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.
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!
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.
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
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
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
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
Reviews
870 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome Nara tour
wjc2007,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome walking tour of Nara! Moe was an excellent guide and we appreciated her knowledge of the Temples and Shrine we visited. She explained the history and customs throughout the tour. Seeing and feeding the deer was alot of fun. Highly recommend!
Super half day tour of Nara!!
robbO7358NG,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent half day tour of Nara made truly memorable by our wonderful guide, Momoka. From the very start she was warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly well organized, making the experience seamless and memorable. She shared fascinating insights into Nara’s history, culture, and temples, bringing each site to life with stories and explanations. Momoka was attentive to our pace and interests, always happy to answer questions and offer helpful tips along the way. Her passion for her work and for Nara really shone through, and she made the tour feel informative and personal. This was a perfect introduction to Nara, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend tour, and if you can, be sure to tour with Momoka!!
Nara walk
Ralph H,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Done the morning Nara walk, Our guide was Mei she was very good, started out could not find meeting spot but she found where I was. She was well organised when we got to Nara Mei knew the history of the Shinto and budo so was very interesting walked through shrines and temples so much history, and feeding of deers was a great feeling great had. If anyone is going to Osaka this is a must do. Regards Ralph
Nara cultural experience
William P,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Good walking and moderate exercise. Very good overview of Japanese culture and heritage. Guide was exceptional
What a great trip!
janosg871,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent half a day exploring Nara with Moe san, and we not only visited the must-see places, but she also showed us her favorite places. Very enthusiastic and energetic guide, who gave us the opportunity to see the wonders of Nara through her own eyes! She even showed us her favorite restaurant where we had a wonderful dish! Thank you for the great experience!
Nice morning in Nara.
Julia B,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mei was a good guide. She met us in Kyoto and rode with us to Nara. Mei expertly guided us to all of the sites. This saved a lot of time on a crowded day in Nara. Mei shared historical information and fun facts about each of the places we visited. This was much better than doing it on our own. I would recommend this tour with Mei.
Wonderful Half Day at Nara
garywA6773QN,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Momoka was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. She created a very memorable tour experience for us and took extra care to make sure we knew where we were going at the end of the tour.
Great Buddha, interesting history and cute dear!
Judy B,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mei was a brilliant guide and it was great seeing and hearing about the shrine and temples of Nara. The big Buddha was impressive and the dear very cute. The early morning tour worked well.
Nice excursion..quick...
JAIMEROGELIO C,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Nice excursion..fast and concrete...you can take it from Osaka and the departure is early in the morning
Great tour!
Amber M,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a fun trip. Our guide Nana was very informative. It was really good to go early as by the time we were done it was getting very crowded. She let us know lots of information about the town and temples and shrines we saw. I like going with a guide because you get to know little bits of information that you wouldn’t know if you did a self guided tour. The entire town is covered in deer (be careful if you buy crackers on the street corner to feed the deer they do swarm and nibble at you) I would highly recommend this tour. And you will be left with the rest of your day to do more sightseeing in Nara or back in Kyoto!
From ¥12,500
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