Private Tour
Kyoto Day Trip to Nara with a Local – Private & Personalized
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel to Japan’s 8th century capital and immerse yourself in Nara’s ancient heritage and leafy green surroundings. With one of our hosts by your side, you will make the short journey from Kyoto to this city, which plays home to some of the most significant Zen temples and Shinto shrines in all of Japan. When lunch rolls around (which it inevitably does), you can enjoy authentic Kansai cuisine at a tranquil spot.
Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kyoto Station Building
Take a train from Kyoto Station with your host who will eliminate any travel stress by organizing your tickets - no one likes looking at train timetables when they’re on holiday IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Todai-ji Temple
The head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples. The main hall, the Daibutsuden houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu), 15 meters tall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
What‘s Included
Tickets to Isui-en Garden, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple and other
Private and personalized experience
Walking experience once in Nara (other transportation can be arranged)
9 hours with a host (including travel time from Kyoto)
Food and drinks
Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
Bicycle rentals
Transportation costs (Japan Rail Pass holders can travel free on the JR)
Gratuities (optional)
Options
Nara-from-Kyoto-9HRS
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Super nice Nara
cubelo,,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Milo was such a professional guide, showing the best of the historic side of Japan, we really appreciate is work and passion.
Nara tour
Libby P,,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Taiga was beyond amazing! Our favorite guide in our time here in Japan. Funny knowledgeable and beyond awesome!!! We loved being with him and he made our day super special!
Day in Nara
cna1958,,Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kenya was a kind and informed guide. We appreciated the historical and cultural context he provided. He accommodated our requests and had great coffee recommendations. English was excellent. We would seek his guidance again.
Incredible day trip to Nara!
David L,,Apr 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Alex was an incredible guide! We had a wonderful time exploring Nara and learning about Japanese culture. Alex was patient enough to wait for us arriving quite late due to a mix-up in my notes. Such an amazing day! Highly recommend this tour and Alex!
Kenya rocks!!
MehmetMurat e,,Nov 15, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Kenya was so kinda and we had a great experience with his knowledge!! He was so helpful and knows what we expect! Thank you!!
Day Trip to Nara
Murray L,,Oct 22, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day in Nara Our guide Taiga was funny, knowledgeable and professional He was wonderful with our kids, they loved him I highly recommend this trip and in particular our guide Taiga
Touring Magical Nara With Our Incredible Guide, Rhea Sarah
659feliciaa,,Sep 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Rhea Sarah, was introduced to us via email by City Unscripted before we took our tour, so that our itinerary could be discussed in detail with her before we embarked on an incredible journey to Nara. Every little detail of our day was expertly handled by her, including reservations at Nara's exquisite Awa Naramachi restaurant. From fetching us from our Kyoto hotel to dropping us off as close to our hotel as possible at the end of the day long tour, she never left our side. With Rhea Sarah, it felt as if we were spending time with a friend, rather than a tour guide. She ensured that every moment of our day was unforgettable and went above and beyond to make sure that she fulfilled all our wishes. She also recommended many things we could do during the rest of our time in Kyoto. Thank you Rhea Sarah and City Unscripted for giving us everlasting memories!
Nara with Milos
hgsender,,Apr 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Milos made it a fun day. He took us to all the major sites and was very informative. We had a new friend by the end of the day.
Fun and informative day in Nara
Bob R,,Mar 28, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Alex Delivered a very informative and fun day. He has a vast knowledge of the history and culture of both Kyoto and Nara which he shared with us at Nara and during our escorted train trip to and from Nara & Kyoto. He brought Nara to life for us with extensive detailed information on each historic site. His friendly manner and excellent English allowed for great discussions on the past and current culture of Japan. It made for a very educational and enjoyable day despite the large crowds.
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Operated by City Unscripted