Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

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!

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

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

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

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

4.92

605 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

578

Well worth it!
Kylee B,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We really enjoyed our tour with Rin. It was well worth going early in the morning to experience Nara through peaceful walks before the crowds came into the park. Rin was a great guide and helped us get to a Japanese curry restaurant for lunch.
Early morning sights in Nara
andrewk923,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I enjoyed visiting the temple, shrine and deer; as well as our informative and enthusiastic guide . Taking the tour early in the day was beneficial because it meant smaller crowds, at least initially
Amazing experience in Nara with Genki
Christina C,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Genki was an amazing guide. Extremely knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. He went above and beyond, took photos of our family and gave us a great recommendation for lunch after our tour was complete. Highly recommend Genki!
Very fun!
Suzy H,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a great time with had with Futuba! After an easy 50 minute train ride, we arrived in Nara nice and early which was great. We had such a peaceful walk up to Nara Park. I didn’t know what to expect with the deer, but it far surpassed my expectations. There were deer everywhere. And with so few people around, it was wonderful. We bought the rice cracker snacks for the deer, and laughed so much while feeding them. We held the food, bowed, the deer bowed, then we gave them the food. For someone who is a bit skittish around animals, it was a pure joy. Futuba was a lovely host, so sweet and kind. She had lots of good information for us and mad me the time together very enjoyable. Overall, a great tour, guide and time together!
Great tour!
Stanislav T,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was great! If you want to avoid big crowds I highly recommend to take an early morning trip. Futaba our tour guide was very knowledgeable and nice! She even gave us recommendations where to eat after.
Very pleasant tour, cute deers and super nice tourguide 😊
Maps39608508230,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very pleasant tour, we had a great time 😊 Our tourguide Rina was super nice, very smart and she made a tour feel very special. The park, deers, shrine and temples we so beautiful. I will definitely visit it again in the future!
Make time for this tour!
928micahs,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved our time with Futaba! We learned so much from her about Nara, the deer and its shrines and temples. If your time is limited in Kyoto, I highly recommend you do this tour! You will gain a greater appreciation for Japanese culture!
Pontos de Nara
humbertofH1361JH,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guy is very kind and friendly . He takes us to the temples walking and explaining all history . Definitely I recommend him if you want to be inside Nara history .
Shin was Spectacular
mirrored64,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Shin was an incredible tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. The perfect tour guide. He took great photos for us. He was very flexible with the other tour members who had a disability. He was so kind to us and this made our trip to Nara an unforgettable one. Book this tour now and request Shin! PS. Remember to bring yen for entrance fee to Tōdai-ji and if possible go on any day except for Monday since the botanical garden is closed on Mondays.
Great tour! A must!
Shytasia W,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazinggggg tour! I am so late doing this review but i have to say our tour guide was amazing he was so nice and informative and patient. I appreciate him , he even took nice photos of us! I truly enjoyed! Alot of walking , be prepared!