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
800 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent
G5029SGmartap,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aki was an exceptional guide. She showed us the most important places of Nara with plenty of time to take photos and with a lot of interesting information about todaiji temple and history of Nara. The tour is highly recommended!
Nara Tour with Moe
103haleyg,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Moe! Instructions on where to meet were clear and we saw all of what Nara had to offer on our tour. Would highly recommend!
Wonderful tour with Moe!!!
sushmita s,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour around the Nara park. Moe was great and very patient. She took us through the entire park. Highly recommend.
Great experience!
Samara T,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a great! Going early was a game changer in beating the crowds and getting a relaxed walk in Nara park and seeing the deer. Rin was the best tour guide! From friendly demeanor to answering any and all questions, he made this experience even better.
Must book for Nara top sights!
Christine C,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My 12 year old daughter and I both enjoyed this tour. We both learned so much more about the history and each site was amazing. Fun to feed the deer and see the largest Buddha in Japan. Kazuma was the best guide kept the perfect pace for us all. Big thanks!
Wonderful experience
Sightsee50834301456,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Getting out to Nara early meant we could explore the park and temples at our leisure. Good, relaxed pace to explore the beautiful park and the Cherry Blossoms were beautiful.
Nara Tour
V3586PKaileenc,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed the Nara tour. Our tour guide, Seisero is very knowledgeable, friendly & helpful. Can’t get any better tour guide than him. The Nara deer park is a blast!
Awesome experience
Linda F,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Haruka was absolutely amazing! She was very knowledgeable of the local traditions and culture she could answer any question we had with ease. Everyone on the tour all agreed that we thoroughly enjoyed our selves and we had the best guide ever! Thank you Haruka 😊
Nara - Deers, Temples and Shrines with Seishiro.
Melissabains,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Seishiro as our guide. He was really knowledgeable about Kyoto and Nara. He told us all about the temples and shrines. This tour and guide is highly recommended. He even helped with train information for us returning to our hotel.
Fabulous tour through Nara with Momoko
Brooke W,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best day with our tour guide Momoko, wandering through Nara and learning history about Japan along the way. Momoko was very kind and knowledgeable, and flexible for our big double family group and was able to accommodate snack and toilet breaks for the kids with ease. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see Nara. Thank you Momoko ☺️
From ¥12,500
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