Tales of Nara; Deer, Bells & Ancient Spells
Discover the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Nara. Explore ancient shrines, iconic temples, and scenic parks — the highlights of what Nara has to offer!
This is a model course and can be customized to your preferences after booking.
Pace: Moderate, with a mix of walking and train/taxi.
Best for: Culture lovers, history fans, and also first-time visitors.
Tour Style: A blend of iconic landmarks mixed with local experiences.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kintesu Nara Station at the Gate 近鉄電車・奈良駅
- We will meet at Nara station (奈良駅)of the gate of Kintetsu Railway(近鉄電車).
Nara Park(奈良公園)
A large, picturesque park where you can interact with the friendly, free-roaming deer. You’ll also have the chance to feed them some special deer biscuits (available for purchase).
Kasuga Taisha Shrine(春日大社)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its peaceful forest setting and beautiful vermilion-colored buildings.
Todai-ji Temple(東大寺)
Home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the world, set in the grandest wooden structure on Earth.
Gango-ji Temple(元興寺)
A tranquil site housing Japan’s oldest surviving temple structures, offering a glimpse into Japan's ancient Buddhist traditions.
Naramachi District(奈良町散策)(If we have time.)
Wander through the charming streets of this historic merchant district, which preserves the traditional atmosphere of old Nara. (If we have time.)
Kintetsu Nara Station(近鉄奈良駅)
Ending Point
Kintetsu Nara Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
〇 Guided tour with cultural and historical insights
〇 Interesting discussions about Japan’s traditions and cultural differences
〇 Some ideas and Advices how to spend time in Kyoto/Osaka/Nara/Tokyo (Where to go, What to eat, What to do)
×Transportation fees (taxi/train)
(The total transportation fee will be under 5,000 yen.)
×Meals and drinks
×Entrance fees (you and your guide)
(usually around 500 - 1500yen / Temple)
e.g.
Todai-ji: 600 yen
Kasuga Taisha: 500 yen
Yakushi-ji: 500 yen
Kofuku-ji: 500 yen
Horyu-ji: 1,500 yen
Tour Important Information
*Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves a lot of walking. (Please feel free to make walking less).
*Weather: The tour runs in all weather conditions. Bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed, and dress appropriately for hot or cold weather.
*Cash: Some places do not accept cards, so bring cash.
Hotel Pickup: Available with an additional charge depending on location. Please ask before.
For Kids:
*The tour involves walking, stairs, and slopes. A lightweight stroller may be useful.
*Child-friendly food options are available. Notify in advance of any allergies.
*Restroom breaks will be planned, but facilities may be limited in temple areas.
Feel free to ask for any specific adjustments!
Important message from the supplier
Depends on other schedule, I can be more flexible. I can be more flexible if can know the schedule before.
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
About Tour Guide Kazue K.
Hi, I’m Kaz, a tour guide from Kyoto. I was born and raised here, studied in Osaka, and became fluent in English after studying abroad in Canada. Living in Canada taught me how fun and meaningful it is to discover different cultures and ways of thinking.
Kyoto is my hometown, and of course it’s beautiful—but I think it becomes even more special when we notice the differences between cultures. Seeing things from different perspectives always makes me feel amazed and curious again.
On my tours, I love sharing not just Kyoto’s famous spots, but also local stories, daily life, and the unique mindset of Japanese people. I really enjoy talking and learning from my guests too. Let’s explore Kyoto together and find the beauty in our differences!
Reviews
Larry C.
“Kazue K knows Kyoto! Fun to be with!”
Kazue K is a delightful young woman who gave us a marvelous introduction to Kyoto, a very large city. She took us on a long walk up a lovely stone path to a famous temple, the “cricket” temple. At the bottom of the road, we saw many kimono rental shops, and at the temple, many women in full kimono dress. A middle-aged monk gave a talk (in Japanese, of course) that must have been hilarious, since the audience of nearly a hundred periodically broke out in delighted laughter. Afterwards, Kazue took us to another very small temple in a magnificently towering bamboo grove, a stunning sight. Back on the streets of Kyoto, she helped us choose a variety of kimonos to take home as gifts. She also took us to a charmingly atmospheric coffee house for a quick lunch, and in the evening to a famous restaurant for a delicious Japanese meal. Kazue packed so many events into one day, and yet we moved at a reasonable pace and at the end of the day were refreshed, rather than tired. Kazue is an utterly charming person whose knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese culture left us much more knowledgeable at the end of just one day. We had a wonderful experience of Kyoto with Kazue and give her our highest recommendation. Thank you, Kazue, for everything! We hope to see you again someday. Margaret & Larry
James H.
“Private family tour of Kyoto”
Kaz was a delightful host. Our family had a lovely day wandering the temples, shrines and streets of Kyoto on our private tour. She helped us to customise our itinerary to fit in the sights we were keen to see and advise on what was realistic in 8 hours. We saw the main sites together into which she gave an interesting insight and also an insight into general Japanese life. Thank you!
Michael C.
“Delightful day in Nara!”
When spending a few days in Nara we were fortunate to book Kazue for her Tales of Nara tour. Her tour not only took us to all the main attractions, which were awesome, but she led us on a beautiful stroll through the forest to visit several smaller shrines away from the crowds. She also took us to a less visited but extremely important Temple in the heart of Nara. She was professional, relaxed, easy to communicate with in English and accommodating to our interests and willing to go with the flow. Highly recommend!
$322/ per group
More tours by Kazue K.
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Kyoto Cultural & Scenic Tour
Discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage on this full-day guided tour (about 6h - 7h). Explore shrines, temples, traditional streets, and even local hidden spots if you’d like. Perfect for first-time visitors and anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Kyoto. This model course can be customized to your preferences after booking. Pace: Moderate, with walking, bus and train (or taxi if you'd like) Best for: Culture lovers, history fans, and first-time visitors
Kyoto Cultural & Scenic Tour
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Kyoto Half-Day Cultural Tour
Explore Kyoto’s highlights in just 3-4 hours! I’ll share insights on history, culture, and Japan’s unique traditions throughout the tour! [Note] On Sundays this tour only starts from between 9:00 or 9:30.
Kyoto Half-Day Cultural Tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nara
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Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destination, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, Todaiji - Temple, kasura shrine. And local Conners !
Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
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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.
One day tour in Nara
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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.
Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
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Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
(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.
Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
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