Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

Name: Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)
Price: 9200 JPY
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.93 (671 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

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!

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

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

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

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

Reviews

4.93

671 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

644

Our guide (Nana) was...
Robert A,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide (Nana) was outstanding. She made our outing fantastic. The pace was perfect and the sites we visited were all good. You cover a lot of ground.
Memorable Tour of Nara!
Stacey L,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
My family and I loved this tour of Nara! It was one of the most memorable parts of our vacation! Momoka was the best! She was so friendly, knowledgeable about the history of every stop we made, showed us where to get some of the best freshly-made mochi, and even shared the pictures she captured of us during our tour. Highly recommend her and this tour of Nara!
Best nara tour
I5735HFjuanantoniom,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was the best guided tour I've had in Japan. My guide, Futaba, was very professional, explaining everything during the tour in an engaging way and answering all our questions. She also organized it to avoid crowds and gave helpful tips about the deer to make the experience even better. She even gave us recommendations for things to do after the tour. 100% recommended!
An amazing morning in Nara
Gavin W,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great morning tour of Nara. My guide, Rin, was so knowledgeable about everything we saw on the tour and very attentive and kind to guests - he also takes great photos! I had such a fun time exploring Nara, learning about the temples and shrines, and of course, feeding the deer.
The tour was really...
Alexis S,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was really enjoyable and our guide, Haruka, was a really pleasant and knowledgeable person. The 3 locations are all different from one another and offer different and beautiful experience.
A magical day in Nara with Guide Futaba
Stephanie G,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wow! What an experience! One of my favorite days in Japan! Getting to see the spiritual shrine and deer in Nara was breathtaking. It was also special to see the Temple and the Buddha and also learn about the history of the region. Futaba was so knowledgeable and imparted so much wisdom throughout the tour- I learned so much! She was also helpful in knowing which deer to feed that would make it an enjoyable experience. She went out of her way to ensure I had the right written directions to get back to my hotel in Kyoto. She was great! 10/10!
A must do while in Kyoto
435noahh,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour of Nara to see the deer and sights of the area. We got an excellent lunch recommendation from our guide and he let us know about the admission fee for entry to the temple ahead of time. The tour was done just in time for lunch and gave us time to feed the deer the remainder of our crackers. This early departure tour is a must so you miss the crowds and get to enjoy the area in peace. Do not hesitate to book this and I hope you get to meet Kevin.
Guided Tour through Nara Park is a must!
393theresaz,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are glad we booked this tour! The park is huge and our guide, Futa, directed us to the best routes and sights which saved a lot of time. They helped us get back to the bus too which was a little complicated and crowded. We loved feeding the deer! This is a must see park.
It’s a great experience....
yee c,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s a great experience. Our guide Momoka is excellent. She is very good in explanation and showing us around. It’s very leisure and not rush. Really enjoy the trip and would recommend others to take this day trip.
What a wonDEERful experience!
threebears2008,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great morning with Koh and a new group of friends walking around Nara park and visiting shrines and temples. Although it was cold and windy, the walk kept us warm and Koh generously shared his knowledge of Nara and Japenese culture with us. Thank you Koh, I would definitely recommend this tour!!