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
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
Reviews
738 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
fantastic tour + guide
Fabian F,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00this was a fantastic and informative tour, our guide seishiro was one of the best guides i ever had, he explained everything brilliantly and took such good photos of us
Amazing 🤩
T1758HFjanined,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour in Nara was an absolute highlight of our trip, and that was all thanks to our incredible guide, Momoka. From the very beginning, she went above and beyond—sending a detailed and thoughtful message the night before we met in Kyoto, complete with clear directions and helpful reference photos. It immediately put us at ease and set the tone for a seamless experience. What truly made the tour special was Momoka herself. Having grown up in the Nara area, her knowledge felt deeply personal and authentic. She didn’t just guide us—she brought each shrine and temple to life with stories, history, and cultural insights that you simply wouldn’t get on your own. The visual materials she carried with her were such a unique touch, helping us better understand and appreciate everything we were seeing. The group was small, which made the whole experience feel intimate and relaxed. It allowed for genuine interaction, questions, and a more personal connection throughout the day. Momoka is kind, engaging, and incredibly passionate about what she does. If you’re considering a tour in Nara, I couldn’t recommend her more highly—it truly made our visit unforgettable.
Great morning out.
Shaun H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great to go early, this early morning tour highly recommend, as we were leaving there were so many people and more arriving... AyameF was a great guide, very friendly and very knowledgeable.
Great day trip to Nara
106onurk,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks to our guide Seishiro, We had a fantastic experience with our day trip to Nara. He was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing insights and stories that really brought the history and culture to life in a way that was easy to understand and remember. Communication throughout the tour was excellent—everything was explained clearly, and the coordination was smooth from start to finish. We always knew where to be and what to expect, which made the whole experience feel relaxed and well-organized. One of the highlights was his recommendation for a ramen restaurant in Nara —we decided to try it, and it turned out to be absolutely delicious. It’s a place we never would have found on our own, and it added something special to the day. Overall, the tour was great value for money. Thanks to him, we feel like we’ll remember so much more from our visit than we normally would. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Nara!
Prepare to walk and pat deer.
Shaun N,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Early start but the guide was easy to find. She was very helpful with moving around and enjoyed to chat. The tour was a great experience and went really smoothly. Our guide got us to Nara station at the end and helped us get our correct trains. My only suggestion would be for the guide to allow 5 mins for souvenir shopping towards the end as this can be the only time some people get to visit Nara.
The price paid was a rip off
Geraldine A,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This tour is a rip off we paid over all $138 per person , all this required was a one way train ticket approx $10 , the park was free to all , I didn’t realise and we didn’t get our return ticket covered as well , total rip off kindly refund an acceptable amount to us
Our Guide Shin was Wonderful
Susan B,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an absolutely beautiful tour of two important shrines, and a magnificent temple, to see the Great Buddha statue. We were blown away. The visit to see the deer was an added bonus. What made the tour so special was our caring and knowledgeable guide, Shin. Shin met us at the train station in Kyoto and traveled with us to Nara. He was extremely understanding of our slow pace, (my husband walks with a cane), finding all elevators to ascend to the train platforms. What a kind tour guide. Our fellow travelers were also quite patient. When we got to the second Shrine (Kasuga), my husband was a bit tired, so Shin found a nearby coffee shop where my husband could wait and relax while I went on with the group. Coming back down, I found my husband refreshed and ready to tackle Todai-Ji Temple. It was an amazing way to end the tour with fabulous memories of everything we saw. Having our stellar tour guide, Shin made the day one of the best experiences of our trip to Japan. While there is a lot of walking, with a patient guide like Shin it is doable for folks with moderate disabilities. Thank you, Shin.
Best guide, fun trip
Isabel B,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Itsuku was amazing. He spent time explaining the history of the space, while addressing how it impacts the now. He was patient and allowed us to stop to take pictures and answer questions.
Aki was a brilliant tour...
Gareth N,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Aki was a brilliant tour guide and was very knowledgeable of the area and provided valuable insights into the history of the area.
Great tour and tour guide!
N726YAhenryw,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! The deer were everywhere and so cute. Also the temples and shrines were amazing. Thanks Futa!
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