Private Tour

Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Discover the best of Nara on our PRIVATE morning tour, before the popular spots get crowded! Meet the friendly deer, admire Japan’s largest Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, and enjoy a sake tasting to experience local flavors. Explore Japan’s first capital in a fun, relaxed, and efficient way — perfect for a half-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka!

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The tour duration depends on the departure point—around 6 hours from Kyoto and about 4 hours from Nara. If you opt for the sake tasting, please allow an extra 30 minutes.

This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, using public transportation and plenty of time on foot to explore Nara.

If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Entrance Fees: Todai-ji Temple (800yen)

Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide

Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!

Public Transportation Fare: Applicable only for departures from Kyoto.

Sake Tasting Fee: Applicable only to those who wish to participate.

What To Expect

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara, is renowned for its iconic five-story pagoda, the second tallest in Japan, and its rich Buddhist heritage.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. It is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, and its massive wooden hall, the Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden structure of its kind. A symbol of Nara's rich history, the temple offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience.

30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Pick up at Kyoto Station

Duration: 6 hours: Our private tour offers a personalized experience with flexible schedules and relaxing breaks, letting you enjoy every moment
Starting point:
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station

Duration: 4 hours: Our private tour offers a personalized experience with flexible schedules and relaxing breaks, letting you enjoy every moment
Starting point:
Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29

Reviews

5.00

32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great Narrative of Nara.
66speech,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very positive experience with our tour guide, Ikki He was very informative about Nara, knowledgeable about history and culture and answered our questions thoroughly. Ikki spoke very fluent English so he was easy to follow. Also set an appropriate pace for seniors and very helpful with rail system. Ikki receives the highest ratings possible for tour guide. He exceeded expectations.
A Fantastic Nara Experience – Time Flew By!
jeffwN2023SY,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time on our Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting with Ikky from Taku Hopper. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, informative, and so much fun! Ikky is an outstanding guide — friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He shared fascinating insights about Nara’s rich history, temples, and traditions, and his stories really brought the city to life. You can tell he loves what he does, and his passion made every stop along the way special. The four hours went by in a flash — we learned so much without ever feeling rushed. The sake tasting at the end was the perfect finale: We were explained the subtle differences in flavor and production. If you want a personal, immersive, and truly memorable way to explore Nara, this tour is an absolute must. Thank you, Ikky, for making it such an unforgettable day!
A Fantastic Nara Experience – Time Flew By!
Jeff W,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had an amazing time on our Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting with Ikky from Taku Hopper. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, informative, and so much fun! Ikky is an outstanding guide — friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. He shared fascinating insights about Nara’s rich history, temples, and traditions, and his stories really brought the city to life. You can tell he loves what he does, and his passion made every stop along the way special. The four hours went by in a flash — we learned so much without ever feeling rushed. The sake tasting at the end was the perfect finale: We learned about the subtle differences in flavor and production. If you want a personal, immersive, and truly memorable way to explore Nara, this tour is an absolute must. Thank you, Ikky, for making it such an unforgettable day!
Worth every penny!
emilysM3957VY,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was pricey but we were so glad that we decided to splurge. ikki was incredible! We learned so much and he was so kind and considerate. I didn’t bring an umbrella and he gave up his, no matter how many times I insisted I didn’t need it. His English was great and we didn’t struggle at all to understand all of the information he gave. The Sake is definitely worth the extra 700. It was a great day!!
Best Nara & Kyoto Tour Guide!
210aryamb,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ikki-san was amazingly accommodating, helpful, caring, and engaging! He provided a lot of information, hidden treasures of Kyoto and Nara, and helped us so much even after our tour with wonderful recommendations. He has a great attitude and is a blast to be around!
Nara September 2025
PPaivaJr,
Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a wonderful day, Ikki, our guide helped us issue an IC Card at the station, which was excellent!! Besides being very polite and attentive, Ikki has shown to know a lot about Japan, Nara, temples and shrines!! We had a very nice day!! Nara is a beautiful city, calm rivers, parks and deer everywhere, very pretty and fun!! It's worth doing this tour!! And Ikki is an excellent and very professional guide!!
Nara Trip and Sake Tasting
O181HOconorm,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We went on a tour today around Nara with our amazing Tour guide Ikki. He was very professional, knowledgeable and fun. We learnt a lot about Nara and the various shrines and temples aswell as a lot of cool knowledge about Japan. I would definitely recommend Ikki for a private tour around Nara in the future
Nara Tour and Sake Tasting
mariarobertap847,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Me and my Husband went on a Tour around Nara with our guide Ikki today. We had an amazing time and this tour was a really highlight of our trip so far. Ikki was very knowledgable about Nara and all the various Shirnes and Temples. He also made the tour really fun and we learnt a lot about Japan today, we would 110% recommend him for others going on tours around Nara
Nara September 2025
Paulomurilo d,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour is linfo, Nara a very beautiful and interesting city!!! The temples, parks and deer walking free on the street, too beautiful!! Our guide, Ikki, very friendly, helped us in everything, until buying an IC Card that we had not yet!!! Ikki vc was spectacular!!!!
Day trip from Kyoto with Ikki!
Curious19753284395,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nara is an absolute must-visit! All the key shrines and temples are within walking distance, so you can cover everything in just half a day (and of course, feed the deer in Nara Park!). One thing to keep in mind, though: autumn is their mating season, and if you’re holding deer crackers, they might surround you, charge at you, or even bite at an alarming speed—so families with children should be especially careful!