Private Tour
Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore Nara with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a half-day walking tour of Nara and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city.
Nara's proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, and its rich collection of traditional sites, make it an ideal destination for a day trip from either of its larger neighbors. Your private guide can help you efficiently enjoy a half-day walking tour of this ancient Japanese city.
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Nara
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Todai-ji Temple
Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs. Until recently, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
Nara Park
Nara Park (奈良公園, Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer.
Options
Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
207 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nara is not to be missed.
Phillip U,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We went to Nara on our own at the end of a 2 week long guided trip through Japan. I have to say that the Todaiji Temple was the most impressive historic structure we saw on the trip. The other sites in Nara are also high up on the list of things to see in Japan. It made it all the more impressive to see the Temple and the rest of Nara with a knowledgeable guide, which we had through Viatour.
Lovely tour through Nara!
F9999ZPgemmap,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Junichi was our guide today and kindly showed us around Nara. He explained us tons about the area, shrines, temples, gardens and japanese culture. We really enjoyed. Thanks Junichi!
Deer, Giant Buddha, Gardens and More Deer in Nara
jdcfpmg,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our day in Nara with Ken was terrific. He met us at the train station and took us to a market to buy our picnic lunch. Ken communicated with us prior to the tour and asked about our interests. I asked if we could find some specific art supplies and he researched and found a perfect place to buy all the items we needed. We went to multiple temples in Nara, but Todaiji was a highlight with its Giant Buddha and warrior statues. We walked through Nara Park several times and had our picnic lunch there. We also went to two beautiful gardens and stopped for a drink at a tea house. Ken shared lots of interesting historical information about Japan. There are deer everywhere in Nara, but they are very tame. You just need to watch where you step. Wear comfy shoes because, although Nara is compact, there is still a lot of walking on this tour (but with rest breaks built in).
Joyful learning and sightseeing with the most wonderful guide
Allison B,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Junichi is the best! Our group of 5 joined him on a 6 hour private Nara tour and we are so glad to have booked. Our group typically likes to see things at our own pace and on our own time, but we wanted to learn more about the area and Junichi was so knowledgeable. He also set a perfect pace! Junichi was proactive in reaching out to learn about each of us, our interests, and built an itinerary for us from there. Day of the tour, he was easy to find and helped us navigate through Nara like pro’s! We truly loved our time learning and laughing with him and have already recommended our friends book this tour in the future. I recommended you book this tour too!! Thank you so much Junichi! You and Nara were a highlight of our trip.
Great Nara tour
karimaX3657HX,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tout with junichi. It was fun exploring Nara together . he was very knowledgeable and accommodating. We learned a lot. Thx much.
Great experience in Nara
Rodolfo A,
Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were a group of six. The guido (Mr. Taguchi) was very respectful and has great knowledge. He sent us directions to get from Kyoto to Nara and he was waiting for us at the station. He guided us through the whole place and provided very useful information.
Lots of sites covered
Go557303,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We covered a lot of sites in the day, very hot, and had to watch the heat. Lots of extra information about the context to the temples. We were taken by bus, train and taxi.
the tour in Nara was excellent
I2679KG ,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the tour in Nara was excellent. We did appreciate your guide tour Junichi and the way he show us monuments and japanese culture. Thanks a lot Maria
Junichi rocks—best tour guide in Nara!
Katherine A,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Junichi was a fantastic guide, from the start of the experience, right up through the end of the day when he waved me goodbye as I boarded my train! A few days before our tour, he provided me with detailed instructions on how best to get to Nara from my hotel, and he ended our tour by depositing me back at the train station, fresh instructions in hand (featuring a perfect snack for the journey back). Along the way, he showed me everything I wanted to see, and then some! He was extremely knowledgeable and provided an amazing history of both the country and the sites we visited. His teachings will make the rest of my trip more enjoyable, as well, since many of them transfer across sites. Junichi curated the perfect mix of stops, keeping me engaged with great conversation all day long. He also showed me a great spot for lunch that I will be thinking about for days to come! I 10/10 recommend using Junichi on any visit to Nara.
Exceptional Junichi guide! Unique experience, wonderful place!
tultes,
Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptional Junichi guide! Unique experience, wonderful place. All embellished by the explanations of Junichi, a cultured, professional and sweet person. Highly recommended!
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency