Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

Name: Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)
Price: 9200 JPY
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.93 (666 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

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 train 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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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!

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

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

Options

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

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)
Starting point:
Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29

Osaka Station Pickup

Starting point:
Osaka Tourist Information Center, Japan, 530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3-chōme1１ JR大阪駅中央コンコース

Reviews

4.93

666 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

639

A must do while in Kyoto
435noahh,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour of Nara to see the deer and sights of the area. We got an excellent lunch recommendation from our guide and he let us know about the admission fee for entry to the temple ahead of time. The tour was done just in time for lunch and gave us time to feed the deer the remainder of our crackers. This early departure tour is a must so you miss the crowds and get to enjoy the area in peace. Do not hesitate to book this and I hope you get to meet Kevin.
Awesome experience.
159nigelh,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The experience was out of this world. This tour is a must do if visiting around the Kyoto area on your visit to Japan. It’s just 45 mins away, we were lucky to have Futaba as our guide. She not only made sure the group got their on time, helped us learn so much about the sites, hints on the deers and their personalities… but went out of her way to make sure each member of the group was safe getting to their next destination at the end of the tour. She literally did that with each group member, even helped me purchase medication for my fiancé who was under the weather. True asset to the tours , she is!
Guided Tour through Nara Park is a must!
393theresaz,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are glad we booked this tour! The park is huge and our guide, Futa, directed us to the best routes and sights which saved a lot of time. They helped us get back to the bus too which was a little complicated and crowded. We loved feeding the deer! This is a must see park.
Trip to Nara
U4287HIlillya,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My dad and I did this trip as a more convenient way of getting from Kyoto to Nara and to have someone explain a bit more about the temples and Futaba was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and helpful and worked at a great pace to suit everyone on the tour.
It’s a great experience....
yee c,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s a great experience. Our guide Momoka is excellent. She is very good in explanation and showing us around. It’s very leisure and not rush. Really enjoy the trip and would recommend others to take this day trip.
What a wonDEERful experience!
threebears2008,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great morning with Koh and a new group of friends walking around Nara park and visiting shrines and temples. Although it was cold and windy, the walk kept us warm and Koh generously shared his knowledge of Nara and Japenese culture with us. Thank you Koh, I would definitely recommend this tour!!
Beautiful morning in Nara
C5493EAamandas,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Futaba was wonderful. The early start avoids the crowd. Highly recommend. Thanks Futa - the ramen recommendation was perfect
Family trip to Nara
42klm42,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our family loved this private tour of Nara starting in Osaka. Our guide, Momoka, was fantastic - very patient, kind & knowledgeable. She even provided hand warmers for us as it was a very cold day! She adjusted the itinerary to allow for tired kids & took great photos for us. The historical sites in Nara are incredible & having Momoka to guide us made it even more enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Great tour... fantastic guide!
Jet T,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
We visited Nara and learned so much about the history of the former first capital of Japan. We first visited a Shinto shrine and then a beautiful walk through a park full of wild deer to the majestic Todaiji Temple. You can buy biscuits to feed the deer and they will bow to earn their treat. Our guide, Ayame, was so knowledgeable, friendly and a delight to be around. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the tour and Ayame to anyone considering this trip.
Our trip to Nara was...
Leanne E,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our trip to Nara was fantastic. Definitely highly recommend. Our tour guide Ginko was so lovely. He was very informative. We would have missed a lot if we didn’t have a tour guide.