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.
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.
Options
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
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
Reviews
985 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour with MOE!
Grace D,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Started our tour at 7am. Tour operator, Moe, was at the meeting point, as scheduled. From the moment we met her, she was friendly, kind, helpful and approachable. Our tour had 4 other tourists with us. She escorted and guided us from start to finish. Was informative regarding all we saw on the tour. She even offered to take photos of everyone in the tour and was more than accommodating when we wanted to stop off at a shop or simply take a washroom break. She took her time with us allowing time to embrace everything around us. As for my daughter and myself, personally, can’t say enough about how wonderful our tour guide was, how exciting the tour was, and the most enjoyable time we had on the tour. Thank you, Moe, for being a great tour guide and for the wonderful time on the tour.
We had the pleasure of...
Osman C,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the pleasure of having Aki as our tour guide. Aki was super knowledgable and made our tour very enjoyable, she was also very helpful with taking photos whenever. Aki seemed to always have an answer for the questions that we had, and she also paid for me and my tours transportation back to the station out of her pocket post tour, and offered recommendations to other parts of Japan. Through and through a 5 star guide. Overall I would really recommend this trip to anyone looking to experience Nara.
Fun way to explore Nara!
Shane S,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was amazing! It was an absolute pleasure to have Josh as our guide, he was sociable, kind and very knowledgeable. Nara is a beautiful part of Japan and this tour was a great way to explore it, see its sights and learn its history! Highly recommend!
Nara 2026
H4348FNandreat,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Itsuki was a great guide ! We totally appreciated her knowledge and patience. Great job !
Early morning Nara
Kerry R,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Keith was a great guide. Easily navigated the group through the busy train stations and changing trains to get to Nara. Explained the best way to handle deer. Early morning start was key as everything was packed as we were leaving. Was knowledgeable about the history and explained what we were looking at. Was patient about pictures and also very kindly took pictures of us and others in group.
Misleading tour advertisement, not worth money
snm26r96hy,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Overall it’s not worth spending money on this tour. Tour description does not tell you- They take you from Kyoto train station by local train with change of station They provide you only one way ticket Rather than normal tour where bus will take you to nearest parking on each spot, they make you walk all the way from station Overall tour itinerary is not good, I wish they take you to Todai-ji temple first but it was last when all tour buses and school trips arrived. I would recommend rather buy your own train ticket and get audio guide or use ChatGPT for information.
The Best Tour Guide a Solo Mom Could Ask For
196moonl,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aki was an absolutely wonderful tour guide for me and my daughter, Haemi. She went above and beyond throughout the entire trip, helping with the stroller, taking beautiful photos for us, and even spending time playing with Haemi so I could relax and fully enjoy the experience. Traveling solo with a toddler can be challenging, but Aki made everything so much easier. Her kindness, patience, and genuine care made us feel welcomed and supported every step of the way. Thanks to her, I was able to enjoy Japan in a way I never could have on my own. She truly made our trip unforgettable.
Fun day learning about Nara
Samuel G,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time exploring Nara with AyameF. The tour was well-paced and informative. Highly recommend for 1/2 day in Nara!
Great trip with very...
Matt I,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip with very knowledgeable guides. This was my second time here and my family’s first. A must do trip
Excellent tour!
Riku S,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a fantastic morning in Nara! Our tour guide Moe was wonderful! She was genuinely kind and made the whole experience both relaxing and engaging. Her English was excellent, so everything was easy to follow, and she explained each site clearly and brought them to life. It never felt like a dry history lecture. What really stood out was how she took the time to get to know each person in the group individually, which made the morning feel personal and welcoming. 10/10 would absolutely do it again. Highly recommend!!
From ¥12,500
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