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Nara Essentials Half-Day Tour: Deer Park, Great Buddha and Sacred Forests

Nara Essentials Half-Day Tour: Deer Park, Great Buddha and Sacred Forests

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2025

Teri D.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Nara

English (Native), Japanese

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Teri D.)

Up to 6 people

Begin your half-day journey in Nara Park, where you’ll meet Nara’s famous free-roaming sacred deer and enjoy a relaxed walk through nature. Continue into the peaceful forest paths of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its beautiful lantern-lined forest and Shinto traditions. The tour concludes at Todai-ji, home to the iconic Great Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden halls. Ideal for first-time visitors, families, and culture lovers.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Kintetsu Nara Station

- Exit from the EAST GATE and meet around the "Welcome to Nara" signage on the left-hand-side, just after passing through the ticket gates.

08:20 AM

Nara Deer Park

Nara Park is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. During our walk, you’ll learn why the deer are so important to Nara’s history, how to interact with them safely, and feed them if you wish to. Surrounded by open lawns and forest paths, the park offers a relaxed and enjoyable start to the tour with plenty of photo opportunities.v

09:00 AM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is one of Nara’s most important Shinto shrines, famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns lining the forest paths. As we walk through the sacred grounds, you’ll learn about Shinto beliefs, shrine etiquette, and the deep connection between nature and spirituality in Japan.

10:30 AM

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji is home to the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most iconic and impressive statues, housed inside one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Here, you’ll hear stories about ancient Nara, Buddhist traditions, and how this monumental temple was built over 1,200 years ago.

Ending Point

Kintetsu Nara Station

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

・Local English-Japanese Bilingual tour guide

・Private walking tour (only your group)

・Personalized itinerary and flexible pacing

・Cultural and historical explanations of Nara

・Assistance with photos and recommendations

・Deer interaction experience (optional deer feeding)

・Entrance fee Todai-ji Temple

・Deer crackers (optional)

What‘s not included

・Food, drinks, and personal expenses

・Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Tour Important Information

・This is a walking tour and involves moderate walking. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

・The tour route includes uneven paths, stairs, and slopes and is not wheelchair accessible.

・The tour may not be suitable for guests with severe mobility issues.

・Guests may feed the deer using special crackers sold in Nara Park; participation is optional and at your own discretion.

・The tour runs rain or shine, so please bring appropriate clothing for the weather.

・Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the start time.

・Let me know in advance if you have any special requests or concerns.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Teri D.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Teri D.

Hi, I’m Teri - your local tour guide in Kyoto!

I grew up in Japan and have always loved sharing its beautiful culture, traditions, and hidden gems with travelers from around the world.

Before becoming a guide, I worked as a flight attendant, which taught me how to take care of people from all walks of life and make every journey special.

Whether it’s exploring Kyoto’s peaceful temples, charming streets, or local food spots, I’ll make sure you experience Japan with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories.