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
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
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
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
1,004 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nara, a fascinating place not to be missed
Rupert M,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nara is an amazing place to visit. Our guide, Keith was excellent. Being half Japanese and half American, he was able to give us an excellent insight into the sites and was easy to understand. The park was beautiful with numerous deer, all very tame. The Todai-Ji temple housing the giant Buddha was amazing. Keith was able to give us lots of historical information which was so useful and interesting.
Insightful visit to Nara
CnC2014Can,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was knowledgeable, thoughtful, gave great meetup directions and was very generous with her time even after the tour to make sure we could get back to our hotel safely. We enjoyed our tour immensely. Would highly recommended our tour guide Momoka!
Fabulous day!!
debrarP5088XX,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a private morning tour to Nara with our guide, Ko, who was amazing!!! Nara is absolutely beautiful and Ko was the best guide! He was so informative and took us to wonderful places. He made the tour so much fun and was also so personable, professional and great with our teen/preteen age sons. The deer were adorable and the temples/shrines stunning. Highly recommend!!
Great half day trip to Nara
frankgS2119TE,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tyki was great guide- took us to all the best spots and shared the history behind it all- would def recommend to all
The perfect experience
skys619,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely incredible experience! Our tour guide Aki was perfection. Her knowledge and expertise made the whole experience everything my family imagined. An absolute must for anyone!!!!
History with a touch of nature!
Quest54486784270,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An enjoyable half day out. Haruka was an excellent guide who was informative and engaging. We enjoyed the history on display and also the interaction with the deer! Nara is a beautiful spot.
Nara tour
aartis27,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with Satoshi! He was informative and fun!
Aki is a very informed,...
Shenaaz J,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Aki is a very informed, kind and helpful tour guide! Aki provided clear instructions on the meet-up spot, and gave us interesting cultural and historic information about the sites throughout our tour. My 10-year old daughter was engaged too! Please beware of deer, they can be very eager around the crackers!
Great experience
Sapna K,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic 4.5 hour tour of Nara with Keith! He was excellent at communicating two days in advance and throughout the process. He shared so many fascinating details about Todaiji Temple and even helped us capture great photos. A short, perfect, and highly recommended tour!
Two thumbs up
James S,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Saki, was terrific. She was patient, informative, and a great guide and host. Her English was excellent and she brought some visual aids that were helpful.
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