All Nara Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

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

Nara Private Day Trip - Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Nara!

Nara Private Day Trip - Enjoy Your First-Time Visit to Nara!

6 hoursFree Cancellation

(27)

from US$96

•Personalized Choices: Choose activities and attractions that suit your interests, creating a custom experience just for you. •Luxury Vehicles: Travel in comfort with our new, spacious luxury vehicles, driven by professional chauffeurs. •Expert Guides: Our guides provide personalized insights to enrich your understanding of each site. •Flexible Schedule: Enjoy a relaxed pace, allowing you to explore at your own speed and capture unforgettable moments. Our Nara Day Tour is designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind, allowing you to explore this ancient and fascinating city in a relaxed and personalized atmosphere. Book now, and let us take you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Nara!

Discover the Timeless Charm and Natural Beauty of Nara

Discover the Timeless Charm and Natural Beauty of Nara

6 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

(2)

from US$289

Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(73)

from US$64

All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Escape the busy streets of Osaka and embark on a serene journey to the historic city of Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. First, visit Kofuku-ji Temple, another World Heritage Site, where you'll witness the towering pagoda that stands as a symbol of Nara's spiritual heritage. From here, head to the expansive Nara Park, famous for its friendly deer that roam freely throughout the area. Have the chance to feed the deer and enjoy a peaceful walk through the park, with views of the surrounding mountains. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Be amazed by the grandeur of this temple, as well as the history and cultural significance that it holds. ※Please note that the order of destinations listed in the itinerary may change depending on the tour start time, opening hours of the facilities, and other circumstances.

(120)

from US$42

Special Offer

Nara: Private Tour with Deer Park & Temples with a Licensed Guide

Nara: Private Tour with Deer Park & Temples with a Licensed Guide

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Nara Private Tour Flexible Pickup from Kyoto Osaka or Nara

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(26)

from US$128

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.

Nara Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Experience

Nara Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Experience

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(2)

from US$51

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(2,496)

from US$125

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(1,043)

from US$102

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 (Not included in 3hours option) ・Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch featuring freshly cooked rice and seasonal vegetables from Nara (Not included in 3hours option) ・Small-group tour for a more personal and relaxed experience

Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch

5 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

(91)

from US$83

Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

6 hoursFree Cancellation

(240)

from US$141

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day | Hidden Gems & Nara Option

Special Offer

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Nara: Half-Day Private Tour of 4 Must-See Spots & Deer Park

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(21)

from US$218

If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka and want to explore another of Japan's historic cities, then this private day trip to Nara is a great choice. Skip the hassle of navigating public transportation and travel comfortably in a private vehicle. Having transportation taken care of means you can fit more into your day, including a visit to Nara Park to see its deer, Todai-ji Temple, and the panoramic viewpoint at Wakakusa Mountain.

Discover Ancient Nara: Private Car Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

Discover Ancient Nara: Private Car Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Step into the ancient heart of Japan on this fully customizable private Nara tour, where sacred deer, timeless temples, and quiet forest paths coexist in harmony. Nara is not just a collection of historical sites — it is a living spiritual landscape. For over a thousand years, deer have been revered as messengers of the gods, freely roaming between temples, shrines, and people. On this intimate experience, you’ll explore Nara slowly and mindfully, guided by a knowledgeable local who brings history, mythology, and daily life together. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this experience is designed around unhurried exploration and personal connection. Your itinerary is tailored to your interests and pace, whether you wish to focus on iconic landmarks, hidden paths, photography, spiritual stories, or time in nature. The itinerary is for reference only. As this is a private tour, the guide will tailor the experience within the tour duration based on guests’ interests and requests.

(65)

from US$705

Per group

Nara Private Custom Tour｜Sacred Deer, Temples & Timeless Nature

Nara Private Custom Tour｜Sacred Deer, Temples & Timeless Nature

3 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from US$85

Discover Nara’s Rich History and Natural Beauty on this 4-Hour Group Tour Immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Nara on this carefully curated tour. Begin your journey at Kofuku-ji Temple, famous for its majestic five-story pagoda, before heading into the serene surroundings of Nara Park, where friendly deer freely roam. Next, marvel at the awe-inspiring Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, and conclude your adventure at the brilliant Kasuga Taisha Shrine, beautifully adorned with countless lanterns. Perfect for first-time visitors, this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into Nara’s rich cultural heritage and tranquil landscapes in just a few hours! ⬛︎ Important Information – Duration: The tour duration is approximately 4 hours but may vary by up to 30 minutes earlier or later. Communication: To ensure a seamless meeting experience, our guide will reach out to you via WhatsApp before the tour. Please make sure to download and set up WhatsApp in advance.

