Nara Tours

In the morning, we will be visiting Nara, the ancient capital city of Japan before Kyoto. In the late afternoon, we will move to Osaka, the vibrant center of Western Japan. You can feel two different faces of Japan, old and new in one day. Experience ancient history during the day and enjoy vibrant commercial atomosphere of the urban life in the late afternoon / early evening.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka

In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.

Exploring Nara, Nara Pref

Nara is ideal for those who wish to see not only numerous historical structures but also to touch, feed wild deers roaming freely around in the Nara Park. There are 8 UNESCO heritages in Nara spotted sparsely in the historic regions which have full of rich tales in Nara period (from 710 to 794). Visiting 4 UNESCO heritages (3 temples and 1 shrine) in this tour in addition to one Japanese garden.

Full day Nara/Kyoto private guided tour!

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We can meet at your hotel, either from Kyoto, Nara or Osaka? The plan would be to start from Nara. We will walk across the Nara park until the monumental Todai ji temple then move up nearby to the Nigatsu-do temple for an amazing view of the city. Then we can have some snack, or lunch at the most famous shopping arcade of the city. See some shops there if you want and then get the train(or train back) to Kyoto until the Fushimi Inari Taisha, the main Shinto shrine of Japan

Nara Highlights Tours

One Day Tour in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara

Nara was once the ancient capital of Japan. There are many historical sites, artefacts, relics, temples and shrines. There is a proof that the capital flourished in the 8th century. Nara is also rich in nature. Mountains, primitive forests and parks enhance the attraction of Nara. This tour includes Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine, which are World Heritage Sites. We will also visit the Nara Park which is famous for deer. Let's enjoy the tour in Nara together !

One day trip of Nara Park

6 hours

-Nara Park is famous and known as Deer Park, and more than one thousand deer roam freely in the park.-Numerous important temples, shrines, gardens and museums are within minutes of one another within the park.-The most famous sites are Todai-ji temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Kofuku-ji temple.-These temples and shrines were originally built in Nara period, 1,300 years ago.

Your most memorable tour to Nara (Kyoto or Osaka departure)

In Nara deer Park, you can feed many cute wild deers. After playing with deers, you will go to Toudaiji Temple. You can see huge buddaha statue. Next, you will go to kasuga shrine After lunch, you will viist Koufukuji Temple and you can see a five-storied pagoda. Morover, based on your request, I will take you to other spots.

Nara & Osaka 1-day Tour

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Visit Nara and Osaka must-see sites in one day including Nara "deer" park, Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori for the evening. Tour itinerary is flexible so you can focus on one of the two areas. Good for those who have a limited time and start to feel you've seen too many shrines and temples in Kyoto.

Nara Art, Culture, & Historical Tours

Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.

Nara is the most ancient city in Japan. You can see one of the most biggest images of Buddha in Japan called"Daibutu-san", and You also see many deer roaming freely around in Nara park. We visit Kasuga-Taisya Shrine ,founded to protect the Heijyokyo, which is also the deity of Fujiwara family is enshrined.

Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~

5 hours

We will visit Nara Park, where historic monuments and nature create calm and peaceful atmosphere. You'll see wild deer roaming hear and there. Walking in Nara-machi district will give us a chance to see an old merchants' townscape.

Explore Ancient Nara with a History & Culture Guide

30 years ago, a great discovery was made on the outskirts of Nara. The excavation team found a rock coffin in the burial mound. Japan's first national history book says, two princes were driven away from the court in those days. The scientific studies revealed that inside the coffin were their bones. What happened to them? This ancient city has a lot of mysteries.

Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

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Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can

Nara Nature & Outdoor Tours

Walking along historical trail of Nara(1):Samurai road

Walking along historical trail between Nara and Yagyu where was used to be the mecca of swordsmanship "Kenjyutu" during Edo era. As Yagyu family was a leader of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, one of the stile of Japanese swordsmanships, many samurais visited Yagu to learn the skill through the trail. You can enjoy such old trail thinking about samurai who were eager to improve the skill of swordsmanship.

Full-Day Guided Tour in a Japanese Mountain: Yoshino, Nara

Come with me, certified interpreter-guide, to discover Yoshino, in the South of Nara prefecture! Surrounded by nature and inside mountains, Yoshino is the place to visit especially during the beautiful sakura season, better between April 13~15. But even out season, Yoshino is a high place of History, mostly with the Southern Imperial Court of Japan (14th century).

Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour

5 hours

Asuka is the place where first unified state was established. It was a capital of Japan from 538 to 710. There are a lot of view point including ruins of the Imperial palace, ancient tombs, uniquely shaped stone structures throughout the area. You can enjoy the historical atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

Walking along historical trail of Nara (4)

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Second part of the "Yamanobe no michi"..The trip is a walking the trail between Sakurai and Yanagimoto JR stations. As the old palace of emperor "Makimuku" ( Some researchers believe that the site might be the old capital of Japan in 3 to 6 century with active trades and communication with Wei Dynasty of ancient China (A.D. 3rd century) , you can enjoy older historical spots along the trail.

