Top Nara Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

With this car tour, you don’t have to worry about delays waiting for other passengers, as the trip is completely private and just for your personal group. Enjoy the ultimate VIP service with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and an exciting itinerary planned out for you with stops such as Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the atmospheric geisha district of Gion.

Create your perfect day in Kansai with a fully customizable private tour tailored to your interests. Explore historic landmarks, enjoy cultural experiences, visit theme parks, or take in stunning night views — all designed around you. Sample ideas include a tea ceremony in Sakai, visiting Osaka Castle, exploring Todai-ji and Nara Park, or riding the Redhorse Osaka Wheel. You may also choose attractions like Universal Studios Japan, night views from Mount Rokko, shopping areas, or cultural workshops. Enjoy private transportation and flexible scheduling to make the most of your time. Ideal for families, couples, and small groups. Entrance fees and experience costs are not included and are paid separately based on your chosen itinerary.

The ideal introduction for first-time visitors, this half-day, small-group walking tour of Nara covers a mix of must-see and under-the-radar sights. Enter a historic merchant’s house, discover a hidden Japanese pyramid, and visit the iconic shrines of the temple complex—with plenty of time to interact with Nara’s resident deer. A tasty lunch and admission tickets to all shrines are included.

This is a guided walking tour covering all must-sees of Nara Park area. Instead of looking down at your smartphones or guidebooks for information, look up and around to enjoy the city. Our guide is sure to tell you history, picture spots, about deer and so on. The tour usually ends around 1 pm; you have enough time to explore the city on your own afterwards. *This tour is not a private tour. This is a group tour with other guests. *The tour starts punctually. As this is a group tour, we do not wait for those who cannot or does not appear on time at the meeting spot. If you arrive late, unfortunately you cannot join the tour.

Explore many of Nara's top landmarks in just one day on this deluxe, full-day coach tour. Heading out from Kyoto, pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijo Palace, before arriving in Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple—one of the world’s largest wooden buildings—then meet the 1,400 deer that inhabit Nara Park. A stop at Kasuga Taisha Shrine is followed by a Japanese-style lunch (if selected). Finally, visit the Uji area of Kyoto, where you'll make and sample traditional matcha tea.

Explore the highlights of Nara with our friendly local guides who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their city. They will take you around the sites in most efficient way and provide you with in-depth insights into each site, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Nara, the first capital of Japan, is a captivating city that offers a journey back in time to the country's rich cultural and historical heritage. Famous for its serene temples and a shrine, stunning garden, and the iconic free-roaming deer. This tour allows you to choose several locations of your choice. Join us for an unforgettable stop in Nara, the heart of Japan. Please choose 3 to 4 must-see spots from "What To Expect" that you wish to visit.

After enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto or Osaka, why not visit Nara? This ancient city, rich in nature and history, offers a unique kind of charm. For a smooth and comfortable tour, you’ll be accompanied by two staff members: a dedicated driver and a friendly guide. Depart from your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka ↓ Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha ↓ Stroll through Nara Park, feed the deer, and take photos ↓ Enjoy lunch at a lovely local Japanese restaurant Other dining options available on request ↓ Explore the Naramachi area Walk through traditional townhouses and browse local shops ↓ Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine A historic shrine set in a sacred forest preserved for over 1,000 years ↓ Drive to Mount Wakakusa summit Enjoy panoramic views and photos with the deer ↓ Return to your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka ★ Optional experiences if time allows: Afternoon tea at the historic Nara Hotel Casual matcha experience Local Nara sake tasting Seasonal activities like strawberry picking

Step into Japan's first capital and discover Nara's timeless charm through its World Heritage sites, friendly deer, hands-on traditions, and authentic flavors. This small-group tour includes a short furoshiki wrapping workshop — take home your own cloth. Explore must-see UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Todai-ji Temple and KasugaTaisha Shrine. ・Meet and interact with Nara's famous free-roaming deer in Nara Park ・Join a hands-on furoshiki wrapping workshop and take home your own furoshiki ・Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch featuring freshly cooked rice and seasonal vegetables from Nara ・Small-group tour for a more personal and relaxed experience

Experience the essence of Kyoto in one day with this all-inclusive bus tour covering the city’s most iconic sights. Begin at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo creates a calm, magical atmosphere. Continue to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)—a stunning gold-covered temple beside a reflective pond (entry with ticket only). Visit Nijo Castle and explore its elegant rooms, lush gardens, and famous “nightingale floors” (ticket required). Head to Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Kyoto and charming nearby shops (entry with ticket only). Finish at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of red torii gates lead you through peaceful forest trails. Highlights: ✓ Top Kyoto landmarks in one day ✓ Entry options available (based on ticket purchase) ✓ Comfortable, scenic bus transport ✓ Perfect for first-time visitors

Discover the best of Nara on our PRIVATE morning tour, before the popular spots get crowded! Meet the friendly deer, admire Japan’s largest Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, and enjoy a sake tasting to experience local flavors. Explore Japan’s first capital in a fun, relaxed, and efficient way — perfect for a half-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka!

