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
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
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
Reviews
932 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour of Nara with Nana
AnitaS895,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing tour! Our guide, Nana, was wonderful and very knowledgeable! Her English is excellent and we would love to do more tours with her while in Kyoto! She is very friendly and was helpful getting us back to Kyoto from Nara via the train.
Fun, very informative,...
Con M,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, very informative, Josh was a great tour guide! He was very patient and very knowledgeable on the history of Nara and the sites. We also loved feeding the cute deer!
One of my favorite days in Japan!
Kate B,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of my favorite days in Japan! Saki was an excellent guide with lots of interesting information to share. I enjoyed every location on the tour. The natural beauty of Nara is spectacular! The temples are huge and stunning. I highly recommend!
Wonderful
SUSAN L,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great tour with our guide, Nana. She was an amazing guide, very kind and knowledgeable. There are SO many deer in the park and there are stands where you can buy crackers to feed them. Most of the deer will bow at you to ask for crackers which is just the most amazing thing. Can’t wait to go back again!
Nara , oh dear
Navigator08029146600,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aki's English knowledge was impressive, which made the tour much lighter to go through, despite the 11000 steps 😉 great time management and good walking pace for all ages She was also very helpful about tips after the tour and even other parts of Japan definitely to recommend!
Warm Fun Kind Educational
USA805ALS,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Momoka gave us a wonderful tour through the Nara Park. Her great English language skills and her kind and positive character made the tour very enjoyable. I recommend asking for her as your tour guide.
Nara early morning tour
LISA D,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour lead by Aki who had great knowledge and our tour was amazing and relaxed answered all our questions and gave us recommendations for food and things to see
Fun tour
Mike G,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Moe was very nice and fun, we enjoyed the tour 😁
A relaxing tour of Nara Park
Joshua H,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A relaxing walk around Nara park that gave us ample opportunity to interact with the deer and see the temple and shrine before the crowds arrived. Aki was an engaging tour guide who made sure we were comfortable with the pace and gave time for toilet breaks and rest stops.
Did visit on own
Meghna P,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Showed up at Osaka station on time, but the tour guide Momoka did not. Thankfully the tour company was responsive to us but could not get a hold of the guide or a replacement so ultimately cancelled the tour and refunded the money. So maybe 3 stars for the company but 0 stars for the lack of professionalism on the guides part.
From ¥12,500
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