Nara Private Day Trip - Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Nara!

Nara , Japan

Nara Private Day Trip - Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Nara!

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(9 reviews)

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

This tour is recommended for those visiting Nara for the first time, and allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Nara in one day.
This tour is a greedy plan that goes around all famous tourist spots in Nara City, such as Todaiji Temple, famous for the Great Buddha, and a historic shrine Kasuga Taisha, in addition to Kofukuji and Naramachi.
It condenses various genres such as history, culture, and food, and is definitely a great satisfaction. If you want to spend the best day in Nara, please join this tour!

[Standard tour visit spot]
・ Kofuku-ji Temple
・ Toadai-ji Temple
・ Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo
・ Kasuga Taisha Shrine

[Customized tour selectable spot]
Kofuku-ji Temple / Todai-ji Temple / Nigatsu-do Hall / Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara Park / Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine / Naramachi District / Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple / Isuien & Neiraku Museum / Toshodai-ji Temple / Heijo Palace Site Historical Park / Wakakusa-yama Hill / Yakushi-ji Temple

Available options

Customizable tour : 5-hour

We will send you questions regarding your request. Your guide will tailor the tour and contact you 2 weeks before tour

Pre-Planned Must-Sees: 6-hour

Travelers cannot contact the guide in advance. Please consult with your guide on the day of the tour for any minor changes.

Customizable tour : 7-hour

We will send you questions regarding your request. Your guide will tailor the tour and contact you 2 weeks before tour

Customizable tour : 6-hour

We will send you questions regarding your request. Your guide will tailor the tour and contact you 2 weeks before tour

Customizable tour : 4-hour

We will send you questions regarding your request. Your guide will tailor the tour and contact you 2 weeks before tour

What's included

Private Tour

Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Alongside Todai-ji, this temple is the most renowned in Nara city. Its spacious grounds feature not only a five-story pagoda but also numerous halls. It's famous for housing many Buddha statues, with the Asura statue, in particular, being a favorite for its melancholic and youthful appearance. You can often witness the unique Nara scene of deer strolling in front of the five-story pagoda within the temple grounds.

Stop 2

This is a small market located in front of Todai-ji's gate. It features restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy lunch, and you can also purchase souvenirs like Nara Prefecture's local products. With 11 shops lined up, you can explore a variety of options.

Stop 3

This temple is renowned for the towering Great Buddha of Nara. The Great Buddha, constructed 1,300 years ago by the emperor of that time with the aim of peace and salvation for the people, is an awe-inspiring sight. Experience the grandeur created by the colossal wooden structure and the Great Buddha up close.

Stop 4

This suspended temple within the Todai-ji complex is a remarkable architectural feat. It extends out from the cliff, symbolizing the pure land where the main deity, Kannon Bodhisattva, resides. The illuminated temple precinct, adorned with large lanterns, offers a panoramic view of Nara's town, including the Great Buddha Hall.

Stop 5

Located in Nara Park, this shrine is dedicated to the ancestral deities of the Fujiwara clan, one of Japan's renowned noble families. The deer, a common sight in Nara Park, are regarded as messengers of the shrine's gods and have been highly respected. After your visit, consider offering senbei (rice crackers) to the deer.

What's not included

Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses

Pre-Planned Must-Sees tour：Estimated Costs of the Tour: 4,600 JPY per Traveler

Customizable tour：Entrance fee and other necessary expenses for the guide

Kofuku-ji Temple

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.

If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the means of transportation, destinations, and routes may be changed.

Tour finishing spot is different from starting spot. Please let your tour guide know if you would like to change the finishing spot.

Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be walking a lot.

Please understand that tour spots might be changed to alternative spots in case of temporary closure.

Some of the spots we will visit on the day do not accept credit cards. Please remember to bring cash.

For customizable tour option: Please note that if you do not respond to us, the tour will be conducted according to the standard itinerary.

Meeting point

JR Nara Station, in front of ticket gate

Important notes

・Please contact us using the messaging feature or WhatsApp message : +81 80-7475-5829.
・Please note that we do not answer calls. In case of any difficulties meeting up, kindly call your tour guide directly.
・All transportation costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
・If you do not arrive at the specified starting place after 60 minutes from the agreed meeting time, the tour will be considered canceled.

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.