Discover both the traditional and modern sides of the ancient Japanese city of Nara. This private tour allows you customize your itinerary to your own interests. Soak in the history and culture of this 8th-century capital of Japan. Select which places you want to see, from Nara Park (inhabited by deer) and Mt. Wakakusa to Todai-ji Temple with its Giant Buddha and the Nara National Museum.

1. Tour Managed by a Government Licensed Expert This experience managed by a Government Licensed Guide Interpreter, ensuring that you gain deep insights into Nara’s rich history, culture, and traditions. 2. Flexible & Personalized Experience We understand that every traveler has different interests, so our tour offers adjustable itineraries based on your preferences. Whether you want to spend more time at Todaiji’s Great Buddha or explore the serene gardens, we tailor the experience to suit your needs. 3. A Perfect Blend of History, Nature, and Local Culture This tour is not just about sightseeing—it’s about fully experiencing Nara’s spiritual and cultural essence. This journey provides a perfect mix of history, nature, and modern-day charm. 4. Hassle-Free & Efficient Sightseeing With a well-structured itinerary and a centrally located meeting point at Kintetsu Nara Station, travelers can maximize their time without worrying about navigation or missing key spots.

Get the most out of your time in Nara with a private tour that makes it easy to check off the city’s top landmarks. Rather than a fixed route of places that might not interest you, you can enjoy a flexible walking tour that’s tailored to your preferences. Potential stops include Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, with the freedom to explore at your preferred pace.

Nara is the perfect place for history and nature lovers alike. As well as being the home of multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s also loved for its freely roaming semi-tame deer. Enjoy the ultimate day of convenience by having hotel pickup and drop-off included, as well as a guide to navigate so you don’t get lost. Visit Nara Park to see its deer, Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple, Isui-en Japanese garden, and Kasuga Grand Shrine too.

We at Explorer Tours provide luxury, comfortable small group tours with a maximum of 11 passengers per vehicle. Our tour conductors escort guests to each destination and assist throughout the tour to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. All entry tickets in the itinerary are included in the tour price. Unlike large bus tours, we offer a more personal and relaxed travel experience with attentive service. This tour visits Nara’s iconic World Heritage area, historic temples, Nara Park, and includes a traditional walk through the Naramachi district, where guests can enjoy old-town scenery, local culture, and the charming atmosphere of traditional streets. • We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service. • Tour is not customizable. • Not recommended travelers who can not walk long distance. This tour includes walking. • Due to the weather, traffic conditions, time schedule might change. • If you select, “I’ll decide later” for the meeting point, please message us on viator.

Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and well preserved traditional Japanese culture. Your tours are designed to help visitors explore and appreciate the beauty of Kyoto while enjoying a fun and memorable experience. As Kyoto’s famous landmarks are spread out often requiring extensive walking, navigating hills, and locating hidden spots a private tour by car offers a more comfortable and efficient way to explore the city. Led by your knowledgeable guide, Riku, and organized by a dynamic young team, this tour is dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for every guest. For tours departing from Kyoto, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, Gion, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. For tours departing from Osaka, the itinerary includes Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. For the Kyoto & Nara Tour, we typically visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove).

Embark on an unforgettable evening adventure through Nara, where history meets vibrant nightlife. This guided food and bar-hopping experience lets you choose your preferred starting area within Nara City—such as Kintetsu Nara, JR Nara, Shin-Omiya, or Yamato-Saidaiji—then explore the city’s lively night scene with a local guide. You will visit two carefully selected venues, enjoying drinks and local bites along the way. The tour also includes food and drink expenses of up to JPY 1,500 per stop (JPY 3,000 total), so you can relax and enjoy the experience with ease. As you stroll through different neighborhoods, you’ll discover a charming mix of traditional izakayas and contemporary bars, each offering its own unique atmosphere and character. With your friendly guide acting as a bridge between you and local bar owners, you can enjoy the night without worrying about language barriers. Every stop reveals a new side of Nara—making this the perfect way to savor the city after dark.

