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
648 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nara trip December 2025
ashish c,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was our first time visiting Nara. We had seen our friends visit previously and were excited to do the same today. Kevin, our Nara specialist, was an excellent guide, and we highly recommend him to anyone planning to visit Nara. We learned about the culture, the history of the Fujiwara clan, prayer rituals, and temple architecture, and we had many wonderful conversations along our way.
Overpriced Tour for Freely Accessible Attractions
R8830LCandyp,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00The price of USD 83 per person is not justified by the content of the tour. Guests should not be charged such an exorbitant fee for access to areas that are freely accessible public walks and parks.
Great tour!
heatherbH4673OK,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great experience! Futaba was the best tour guide and is full of local information and historic facts. I highly recommend this tour! It’s great for kids too!
Great tour with Futaba
isaacgV5818QP,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My kids and I loved this tour. Our guides name was Futaba. She was excellent. She explained all of the history and showed us her favorite parts of Nara. Great day. Highly recommend.
It was a great experience, we learned a lot about Japanese/Nara history with our lovely guide Futaba.
GoncaloM7,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a nice surprise this tour at Nara! Our guide, Futaba,was very generous and kind, we learned a lot from her! The interaction with the deers was so much fun! The temples and shrines were absolutely amazing! Thank you Futaba! Our son had the most wonderful time! The quiz about the history of temples etc it’s a great idea! The greatness of the giant Buddha it’s something worth to see!!
Very nice tour
Ricardo Z,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good tour.. it was very chill, only 4 of us. I liked it… lots of walking, Momoka was great! It’s worth noting that transportation back is on your own, but that’s okay, it’s not a big deal for me
Nice chill tour
Ricardo Z,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Good tour, it was only 4 of us total. It’s a chill laid back tour, nothing too crazy… it’s worth noting that transportation back is on your own, which it wasn’t a big deal for me. Momoka was my guide she was great 10/10
An amazing time in Nara with Futaba our guide
Daniel G,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing morning with our guide Futaba. We learned so much and could not have asked for a more approachable and warm guide. It was like having another family member with us. Nara is a beautiful place. Highly recommended.
Awesome tour!
Isabel G,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Toshiki was our guide and he went far and beyond to guide us. He took a lot of time to explain everything step by step. He helped us with everything we needed. He was courteous and knowledgeable. We recommend this tour because it combines in a perfect balance the beauty of nature with the mysticism of the places.
Great small group tour
Miri I,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great experience on this tour, only 4 people signed up, our guide Shin is very knowledgeable about Nara and it's history, I enjoyed spending time with him and the rest of the group, we got to see less crowded areas of the park, and saw the beautiful shrines.
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