Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

Name: Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)
Price: 12500 JPY
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.93 (961 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 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!

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

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

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) Duration: 3 hours Starting point: Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29

Reviews

4.93

961 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

921

Morning on Nara
Nomad11730310721,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely time in Nara! The deer were very welcoming and sweet. We even saw a few small bambi. The transportation and pick up was very well managed but we would have appreciated a return transportation aswell. The guide, Moe, was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. She also spoke excellent english. The lenght of the trip was ok and price was in line with content. Early morning made all the sites less crowded which was nice. Very good experience!
Fun, informative and an overall delightful experience
Dawn G,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Daiki was an excellent guide , thorough , concise and very friendly . Thank you !
Great experience with Nara early morning tour
Z5321ITthomast,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I highly recommend Moe for the Nara early morning tour. Her positive attitude, knowledge, accommodating nature, and strong English proficiency made for a great experience. She stands out from other Japanese guides.
Fabulous English-language tour of a must-see site
Susan R,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Keith was a fabulous guide: truly bilingual, informative, engaging and very helpful. Nara is a must-see. The deer are fascinating and the main temple is a real knock-out. Probably my Japan highlight!
Don’t miss this tour & guide!!
244lawrences,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous tour! Our guide, Daiki, was exceptional. Very knowledgeable, took the time to thoroughly explain the history and importance of the various sites, made sure we were all comfortable with the pace, very helpful with pictures as well. Made the trip from Kyoto to Nara idiot-proof!! I highly recommend this tour and especially this guide!! Daiki is top notch!!
Thank you MOE
juancarloscV80WV,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was very good, MOE was friendly and helpful at all times, answering all our questions and requests.
We loved the deer!
Isabella J,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guide was helpful from the beginning. And, answers all our questions. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. The park was great and we loved the deer. Getting back to the train station was easy to find.
Amazing time in Nara
simoneq898,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing un fun trip to nara with Daiki. He was a very polite and prepared guide and he gave us very interesting informations. Tour was very very good and not tiring at all!
ITSUKI
DrJosue,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide is ITSUKI was excellent. She was friendly, knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout this tour.
Great Tour!
Elena K,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Hina was so great, highly reccomend this excursion! It was a really excellent and well paced tour. Temples and park were beautiful and we avoided a lot of crowds. Special shout out to Hina, who was so thoughtful and knowledge and made sure everyone had a great time. Also, goes without saying but deer were awesome and adorable.

From ¥12,500

4.93

(961 reviews)

Free cancellation

Check availability

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Related Experiences

Operated by GuideMe Japan

Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

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 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

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

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Kasuga Grand Shrine

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

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

Kyoto Station Pickup

Kintetsu Nara Station Meet Up

Reviews

4.93

961 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

921

Morning on Nara
Nomad11730310721,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely time in Nara! The deer were very welcoming and sweet. We even saw a few small bambi. The transportation and pick up was very well managed but we would have appreciated a return transportation aswell. The guide, Moe, was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. She also spoke excellent english. The lenght of the trip was ok and price was in line with content. Early morning made all the sites less crowded which was nice. Very good experience!
Fun, informative and an overall delightful experience
Dawn G,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Daiki was an excellent guide , thorough , concise and very friendly . Thank you !
Great experience with Nara early morning tour
Z5321ITthomast,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I highly recommend Moe for the Nara early morning tour. Her positive attitude, knowledge, accommodating nature, and strong English proficiency made for a great experience. She stands out from other Japanese guides.
Fabulous English-language tour of a must-see site
Susan R,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Keith was a fabulous guide: truly bilingual, informative, engaging and very helpful. Nara is a must-see. The deer are fascinating and the main temple is a real knock-out. Probably my Japan highlight!
Don’t miss this tour & guide!!
244lawrences,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous tour! Our guide, Daiki, was exceptional. Very knowledgeable, took the time to thoroughly explain the history and importance of the various sites, made sure we were all comfortable with the pace, very helpful with pictures as well. Made the trip from Kyoto to Nara idiot-proof!! I highly recommend this tour and especially this guide!! Daiki is top notch!!
Thank you MOE
juancarloscV80WV,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was very good, MOE was friendly and helpful at all times, answering all our questions and requests.
We loved the deer!
Isabella J,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guide was helpful from the beginning. And, answers all our questions. He was very knowledgeable about the areas we visited. The park was great and we loved the deer. Getting back to the train station was easy to find.
Amazing time in Nara
simoneq898,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing un fun trip to nara with Daiki. He was a very polite and prepared guide and he gave us very interesting informations. Tour was very very good and not tiring at all!
ITSUKI
DrJosue,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide is ITSUKI was excellent. She was friendly, knowledgeable and kept us engaged throughout this tour.
Great Tour!
Elena K,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Hina was so great, highly reccomend this excursion! It was a really excellent and well paced tour. Temples and park were beautiful and we avoided a lot of crowds. Special shout out to Hina, who was so thoughtful and knowledge and made sure everyone had a great time. Also, goes without saying but deer were awesome and adorable.