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Half day Nara Private Tours

Due to high demand, we recommend that you use our date filter to make sure you view tours/guides that are available on your preferred dates.

Nara

4 hrs 30 mins

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)

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

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

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.

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

Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour

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.

Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour

Let’s explore and get to know all the iconic spots around Nara Park!

Make the most of your day in Nara! Hop on a bus to the Todaiji-temple which the Great Buddha holl and start your adventure in the Buddhism area, stopping by famous spots like Nigatsu-do hall and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple. Wrap up your journey with some shopping in Nara’s charming historical town. This smart and easy route is the perfect way to enjoy all the highlights in just one day!

Let’s explore and get to know all the iconic spots around Nara Park!

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(1):Samurai road

Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage

- Yakushi-ji Temple is located about five kilometer south west of JR Nara station. - Two major UNESCO World Heritage temples(Yakushi-ji & Toushodai-ji) are located here. - After meeting at Nishinokyo station, we walk through Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji Temple. - As an optional tour, we can visit Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, next to Toushoudai-ji Temple.

Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage

Tour for the East end of Silk Road, Nara

Nara has a long history including the site of the first and large scale capital of Japan in 7 century. However, Japan had reached at the status of national unity before 7 century and had started official envoy to Sui Dynasty of China in AD600. Therefore various new technology and culture had been transferred from China through anciant Korea.Tour will therefore explore the sign of influence of China, Persia or even from Greece transferred through the ancient Silk Road.

Tour for the East end of Silk Road, Nara

One day trip of Horyu-ji Temple

-Horyu-ji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607(Asuka period). -The location is about 16 km(10 miles) southwest of Nara city -The temple structures are the oldest wooden buildings in the world. -The temple was the first place in Japan to be designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. -It would take three hours minimum to see the major areas of the temple.

One day trip of Horyu-ji Temple

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.

Walking along historical trail of Nara (4)

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(3)

Uji-tea plantation visit

We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.

Uji-tea plantation visit

Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):

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.

Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):

Organic farm experience in Asuka, Nara

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.

Organic farm experience in Asuka, Nara

Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit

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. .

Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit

A traditional handcraft tour ~India ink stick~

The production of India ink stick started at a monastery in Nara in 14C. Today 95% of India ink sticks are made here in Nara. In this tour, you will experience Japanese calligraphy and enjoy making your own ink stick with the guidance of a traditional craftsman. Then you will walk up one of the main streets called Sanjo street and look around other handcraft shops unique to Nara.

A traditional handcraft tour ~India ink stick~

Essential Nara: Half-Day

Discover Tranquility and Tradition in Nara. Step into the ancient capital, where sacred deer roam freely at the park and centuries of history whisper through temple walls. Marvel at the Great Buddha inside Tōdaiji, enjoy sweeping views from Nigatsudō, and feel the spiritual grace of lanterns at Kasuga Taisha. Then stroll through the shopping street for local snacks and souvenirs.

Essential Nara: Half-Day

Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites

Explore the ancient city of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, on this captivating tour. Visit breathtaking landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. Discover historic shrines, traditional gardens, and charming streets that showcase Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Perfect for history lovers and nature enthusiasts, this tour offers a peaceful escape into Japan’s timeless past.

Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites

Demi-journée de Visite à Nara

Ce tour vous amène au temple du Todaiji où reste la grande image de Bouddha depuis le 8ème siècle, au sanctuaire de Kasuga où le vermillon attire l’oeil de beaucoup de gens, au temple du Kohukuji et au Parc de Nara où les touristes se promènent avec des cerfs.

Demi-journée de Visite à Nara

More Private Tours in Nara

Half day Nara Private Tours

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)

Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara

Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara

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

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.

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

Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour

Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour

Let’s explore and get to know all the iconic spots around Nara Park!

Let’s explore and get to know all the iconic spots around Nara Park!

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

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

Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage

Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage

Tour for the East end of Silk Road, Nara

Tour for the East end of Silk Road, Nara

One day trip of Horyu-ji Temple

One day trip of Horyu-ji Temple

Walking along historical trail of Nara (4)

Walking along historical trail of Nara (4)

Walking along historical trail of Nara(3)

Walking along historical trail of Nara(3)

Uji-tea plantation visit

We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.

Uji-tea plantation visit

Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):

Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):

Organic farm experience in Asuka, Nara

Organic farm experience in Asuka, Nara

Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit

Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit

A traditional handcraft tour ~India ink stick~

A traditional handcraft tour ~India ink stick~

Essential Nara: Half-Day

Essential Nara: Half-Day

Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites

Nara Cultural Discovery: Deer Encounters and Spiritual Sites

Demi-journée de Visite à Nara

Ce tour vous amène au temple du Todaiji où reste la grande image de Bouddha depuis le 8ème siècle, au sanctuaire de Kasuga où le vermillon attire l’oeil de beaucoup de gens, au temple du Kohukuji et au Parc de Nara où les touristes se promènent avec des cerfs.

Demi-journée de Visite à Nara

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