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
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
628 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent, Flexible, and Incredibly Helpful Tour!
305rajivs,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible time on the Nara Early Morning Tour with Momoka! She was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the history of Nara that we never would have discovered on our own. Beyond her expertise, she was super helpful and flexible, tailoring the pace to our needs. Starting early from Osaka was definitely worth it to beat the crowds. Highly recommend Momoka!
Koichiro is one of the...
Ben C,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Koichiro is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met. Expert in tour related Japanese history and told us so much about Japanese culture, religion and practices. If you could choose your own guide, Koichiro is the guy to go with.
Great half-day trip to Nara
Robert C,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our half-day tour of Nara with our tour guide, Koichiro, was absolutely wonderful. Koichiro had all the answers to our questions, some great local folklore, and knew all the best spots to stop and take photos among the sakura blossoms.
Amazing experience
dawndW2750ZH,,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Rin was very kind and knowledgeable. Was an enjoyable morning seeing Nara. It was great to learn some history of the area and the deer are so adorable! Highlight of our Japan trip!
Tour
M5409JPmarcosc,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an excellent tour and a great experience. Nana is a spectacular guide and makes your tour even better.
Excellent day in Nara
christinehO5501XA,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time in Nara with Momoka! She was very knowledgeable about the area and kept our tour interesting. We had plenty of time with the deer and also saw some great temples. She took lots of photos of us feeding the deer and shared them right after our tour ended. She also was able to recommend a great place for lunch after. Would definitely recommend this tour!
10/10 experience!
dominiquelC6840CO,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Seishiro was our tour guide for this tour and he was amazing thorough and thoughtful during this whole experience. We were able to really get a grasp of the history and culture behind these historical temples and shrines. Seishiro was so patient with us while we took pictures and asked questions about everything. We learned so much throughout this immersive experience. I can’t express how grateful I feel to have an excellent tour guide who helped us navigate everything we wanted to see. Thank you again Seishiro!!
Well I hit the jackpot...
Derek R,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00For some reason, I ended up on a private tour with Ayame-san. And what happened next was one of the best guides I've had. Not only she was knowledgeable, but she adapta to your interests in the tour and expands them. Best tour guide I could get... And deer handler, cause those little fellas don't look as innocent as they look. And believe me, you want someone with experience and she is the one.
The early morning tour...
Lauren P,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The early morning tour cut down on the crowds. Haruka was knowledgeable and very friendly. She was helpful with getting back to Kyoto and restaurant suggestions.
Great tour with a great guide
Kevin M,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Haruka was a great guide. I had a really enjoyable time learning about the history of the places of interest we visited. It never felt rushed and there was plenty opportunities to ask questions, take photos and enjoy the locations. I’d highly recommend the early tour to avoid the crowds.
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