, Aki!
Heidi R,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our trip to Nara with Aki was fantastic! Informative and fun, Aki provided our small group with a lovely balance of history and connections to our current world. I was hesitant to take such a tour, but am so glad that we did, enough so to write a review! It was just long enough then left us in Nara to do our own exploring, which was perfect.
Nara from Osaka with Momoka
Kelly S,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked the early morning tour with Momoka. Everything about the experience was excellent. I learned so much about shinto shrines, the temple, the significance of the building structures and the traditions. Momoka and Tyler were so great with my kids, engaging them throughout the tour. I especially enjoyed that the group was so small. Our entire tour wound up going to lunch together afterwards, utilizing one of Momoka's suggestions. It felt less like a tour and more like an afternoon with friends. One thing worth mentioning is the communication from Momoka beforehand on where to meet and what to expect was so great. Additionally, on her own, she took pictures and sent them. They were candid moments I wasn't expecting and are such a treasure. We are all still talking about how much we enjoyed the tour!
Absolutely amazing!
Compass39595883227,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommending to choose this tour to explore beautiful Nara with amazing guide Momoka. She explained history about Nara, explained differences between budins and shintuism, showed the beautiful details at the park. We truly enjoyed our stay here! And the length was perfect, not rushed but calm, we had chance to feed deers, take photo. Btw she is great photographer too!
Great Morning Tour!
Personable123,Jul 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I wanted a tour that would allow me to see all the major sites in Nara while still allowing me to have enough free time in the afternoon to do whatever I wanted. This tour certainly delivered! Shin our tour guide who happens to have grown up in Nara, speaks perfect english, was very friendly, and shared a wealth of knowledge with us throughout the entire tour. I highly recommend!
Beutifull place to see.
Ranvt,Jul 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience visiting Nara Park! Our tour guide, Moe, was incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and passionate. She shared so many interesting stories and taught us about the shrines, temples, and the history of the area, which made the visit even more special. Nara Park is a beautiful and unique place, and seeing all the friendly deer walking freely was such a fun experience. The pickup was well organized and convenient. Just be aware that there is quite a bit of walking, including some steep steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Overall, we highly recommend this tour!
Beautiful trip to see deer, Giant Buddha and shrines
Arav S,Jul 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Moe was an excellent guide with lots of knowledge about the deer in Nara and the temple and shrine that we visited. We had an excellent time - thank you Moe!
Japan Highlight
322jmr,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Nara tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. Our tour guide, Josh Price, was exceptionally knowledgeable and provided outstanding customer service throughout the day. He gave clear, detailed instructions, shared fascinating insights about the sites we visited, and made sure everything ran smoothly. Thanks to his professionalism and enthusiasm, our family had a truly memorable and enjoyable experience. We highly recommend this tour, especially with Josh as your guide!
Fun and historical time ;)
isabellaoY8440MX,Jul 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We had an wonderful time with Moe! She was a great guide and let us enjoy the time in our own pace, really being able to make a great use of our time. The visit was fun and we recommend the tour for people interested in the history and culture of Nara.
Fantastic Experience!
E6021EBashleighh,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Nara Early Morning Tour was fantastic! Our guide Moe was super lovely and kind. She did a fantastic job of explaining the history and meaning behind what we were seeing!! Highly recommend Moe!
Wonderful Tour of Nara
Virginia B,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was perfect! Aki was a fantastic guide from start to finish. She is organized, engaging, knows her history and weaves in fun facts. She explained the history of Nara, the deer, Buddhism/Shintoism, the temple and shrine. She was very helpful and inquisitive making sure all of our needs were met. Aki and this tour are a highlight of my trip. I cannot recommend it enough.
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