Nara: Choose Your Start Spot Food & Bar Hopping Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable evening adventure through Nara, where history meets vibrant nightlife. This guided food and bar-hopping experience lets you choose your preferred starting area within Nara City—such as Kintetsu Nara, JR Nara, Shin-Omiya, or Yamato-Saidaiji—then explore the city’s lively night scene with a local guide.
You will visit two carefully selected venues, enjoying drinks and local bites along the way. The tour also includes food and drink expenses of up to JPY 1,500 per stop (JPY 3,000 total), so you can relax and enjoy the experience with ease. As you stroll through different neighborhoods, you’ll discover a charming mix of traditional izakayas and contemporary bars, each offering its own unique atmosphere and character.
With your friendly guide acting as a bridge between you and local bar owners, you can enjoy the night without worrying about language barriers. Every stop reveals a new side of Nara—making this the perfect way to savor the city after dark.
Available options
Shin-Omiya Start
Shin-Omiya Start
JR Nara Start
JR Nara Start<br/>Starting point:<br/>Nara Station Police Box, 1-chōme-1-70 Ōmiyachō, Nara, 630-8115, Japan
Kintetsu Nara Start
Kintetsu Nara Start<br/>Starting point:<br/>Statue of Gyoki-bosatsu, 27 Higashimuki Nakamachi, Nara, 630-8215, Japan
Yamato-Saidaiji Start
Yamato-Saidaiji Start<br/>Starting point:<br/>Saidaiji Police Box, 1-25 Saidaiji Minamimachi, Nara, 631-0824, Japan
What's included
English and Japanese Guides
Visit 2 local venues (bars/izakaya)
¥1500 of food and drinks at each bar (¥3000 total included)
Choice of starting area: Kintetsu Nara / JR Nara / Shin-Omiya / Yamato-Saidaiji
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Dive into the enchanting night scene of Nara, a city rich in history and hidden local gems. This guided bar-hopping experience lets you choose your preferred starting area within Nara City—such as Kintetsu Nara, JR Nara, Shin-Omiya, or Yamato-Saidaiji—and explore the lively evening atmosphere with a knowledgeable local guide.
Nara blends old-world charm with modern energy, where traditional izakayas sit alongside contemporary bars. As you stroll through different neighborhoods, you’ll discover a variety of local spots and enjoy drinks and bites in carefully selected venues, each with its own character.
With your guide acting as a friendly bridge between you and local bar owners, you can relax and enjoy the night without worrying about language barriers. It’s a fun way to experience the real Nara after dark—one drink, one stop, and one memorable moment at a time.
What's not included
Private transportation
Food and drink expenses exceeding the included amount
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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1 reviews
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 18 years old and above. Minor travelers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Meeting point
If you select the Yamato-Saidaiji Station start option, the meeting point is in front of the Nara Police Station Saidaiji Police Box. Your guide will be waiting with a yellow sign—please check the map for details.
About Nara
Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city's well-preserved heritage sites and serene landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Japan.
Top Attractions
Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It houses the Great Buddha Hall, which contains a giant bronze Buddha statue.
Historical/Religious
2-3 hours
600 JPY (5.50 USD)
Nara Park
Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer, which are considered sacred in Shinto tradition. The park is also home to several important temples and shrines.
Nature/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free (200 JPY for deer crackers)
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is known for its many lanterns, which are donated by worshippers.
Religious/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free (500 JPY for the Botanical Garden)
Kofuku-ji Temple
Kofuku-ji Temple was once one of the most powerful and influential temples in Japan. It is known for its pagoda and museum, which houses many important artifacts.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
300 JPY (Museum) (3 USD)
Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum is dedicated to the art and history of Nara and its temples. It houses a collection of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts.
Museum
1-2 hours
620 JPY (5.50 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kakinoha-zushi
A type of sushi where vinegared rice and fish are wrapped in persimmon leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish
Nara zuiki
A traditional Nara dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables cooked in a sweet soy-based sauce.
Dinner
Contains chicken
Nara pickles
A variety of pickled vegetables, including radish, eggplant, and cucumber, known for their unique flavors and textures.
Snack/Side
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Nara Park
Biking around the city
Tea ceremony
Onsen (hot spring) visit
Temple visits
Traditional crafts workshops
Winter illuminations at temples and shrines
Deer feeding in Nara Park
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)
These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn features beautiful fall foliage.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Nara is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of deer in Nara Park, as they can be aggressive when looking for food
- • Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km (31 miles)
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km (22 miles)
By train
Nara Station
By bus
Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is efficient and covers most major attractions. Day passes are available for frequent travelers.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Nakasenbon
Zakuracho
Sanjo-dori
Day trips
Osaka
40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day
Osaka is a vibrant city known for its food, shopping, and nightlife. It offers a mix of modern attractions and historic sites.
Kyoto
40 km (25 miles) • Full day
Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, with numerous temples, shrines, and gardens. It's known for its traditional tea houses, geisha districts, and historic streets.
Ise
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
Ise is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto's holiest sites. The city offers a serene and spiritual experience, with beautiful forests and traditional architecture.
Festivals
Nara Matsuri • April 25-26
Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha • February 3-4
Pro tips
- Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
- Buy deer crackers to feed the deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction.
- Consider staying in a ryokan for a unique cultural experience, complete with traditional tatami rooms, onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki meals.
- Explore Nara-machi, the historic district, for a glimpse into the city's past and to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
- Use an IC card like ICOCA for easy payments on public transportation, buses, and some shops and vending machines.
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
