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
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
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
Reviews
711 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The sweetest start to our day
michaelhZ6758XY,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Futaba made our Nara Morning Tour absolutely wonderful. The logistics were perfectly planned, and we loved starting the day gently exploring the history, with some unforgettable (and adorable) deer interactions. Such a sweet and memorable experience. Thank you!
So much more to Nara than the deers!
Lynne M,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was great! Toshi was very informative and spoke very fluent English which made the tour even more memorable! I highly recommend if you’re planning a Nara trip to include this tour!
It was a wonderful...
Diane C,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful opportunity to learn the history of early Japan, the history of the Buddhist and Shinto religions and their influences on the history. Toshi was an excellent and informative guide. He was very patient considerate and endeavored to thoughtfully answer all questions. The bowing deer were cute amd assertive. The Tōdai-ji Temple was amazing. Overall a wonderful day trip.
Fun morning in Nara!
Dana W,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour. Futaba made the journey from Kyoto very easy, and once we arrived to Nara she shared tons of interesting history that made the morning enjoyable. I was a little nervous about the deer but she had great tips on helping us navigate our way through the park and have fun feeding and engaging with lots of adorable deer. Definitely recommend that you book this tour!
Great reasonably priced tour
N7036KAamandaj,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour! The temples, shrines, and deer are something that we’ll never forget. Good walking shoes are a must. Futaba, our tour guide, was infinitive and went at an organic pace for the group. Highly recommend.
Saki was our wonderful...
Judy G,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Saki was our wonderful guide for our Nara trip pickup from Kyoto station. We were able to see the highlights of Nara in just a few hours of walking. She made it enjoyable.
Spiritual deer and majestic architecture!
Tour21458770337,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughters and I had a fantastic experience on this tour. Our guide, Mei, did a great job of getting us where we needed to go and answering our many many questions. I feel that we had a true cultural exchange that built on our existing knowledge and allowed us to share what we knew. Highly recommend!
Magical Nara Experience with Mei
Albert M,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time visiting Nara from Osaka. Our personal guide Mei was great. She was in contact with us the day prior to our trip and gave clear instructions of where we meet up in Osaka. Our tour was early in the morning and we were able to experience Nara and see the deers prior to the crowd getting there. Mei made this experience at Nara very interesting and informative. If you are planning to take this amazing tour make sure you wear comfy walking shoes.
Can't miss tour
jamesv419,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Futaba was an amazing guide, so knowledgeable and great to talk with. We went to places I probably couldn't have found on my own and Futaba knew so much about each location it added so much to the experience, 10/10 such a fun tour!
Futaba was an excellent...
JAMES V,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Futaba was an excellent guide. Full of knowledge and ready to answer all my questions. The tour took me to places I might not have found on my own and Futaba explained so much I wouldn't have known, great guide 10/10.
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