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
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
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
719 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Nara trip
VaniaM2508,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aki was absolutely amazing! She answered all our questions even if they were not related to our tour.
Great experience
Flyer58576587016,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a really great experience to see and learn the history of the temples and shrine at Narra Park. It is a beautiful place. The deer were friendly. Our tour guide Itsuko was very knowledgeable , accommodating, and friendly. I highly recommend to request him as your tour guide.
Early morning Nara day trip
kimberly c,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Best to go early as it gets very crowded. Perfect day trip from Kyoto. Easy to get to and great temples. Our guide Naruka was awesome. She was very informative and helpful.
Fabulous Nara Tour
Alexander D,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aki made this tour amazing. She was very informative and made the experience very enjoyable! I highly recommend this tour and if you get Aki as your guide, I can assure you that you will not be disappointed!
Nara from Kyoto -morning tour
Krzysztof D,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had limited time and a half-day guided simplistic tour starting in Kyoto turned out to be a good choice. It is way to go for the first-time visitors.
Amazing time in Nara with Aki!
H644MNellies,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent tour with Aki! She shared so many cools facts about the temples and shrines we visited while answering all of our questions along the way. She also provided some wonderful recommendations for food to try in both Kyoto and Osaka!!
Don’t miss this tour of Nara!
Donna V,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Koi was outstanding! He was thorough in his descriptions, answered all of our questions and spent a few minutes getting to know each of us. That knowledge allowed him to ensure we all enjoyed the tour!
Perfect Nara Tour
oliviatW9680WE,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was the perfect tour to see all spots when you are short on time, and with minimal crowds. Our tour guide, Seishiro, was knowledgeable and by the end of the tour felt like a friend. Highly recommend.
Well Worth the Early Start Time
mollyf957,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was great! It was well worth the early start time. Our guide, Seishiro, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
A Must-Do for Nara Day Trip
I3599XYlindseys,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked the early morning Nara tour for my mom and myself, and we both absolutely loved Nara and our guide, Futa ❤️ While many visitors stay in crowded parks, Futa took us on an engaging walk through some on Nara’s most beautiful temples / shrines while avoiding crowds, teaching us how to interact with the famous deer, and providing us with so much education about Shintoism and Buddhism in Japan. While our tour ended around 1:30, my mom and I opted to stay in Nara longer and check out some of Futa’s recommended spots. All in all, it was a great day and I don’t think we would have enjoyed Nara nearly as much without Futa’s guidance, historical knowledge, and positivity.
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