Private Tour
Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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.
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.
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
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Loved Ikki and Nara
Marlowe B,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely incredible day with Ikki. Hes bright and so thorough. Learned a ton. Very efficient day and covered a LOT of ground. Recommend him highly.
Ikki was extraordinary
marloweb2018,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved Ikki! He was efficient, and so well informed. Was a really great morning from stsrt to finish including getting around, sight seeing, an end w a saki tasting. He is so well spoken and knowledgeable about the tour and all questions about Kyoto and Nara. Hignly recommend him.
Wonderful day at Nara
laurenmills2021,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our Kyoto walking tour with Ikki-san so much that we booked the Nara tour with him for the following day, and I have zero regrets! This was an awesome way to see Nara, the shrines, temples, deer and sake tasting at the end. The whole family really enjoyed it - including my husband, 10 and 15 year olds. Listening to the history from Ikki was a pleasure and he took so many photos for us! Highly recommend this tour - it was a lot of fun. Thank you again, Ikki!
Nats Private tour
261liinas,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a tour to Nara with Ikki. He was great and shared some interesting facts and information about the sights! Would definitely recommend him!
Effortless, Insightful, and Crowd-Free Day Trip to Nara
robertlT8357XS,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private tour of Nara with Ikki was excellent from start to finish. He met us right on time at Kyoto Station, and everything ran smoothly from there. In Nara, we consistently stayed ahead of the crowds, enjoyed great conversation, and visited all the key sites at a comfortable pace. The experience wrapped up with a high-quality sake tasting before returning to the station. Before parting ways, Ikki also shared thoughtful tips for the rest of our day, including a perfect stop in Uji on the way back. Polished, well-timed, and genuinely enjoyable.
Friends trip
X7275QJjuanpabloc,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience, took pictures with his own camera and shared them with good quality, knew very well the route and explained a bit of everything
Private tour in Nara
962juanpabloh,,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour very interesting and great spots. The tour guide had a lot of knowledge about the city and had very good recommendations on different things
Amazing Nara Tour with Ikki – Truly Memorable
Marco B,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic tour of Nara with Ikki, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. He knew exactly where to find the deer, the best spots for photos, and how to avoid the crowds. Thanks to him, the experience felt effortless and incredibly enjoyable. It was also absolutely worth going early in the morning—the atmosphere was peaceful, the deer were calm, and the temples felt even more special at that hour. What impressed us most was how knowledgeable Ikki is. He explained the rich cultural and historical significance of Nara, the temples, and the sacred deer, giving us a much deeper appreciation of the entire experience. A smooth, informative, and unforgettable tour. We couldn’t recommend Ikki more!
A great Narrative of Nara.
66speech,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very 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
5.00We 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!
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