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
763 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Nara
Rene M,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ko Taketazu was our wonderful guide. As promised we met him at the Kyoto train station exactly where he said he would be. He already had purchased the tickets to Nara. Upon reaching Nara he showed us all the major points and explained in detail their significance we proceeded to feed the plentiful deer that are all about. We walked up a hill to a Shinto temple and then to the temple that houses the largest Buddha in Japan. A very impressive site. At the end of the 4 hour plus tour he escorted us back to the train station and helped us buy our return tickets to Kioto. Having studied in the United States his English is flawless. We highly recommend Ko as your guide.
Great experience in Nara
bencL7206BQ,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We would love to thank Mei on our amazing tour to Nara, we learnt so much and didnt feel rushed so we could take photos and enjoy our experience in Nara. The communication with getting in contact with us before the tour was great. Thankyou again, From Ben and Casey.
Relaxing, crowdless and close to nature tour.
551gilz,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a great opportunity to learn about Nara in a relaxing and friendly way. The fact that it’s an early tour is very important because it gave us the chance to walk around with little to no crowds. Moe was our guide and she kindly taught us a lot about the shrine and the temple and how to be respectful when in it. Overall great tour and guide, we were lucky to see the koi fish, feed the deers and relax under the cherry blossoms.
Must do for animal lovers
Katie Y,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an unforgettable experience. As someone who has loved deer their entire life, coming to Nara Park was a must - and our guide gave us the full experience! He answered all the silly questions, took all the silly pictures and helped us make the best memories!
Fantastic Nara & Aki (the tour guide)!
H5550UDvanessas,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic trip I enjoyed every single moment of it. Nara is such a beautiful location, and the superstar was Aki Toide, so nice, helpful, and not to mention the perfect English, which made it so easy to understand everything. I must say if you book this tour ask for Aki, trust me you’re one regret the tour and having Aki as your tour guide
Brilliant Guide!
Cruiser02993344516,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Koh was a brilliant guide - very friendly, knowledgeable and took us to see all the main sights in Nara.
Informative Nara Tour, and The Deer Are Wonderful
829iainl,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Shin was a great day. We took the train from Kyoto to Nara and toured the various temples and shrines. Of course the kids LOVED the deer, especially the fact that if you bow, many of the deer will bow back…especially if there’s a cracker reward involved🤣. The “Big Buddha” was pretty impressive, and Shin was a local so he knew a lot of Nara’s rich history that he shared with us. All in all an excellent morning tour!
Nara with Aki
luccag157,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great experience with Aki very good English and friendly great at showing around and telling history about Nara. Would highly recommend. Overall wonderful experience.
Nice Nara Experience with Airi
boraa716,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful tour with our fantastic tour guide Airi! It's been a great learning experience and we didn’t have to worry about large groups of crowds as the tour was early morning. We were also able to ask some points that we were curious about and she was kind enough to inform us
Delightful experience!...
Dan R,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Delightful experience! Just the right amount of history, walking, and deer. So many deer. Joshua was knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. He was also very interactive with our kids throughout rhe tour. Really happy with the morning tour!
From ¥12,500
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