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
835 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ayame was a fantastic...
Erika L,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ayame was a fantastic tour guide. We learned so much from her. The deer are beautiful and so much fun to feed. Todai-ji and the Great Buddha Statute was the highlight. Absolutely amazing.
Best Tour of Nara
O3871PXvincentc,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really great tour, it wasn’t too much walking. We went to all the highlights of Nara, and got to feed lots of deer. Price is really reasonable for all you get. Aki was the best tour guide! She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable of all the spots we went to. Even going so far as to suggest locations to visit all over Japan. Without her, we never would’ve figured out about the surrounding area and would’ve missed out on some great matcha! I will be recommending this tour to everyone that visits. Would definitely do it again! Thanks Aki!
Fun and informative
T8320AFkatk,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Josh was great! Fun and informative
An excellent experience!
Adventurer822627,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Seishiro was excellent!! He was incredibly detailed in explaining all the important aspects of the tour, which made the experience even more enjoyable and insightful. He also went above and beyond by taking photos and videos for us, which we really appreciated. Every question we had was answered thoroughly and thoughtfully. Highly recommend him!
Nara Park Experience
P1990IBjesseh,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an awesome experience with Moe-san. She was very informative and kept us on track during the tour. She pointed out spots where to take pictures and helped us out. The deer and the sights were amazing. Definitely worth it if you like nature, history and walking.
Moe was the best!
cassiesL2336IH,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Moe was a great tour guide. She took us to all her favorite spots, took lots of pictures, and helped us translate our fortune! We wish her the best of luck in medical school!
Wonderful morning at Nara Park
Joe S,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nara Deer Park was a wonderful experience. A little rain kept the crowds down so that we could move freely and enjoy the sights. Keith, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable of the historical aspects of the area. He was able to share a wealth of information with us and was obviously very proud of his heritage.
Thank you Aki san for an amazing Nara tour
Jason M,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Big thank you to Aki san for giving us an amazing experiance at Nara, so knowledable and we learnt some additional history that we was not aware of, even managed to suprise our tour guide today with when we was asked questuons and we had the answers as we had a great teacher in Aki san. Aki san went above and beyond and has also given us some great dining tips for Kyoto and also Osaka which ia our next stop.
Nara walking tour and so much more
Judy M,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic walking tour of Nara. We walked about 15,000 steps. An easy pace with plenty of stops to enjoy the scenery. Our guide was delightful and shared a lot of history of the temples and ancient sites.
Nara Tour
oliviafS5958QX,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Momoka was a wonderful guide and made sure to explain the history and meaning behind each stop. I enjoyed learning the history of Nara as well as seeing some key sights and feeding the deer!
From ¥12,500
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