Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity.
After walking through the lively shopping arcade, we visit Kofuku-ji Temple to admire its beautiful five-story pagoda and take photos. We then head to Todai-ji Temple, home to the impressive Great Buddha statue. Along the way, a local guide shares the history of the temples and fascinating insights into Japanese Buddhism.
Next, we walk up to Nigetsu-do Hall, located on the hillside of Todai-ji, where you can enjoy panoramic views over Nara. The tour continues with visits to traditional souvenir shops before heading toward Kasuga Shrine.
This small-group experience is hosted by Magical Trip, a trusted local tour operator recognized with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence, offering unique tours across Japan.
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
All ages are welcome on this tour. Although we walk with a few short breaks, please let us know in advance if any group members have health concerns.
You do not need to cover the guide’s food and drinks. Please bring cash if you would like to purchase additional snacks or drinks.
We are unable to accommodate gluten-free requests for this tour.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
For any dietary request, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to accept any request on the day of the tour.
Japan’s climate has become more extreme, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C (110°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
We will be the iconic Kofuku-ji Temple, renowned for its stunning five-story pagoda. This ornately carved pagoda was built by the Fujiwara clan in 730. Today it is an iconic historical landmark of Nara.
Todai-ji Temple
Explore Todaiji Temple Main Hall and Nandaimon. As you approach, you will be greeted by two imposing guardian statues called Kongorikishi. Beyond them is the Great Buddha, a sight that never ceases to fascinate visitors. During this tour, your local guide will share fascinating stories and interesting insights into Japanese Buddhism and the significance of historical temples!
What‘s Included
Entrance fee for all of the temples and shrines we are visiting.
A Certified guide by MagicalTrip
Lunch (Vegan menu available)
Options
Group Tour
Mix of multiple groups
Private Tour
Exclusively for your group
Reviews
943 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing Day!
mldensley,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the most amazing day walking around Nara Park and visiting the temples within it. Shin, our Tour Guide was so lovely and informative. We had a wonderful lunch (accommodating dietary requirements) and saw so many bowing dear within the park. That was a definite highlight. Shin gave us heaps of crackers to feed the deer and he took many photos of us and air dropped them at the end of the tour. We would definitely recommend a walking tour. It was not rushed and didn’t feel at all tiring. Loved it!
Quick and Sincere Introduction to Kyoto
wyatts979,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shin was a great and knowledgeable guide. Very easy to communicate with and funny as well. We had a memorable time and highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for an excellent introduction to Kyoto.
Nara tour
984izzyd,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nothing better then this, such a unreal tour
You don’t want to miss anything while visiting Nara Park so highly recommend!
Sarah M,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour took us through the itinerary listed as planned and stayed on time. We got to learn facts about the temples, shrines, and area from our awesome Japanese tour guide m, Jimmy, who spoke english. Jimmy was very friendly and glad we did the tour, otherwise we probably would have missed half of Nara Park. It was so big and there was so much to see.
Very friendly guide and interesting tour
Marina Y,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the tour around Nara despite very cold wind. The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He instructed us how to behave around dears. And lunch was one of the best authentic experiences we have had in Japan. Beautiful temples and shrines. We would like to comeback in warmer months. Thank you
View Nara temples.
P76MSscotth,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great to hear about the shrines and temples. Shin did a great job. Great lunch and exciting to see the deer and culture. It was nice hearing g about how the temple was rebuilt. Guide was very knowledgeable.
Nishiki market tour
196ilays,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great and friendly tour guide, explained about the shrines, history. Took the meal included and the tasting are a nice twist to the tour
A stroll through Nara Park and surrounds with a very knowledgeable local named Shin.
Hammo123,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide (Shin) does his best to take you away from the crowded areas and explains the shrines in detail. He is very knowledgeable and explains the history of the shrines and park. We had a Japanese style lunch, stopped by a few shops and overall had a very pleasant day. This overall was a very good day and I recommend taking yours kids on this journey.
Highly recommended
Escape14938943994,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with Ayu - she is very kind, funny, and explains everything in details. Highly recommended tour
Walking tour of Nara with the lovely Ayu
406aliceu,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Ayu for a lovely day walking around Nara, sharing your knowledge and culture- and for being such lovely company. We had a great family day out.
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Operated by MagicalTrip Inc.