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
683 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lin was Awesome!
Tifani T,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lin was our tour guide!! She was so kind and knowledgeable!!! This was an amazing and insightful tour!! Definitely worth it!
Beautiful day at Nara.
Dana B,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a lovely, interesting ans informative tour. Guided by Mr. Toshiki of whom we highly recommend and Time flew fast!
Fun and interesting!
Deb B,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed our day in Nara. Ayame was a great guide. The town is nice for walking around with many shops and restaurants. The deer park is crazy fun. The temples and shrines are beautiful.
An unforgettable early morning tour
jo chapman73,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The early morning tour to Nara was an amazing experience. Beating the crowds and having the glow of the early morning light was so special. We had the four hour tour from Kyoto to Nara. Our guide Kevin was excellent. A great communicator, considerate to our needs and full of information about Japanese culture, history and religion. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Nara
suzan y,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lin was my guide, she was great and very knowledgeable about the culture and history. The tour was great and it deepens my appreciation for Nara’s history.
That there’s a lot of...
Aurora A,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00That there’s a lot of walking. But it was so well worth it because Saki was very knowledgeable and patient and we learned a lot of significant facts about the history of Nara
The family (2 adults and...
Anthony M,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The family (2 adults and 2 children) had a great morning learning about the beautiful shrines and temples. The kids loved the deer park and Natsuho was really knowledgeable and fun to be with as our guide.
Great Nara tour
Ryan B,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was great, Nana took us round Nara and explained all the important historical events that had happened to the key buildings in the area. Feeding the deer was an experience, even the little deer know how to bow for food
Excellent tour to a wonderful place
viajeraluz1,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We met our guide, Saki at the train station and departed to Nara. It took us an hour to get there and as soon as we arrived Saki took us to different temples and shrines and explained us about their history. She also explained us how to make wishes at shrines and details about buddhism and shintoism. Saki is very nice, warm and does her job very well.
Great time
250mherp,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very nice tour - well paced and beautiful places. Our tour guide Futaba was incredible and super knowledgeable. She made sure all of us were having a great time
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