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
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
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
1,040 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour in a wonderful place
niklasp738,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour of Nara with Aki! She was incredibly personable, knowledgable, helpful, and fun! Also her English is impeccable, I thought she was from the U.S. Our visit to Nara and this tour have been one of the highlights of our trip so far and would absolutely recommend it to anyone and everyone. Nara is a truly magical place and the history and facts Aki provided throughout the tour made it even more so. Thank you for an amazing memory!
Great time, better deer
kevin L,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was such a fun time and the deer are very encouraging for food! Our tour guide Moe was very nice and carefully planned out a great itinerary for us
Maybe go by yourself
jhcapela,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The guide Keith is a very nice guy. I enjoyed the tour .I'm giving 4 stars because this is the kind of tour that you could simply buy the tickets and go by yourself.
Great tour!
95brooker,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ko was a great tour guide! He was easy to have a conversation with and was very knowledgeable!
Fantastic Tour of Nara Park
ethans089,Jun 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time on our tour of Nara Park and the Shrines and Temples. Nana, our guide, was very friendly and informative. We truly appreciate all her thoughtful insights and recommend this tour to anyone visiting Nara.
Great guide.
marcomH4839UB,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Moe was our guide. It was great despite the rain.
A fun tour to Nara
ehudk2026,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. Josh was knowledgeable and engaged, knew the history of the places and was fun to be with, and have is multiple local food recommendation. Very recommended.
Great trip in Hiroshima
237wingf,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Takeshi is a very knowledgeable guide. We leaned so much about Hiroshima and the history. Thank you, Takeshi Sen
Nara from Kyoto
Brian S,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good way to see Nara from Kyoto. Our tour guide, Itsuki, was super friendly and really knew her history of the area. The sites were beautiful and the history is fascinating. Itsuki was amazing. She went the “extra mile” and made sure we all made it back to the train station and back on the appropriate train Ok. It is some walking but very manageable.
Great tour from Kyoto to Nara
briansK4270KF,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience was very good. Itsuki was great. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we all had a good experience. The sites are stunning and the history is fascinating. Itsuki went above and beyond and walked us back after the experience to make sure everyone made it on the train OK. Great tour
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