Take a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture and history during this full-day trip to Kyoto and Nara from the center of Kyoto or Osaka. Enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and admire the beautiful grounds of the Kinkaku-ji temple. Then head to Nara and see the wild deer of Nara Park. Multiple pickup points and lunch upgrade options are available.Explore traditional Kyoto and Nara during a day trip from the center of Kyoto or Osaka Marvel at Kyoto sights like the Arashiyama district and Kinkaku-ji templeOptional upgrade with choice of buffet or Beef Shabu Shabu set lunchNo need to organize car transport and schedule; entrance fee included.

This bike tour is based on our most popular tour, Nara Highlights, but reserved for families with kids with adult-size E-bikes and kids-size bikes. Child seats are available for non-riding kids and infants as well. As it is a private family tour, you can be sure that your guide will take extra care of your group, adjusting and adapting the tour based on your preferences. Pour la demande de guide francophone: Nous ne pouvons pas garantir la francophonie pour un tour partagée, car mélangeant plusieurs nationalités, la priorité deviendra l'anglais. Tous nos guides parlent au minimum anglais et japonais, ce qui veut dire que le français sera une langue supplémentaire. Le guide pourra donc alterner entre anglais et français si nécessaire. Pour garantir la disponibilité du guide francophone à la date souhaitée, veuillez nous contacter à l'avance, afin que nous puissions confirmer qu'un guide francophone est toujours disponible pour votre date de réservation. Merci pour votre compréhension.

Embark on a half-day tour of Nara’s rich heritage. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the sacred wild deer of Nara Park, believed to be divine messengers for over 1,200 years. Your tour starts with Kofuku-ji Temple, known for its five-story pagoda, then continues to Todai-ji Temple, where you’ll see the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue. Your guide will share stories about these historic sites and Japanese Buddhism. Next, enjoy panoramic views from Nigetsu-do Temple, and walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its lanterns and deer. After exploring Nara Park, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. End the tour with a visit to a traditional old town, contrasting modern Tokyo, and see a merchant’s house to experience Nara’s past. This tour offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and history in Nara.

This tour is recommended for those visiting Nara for the first time, and allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Nara in one day. This tour is a greedy plan that goes around all famous tourist spots in Nara City, such as Todaiji Temple, famous for the Great Buddha, and a historic shrine Kasuga Taisha, in addition to Kofukuji and Naramachi. It condenses various genres such as history, culture, and food, and is definitely a great satisfaction. If you want to spend the best day in Nara, please join this tour! [Standard tour visit spot] ・ Kofuku-ji Temple ・ Toadai-ji Temple ・ Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo ・ Kasuga Taisha Shrine [Customized tour selectable spot] Kofuku-ji Temple / Todai-ji Temple / Nigatsu-do Hall / Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara Park / Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine / Naramachi District / Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple / Isuien & Neiraku Museum / Toshodai-ji Temple / Heijo Palace Site Historical Park / Wakakusa-yama Hill / Yakushi-ji Temple

**Important Notice**If you need to change the participation date or number of participants after making a reservation, please cancel your original booking and place a new one. Changes made without canceling the original reservation will not be accepted. Step into history as you journey through the UNESCO-listed Ikaruga and Nishinokyo areas, home to Japan’s most treasured Buddhist monuments. Along the way, indulge in local delicacies, including a traditional kamameshi lunch and a matcha tea experience, making this tour a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor. Tour Highlights ・Visit Horyu-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji, showcasing Japan’s finest Buddhist architecture. ・Enjoy an authentic kamameshi meal at Horyu-ji Temple Gate “Benkei” and experience matcha green tea at Jiko-in Temple. ・Enhance your journey with GPS-synced English and Chinese audio guides. ・Navigate with ease using multilingual route maps. ・Enjoy a special gift from us — a cute deer cracker magnet.

Meet your guide at Kintetsu Nara Station and begin at Kōfuku-ji Temple, one of Nara’s most important historic sites. Learn about its role in Japan’s first capital. Walk through Nara Park and meet the sacred deer. Feed them with deer crackers as your guide explains why they are believed to be messengers of the gods. Continue to Tōdai-ji to see the Great Buddha inside one of the world’s largest wooden halls. Stroll through Kasuga Taisha’s lantern-lined forest paths and learn about Shinto beliefs. In Naramachi, enjoy freshly made mochi and explore the old merchant district before the tour ends.