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.
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
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
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.
Reviews
999 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Be award this tour is...
Yue C,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Be award this tour is only 2.5 hours and nothing is included besides walking with the guide. Not worth $80 for this little time.
Fun in Nara!
Mark B,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Seishiro was an excellent guide! We really enjoyed seeing the shrines and temples and learning about their history from him. Feeding the deer was really fun as well. Highly recommend this tour and Seishiro!
Exceptional tour before the tourists’ rush
Hikmat G,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a blast with Daiki on this tour. He’s passionate and knowledgeable and very attentive. I highly recommend an early morning visit to beat the rush hour that tends to be overwhelming. If you don’t have all day, that’s the right balance to see everything and experience Nara without rushing through it.
Amazing Nara Park tour
Cori T,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was amazing. The Nara temple and Shrine are absolutely beautiful. Our tour guide was Genki who was great, request him if you can!
Mei is the best at Nara
Nicolas P,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great informative tour with our lovely guide Mei! Highly recommend this tour, we met at the station and easily got to Nara before the crowds
Great experience
Steve A,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hina was an excellent guide and shared lots of great info on sights, history and the city. Well worth it!
Nara
Dawn J,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Tomo was really good and explained all the spots we visited really well. Highly recommend this tour. Also only 6 of us so very personable.
Haruka Amazing guide
danielaron1088,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Haruka was absolutely amazing today ! We got lost at the meet up point and she came to save us ! Her guide and tour at Nara was outstanding! Much recommended
Ko was our good guide. ...
Rosenna H,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ko was our good guide. He was very clear about the meeting point and punctual. We enjoyed the small group format. It was easier to beat the crowds. Ko was very helpful and a pleasure to spend the morning with.
Highly recommended!
Katie G,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very pleasant walk the beautiful gardens and famous sites with lots of deer and historical information. Wonderfull!
Secure Checkout
Related Experiences
Operated by GuideMe Japan