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 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!
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
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
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
698 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Magical Nara Experience with Mei
Albert M,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time visiting Nara from Osaka. Our personal guide Mei was great. She was in contact with us the day prior to our trip and gave clear instructions of where we meet up in Osaka. Our tour was early in the morning and we were able to experience Nara and see the deers prior to the crowd getting there. Mei made this experience at Nara very interesting and informative. If you are planning to take this amazing tour make sure you wear comfy walking shoes.
Can't miss tour
jamesv419,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Futaba was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and great to talk with. We went to places I probably couldn't have found on my own and Futaba knew so much about each location it added so much to the experience, 10/10 such a fun tour!
Futaba was an excellent...
JAMES V,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Futaba was an excellent guide. Full of knowledge and ready to answer all my questions. The tour took me to places I might not have found on my own and Futaba explained so much I wouldn't have known, great guide 10/10.
Great private tour with Futaba.
558alams,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Futaba was lovely; she was accommodating and informative. Willing and able to guide us and change up the itinerary as needed. Would highly recommend her as a private guide.
Early morning without the crowds and outnumbered by the deer!
rduairman74,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed this experience and highly recommend the early morning option. Mei was very informative and very communicative both during and prior to the tour ensuring we felt comfortable getting to the meeting point. Mei took some great pictures, gave us a good bit of history and never made us feel rushed.. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer guide. If you’re looking for an option that allows you to get a jump on your day and access the deer and temples prior to the crowds, this is the tour for you. Yes, you have to get up and be at the station early but the trade off is that you encounter only a handful of people the first two hours. It wasn’t until the last 30 minutes while leaving the temple and making our way back to the train station that we could see the mass of people arriving. The experience felt very private and for me, made it that much more enjoyable. One of the more relaxing experiences I have had, Highly recommend.
Thanks so much for a very...
Gregory D,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thanks so much for a very fun day! Our guide Koh was so knowledgeable and even gave us some food recommendations in the area, we loved the ramen spot! Thanks so much for a fun day!
Family Experience with Nara Park
renanda D,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our visit to Nara Park was truly unforgettable, thanks to our guide, Seishiro. He shared history, cultural insights, and fun local stories in a way that felt natural and engaging. Of course, the undeniable stars of the show were the famous bowing deer. Seeing them roam freely and interact so comfortably with visitors was unlike anything we’ve experienced before. It’s surreal to watch them bow politely for a snack but be warned, they are very excited about those treats! If you’re holding deer crackers, be prepared to share or you might get a gentle (but persistent!) nibble as a reminder to pass them out. Nara Park was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Japan, it’s one you won’t forget!
Great tour with Rin
Jana M,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Rin was great - friendly, knowledgeable, organised and a great photographer. This tour is amazing, the deer are quite an experience; plus you get to see a few local temples and shrines too. Worth going early in the morning before the crowds.
Lovely experience!
malharj2026,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a lovely experience. Our guide, Futaba, was very knowledgable about the sights and helpful. She made sure that the walk was comfortable and enjoyable for us. We learnt a lot about Nara and Japanese culture from her as well! This tour was the highlight of my trip, would definitely recommend this! Thank you for a lovely tour, Futaba!
Classic Nara experience
Bronwen M,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00If you want the classic Nara experience, this tour is for you! Our lovely guide Ayame met us at Kyoto station with our train tickets and, once we'd arrived in Nara, led us to the famous deer with lots of interesting facts about the things we saw on the way. She took some lovely candid photos and videos that she shared after the tour, and gave us some recommendations for lunch after the tour. Thanks, Ayame!
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