Nara Off the Beaten Path Tours

Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~

Asuka, the ancient political center, has been preserved. Not only historical structure such as Asuka dera, the oldest temple in Japan and "Ishibutai", mysterious huge stone tomb, but also tranquil village landscape must leave deep impression on you. "Tanada", terraced rice field, mountains and streams, old village houses will surely energize busy modern people. In the afternoon, we will explore the beautiful village, experience traditional Japanese natural dyeing,and visit the farmers' market.

Walk along the Japanese oldest road

6 hours

Yamanobe-no-michi Road, the oldest road in Japan, runs through at the foot of eastern mountains of Nara Basin. In this area, huge burial mounds and oldest shrines blend well with quiet farming villages. This tour might take you back in time to the ancient mythical period. The road is mostly flat and comfortable to walk on.

Walking along historical trail of Nara(3)

Yamanobe no Michi, "Old trail along the foot of the mountain" from Miwa shrine to Kasuga shrine, has been shown in the Kojiki," Records of Ancient Matters" the Japanese oldest history book ( beginning of 8 century ). The trip is a walking about the half of the trail between Tenri and Yanagimoto JR stations visiting historical spots including shrines and ancient tombs before 6 centuries

Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):

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Nara area used to be a Capital of Japan for 80 years (Heijyoukyou;A.D.708-810).After transferring the Capital to Kyoto, Nara was remained as a center of Buddhism. Although many temples remained such as Todaiji and Kohukuji, many other temples have been established but abolished in its long history, then only stone Buddha images are remained as an evident of the history.

Nara Unique Experience Tours

Nara Park & Indigo dyeing experience

First we will visit Nara Park, where historic monuments and nature create calm and peaceful atmosphere. You'll see wild deer roaming hear and there. Walking in Nara-machi district will give us a chance to see an old merchants' houses.Then I will take you to an traditional indigo-dyeing studio and help you to experience it.

Experience Hozoin School of Spearmanship

6 hours

Nara is a birth place of the Hozoin-Ryu Sojutu School of spearmanship. It was founded by Kakuzenbo Hoin In-ei who was a Buddhist monk of Kohfukuji Temple in Nara dating back 450 years.It is said that In-ei invented a spear with cross-shaped spearhead inspired by the reflection of the crescent moon on Sarusawa-ike Pond. This tour will take you to the related places to Kakuzenbo Hoin In-ei.

Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit

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3 hours 30 min

Ai-zome, or indigo dyeing used to be very familiar with ordinary Japanese people, especially in Edo Period(16C to 19C). The beauty of the color is highly valued as "Japan Blue". You will experience at a studio called "Konya", the fine renovation of an old merchant's house in Yamato-koriyama city, a castle town. After that you will visit Yakushiji Temple. .

Nara Kids & Family Friendly Tours

Organic farm experience in Asuka, Nara

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3 hours

Asuka was the ancient political center of Japan about 1400 years ago. Unlike other parts of Japan, there are neither high-rise buildings nor large commercial complex. Instead, historical remains, rice paddy field, traditional village houses, mountains and streams welcome us as they used to be. You will visit an organic farm and enjoy seasonal activities. This will be happy experience not only for adults but also kids.

Day Trips from Nara

Kyoto

Osaka

Kobe

Wakayama

Mie

Nara Tour Reviews

Stephen T.

5 / 5

Apr 23, 2024

Let's enjoy touring 2 important cities in Kansai area.

Customized

Apr 23, 2024

“Comfortable trip to Kobe”

Hiroshi is a very accommodating guide. We were over our 7 hours tour schedule but he stayed on without any complaints even though we wanted to release him when the 7th hour approaches. He’s more in making us enjoy our trip rather than being an ordinary guide. Appreciate your time spent with us Hiroshi san. Domo arigatou gozaimasu.

Martin N.

5 / 5

Apr 19, 2024

Nara 1 day tour

Customized

Apr 19, 2024

“A very delightful and comprehensive Tour of Nara”

We had a fantastic day with Tomoe-san, who is a very knowledgeable and cheerful guide. Planning the day with her beforehand was simple and she responded very fast to any messages. Tomoe-san's explanations were never tedious, she knew the answers to all the questions we asked, kept a comfortable pace and found a nice place for lunch. Despite the many sights we covered, and the many tourists around, we had a relaxed day as she found ways to beat the crowds and took time to relax in beautiful Isuien Garden. It was great meeting you, Tomoe-san and we truly enjoyed chatting with you about many topics! Domo arrigato gosaimashita!

Tomoe S.

(98 reviews)

Dear Martin, Thank you very much for such a warmhearted review. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed a day in Nara. It was a really fun time for me, too, to talk with you, such a nice couple. I was impressed that you and your friends have studied and know a lot about Japanese culture. Thank you very much for giving me such a precious meeting. I would love to see you again. TOMOE

Alev O.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2024

Tour of two ancient capitals