Nara Private Tours

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.

Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide

Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!

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 tour from Kyoto and Uji Green Tea Town

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On this tour, we will visit Nara and Uji Green tea Town. Nara was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical sites, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. On our way back to Kyoto, we will hop off at JR Uji Station and visit the Green Tea Town of Uji. If you have time to spare, taste the finest green tea.

Nara Highlights Tours

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.

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 !

Nara Highlights from Kyoto or Osaka

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10 hours

Nara is located about 40km south from Kyoto and 30km east from Osaka. It is an older capital than Kyoto and as old as Osaka. It was about 1300 years ago. There are ancient temples. Most of them are older than Kyoto and are not Zen temple. Nara is quieter than Kyoto and Osaka. More than one thousand friendly deer live with Nara citizens. And also Nara has a lot of local food like Sushi, Ramen and so on. You would be able to have unique experience.

Nara Art, Culture, & Historical Tours

One day tour in Nara

Highlights of the tour are feeding deers in Nara Park and overwhelmed by the great Budha, Daibutu. Tour also visits several historcal sites. As all historical sites are located in the Nara park, we will mainly walk through the park ( 5~8km ) The tour also can customized in line with the customer's interest, historical sites, cultural sites or shopping.

Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara

4 hours

(Highlights) The Great Buddha of Nara is a magnificent structure weighing some 500 tons. Originally built in 752 AD, the stature is 15.9 meters high excluding the pedestal and its face 4.8 meters long. Subsequently, it was damaged by natural disasasters, fires and wars and was repaired several times. It was completely rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867). You will be amazed at the splendid image of the Great Buddha calmly seated on the pedestal with the look of a perfect repose and passionless calm. His right hand shows mercy and left hand, the wisdom of the universe. The building housing this huge image, The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, is the largest existing wooden structure in the world, having an area of 54 meters by 49 meters and a height of 45 meters. It was burned down by a fire twice, but was rebuilt in the Edo period. (How to enjoy) You will be amazed at how huge the Buddha image is. Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere it creates amid the odor of burning incense, wonder at the ancient technology and the wisdom and the devotion of people. After all, you will never end up not being deeply impressed with the aura the "Daibutsu-sama" Great Buddha emits. Everywhere around the Great Buddha Hall, in the meantime, you can enjoy mixing with tame deer which do you no harm but ask you for food, "shika-sembei", which is being sold at the nearby stalls for 150 yen a pack containing some 50 grams of the deer food. You will feel very happy feeding, stroking and hugging the cute animal whose number exceeds, perhaps, 100. (Others) The transportation fare between Kyoto and Nara on a Kintetsu train is 620 yen (plus 510 yen if you take a limited express train). The entrance fee to Todaiji temple is 600 yen.

Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

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 visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.

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

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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.

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 Nature & Outdoor Tours

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(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.

Walking along historical trail of Nara (4)

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.

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

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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).

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.

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

Giuseppe L.

5 / 5

Oct 12, 2024

Temples et Sanctuaires à Nara : Visite Guidée d’une Journée

Oct 12, 2024

“Lovely day in Nara”

Tatsuko is an excellent guide and a lovely, welcoming person! Her English level is excellent. Her deep knowledge of the area made the experience really unique. Nara is a very touristy spot, but Tatsuko knew many short-cuts, which allowed us to experience the city with calm vibes, away from the crowds. She is very passionate about her job, she was very proactive in explaining and guiding us in our tour. She was also able to find a lunch spot with vegan options for us. Our experience with Tatsuko was truly amazing and we would highly recommend her as a guide. Thank you :)

Tatsuko S.

(1 reviews)

Thank you very much for your kind massage!! I’m really happy that you’ve enjoyed the tour with me. It’s a great pleasure to share with you how the life in the 8th century is! I hope you a nice trip and a safe return! The next time you come to Japan, I’d like to guide you in Italian. Grazie mille! Arrivederci!

Eva M.

5 / 5

Oct 10, 2024

One day trip of Nara Park

6 hours

Oct 10, 2024

“We will be back!”

Makoto is an amazing gentleman, with a lot of knowledge. It was our honour to share time with him and discover all the amazing parts of Nara.

Makoto Y.

(105 reviews)

Dear Eva, Thanks for your nice comments. This is the guide, made long time ago but I appreciate very much for you to remember. You are really nice animal lover, and enjoyed the time to spend with deer. The deer may still remember you once you come back to Nara park. Thanks again for your friendship and support. Makoto

Michiko R.

5 / 5

Oct 8, 2024

Hohryu-ji Temple and Nara City