Special Offer

Nara: Must see attractions tour with English Speaking Guide

Nara: Must see attractions tour with English Speaking Guide

4 hoursFree Cancellation

Nara - Highlights Bike Tour

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(101)

from US$71

Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

4 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

(61)

from US$161

This is a WALKING TOUR. On this tour, you will explore the best of what Nara has to offer, including the most famous sites, such as Nara Park, and Todaiji Temple, but also some "Off the beaten path" places, such as the original shop of the former Katana maker and actual famous Knifemaker "Kikuichi", and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Continue with cultural activities, including an introduction to Origami, the "Deer Challenge", and Calligraphy. If time allows it, you can wear a Kimono and/or a variety of costumes/outfits and go for a memorable photoshoot. Explore the site of the oldest temple in Japan, Gangoji Temple, and listen to the scary origin story of the demon of Gangoji. Finally, go to a traditional Japanese cafe to experience a true Tea Ceremony led by a certified Tea Master, away from the crowded and overpriced tourist traps, with freshly made matcha green tea, right in front of you, and a traditional handmade "Wagashi", a Japanese sweet for Tea.

Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony

6 hoursFree Cancellation

When the sun sets and the tourists head back to Osaka, Nara's oldest streets wake up. Not with noise, with silence. The kind that feels like it's listening to us. Join us for a walk through the ancient capital after dark. Lantern in hand, we move through temple gates, stone paths, and forgotten corners of a city that has been accumulating stories for 1,300 years. Urban legends. Cursed places. Spirits that never left. Your guide carries a chochin, a traditional Japanese lantern, and knows where the darkness gets thick. We meet at the storefront of Starbucks Coffee, Sarusawaike when the last light fades. Some of what you will hear is legend. Some of it is history. We'll let you decide which is which.

(5)

from US$109

Nara Ghost Walk

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Ideal for first-time visitors to Nara, this 3-hour fully private walking tour introduces you to both must-see landmarks and hidden gems with a local guide. Explore Nara, dotted with historically and culturally significant temples. In Nara, wild deer are revered as messengers of the gods, and they roam freely throughout the city. Don't miss the unique opportunity to feed these sacred creatures—it's an experience you can only have here in Japan. This tour includes admission tickets to all shrines and the deer feeding experience. It's the most efficient way to cover Nara's historic streetscape and visit its most famous shrines and temples in just a few hours.

from US$32

Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

4.4

(17)

from US$95

Private 3-Hour UNESCO Heritage Sites & Deer Park Tour

Discover Nara’s blend of history and nature on our exclusive tour, ideal for culture lovers and families. Start at Nara Park, where you can interact with sacred deer and feed them special “shika-senbei” crackers. Next, explore the enchanting Kasuga Taisha Shrine, set in ancient forests that create a mystical ambiance. Finally, marvel at Todai-ji Temple, home to the impressive Great Buddha Hall and a towering bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana. This tour offers a rich cultural experience and unforgettable moments amidst Nara’s natural and spiritual beauty.

Private 3-Hour UNESCO Heritage Sites & Deer Park Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(2)

from US$161

Nara Highlights Private Walking Tour with Local Guide

2 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

3.7

(3)

from US$42

Discover Ancient Nara: Private Car Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

1 2 3

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What are people saying about Nara

edward_o, Aug 2026

A fun day with the deer.

Very enjoyable day. The tour was great. Our guide SHO was also great. It was worth seeing the deer. The deer bite and can be aggressive in a crowd. SHO properly directed us away from the crowd to areas with fewer people, which made our interaction with the deer much better. We enjoyed walking through Nara, and the lunch he set up for us was EXCELLENT. Highly recommended

E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine, and Gems

Laura_T, Aug 2026

Christopher was amazing...

Christopher was amazing and his knowledge was fantastic. He made this activity very enjoyable. Our daughter was obsessed with the dear and even without food the dear tended to gravitate towards her. Christopher just went with it and flexed our schedule since we were the only ones on the tour. He made her day

Nara: Half-Day Private Tour of 4 Must-See Spots & Deer Park

James_T, Aug 2026

Great experience visiting Nara!

This is a walking tour around the city of Nara, largely focused on some of the ancient temples. Nara is steeped in Japanese history and was once the capital and is still an important historical city. Deer are a protected species and everywhere. And I mean everywhere. Locals and tourists buy crackers to feed them. We got Takashi as a tour guide and he was very kind and informative. He was prepared with a lot of information, handouts and demonstrations of ritual prayers at some of the various shrines. He is extremely knowledgeable.

Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available

Delise_J, Aug 2026

This was a great tour! We...

This was a great tour! We had Lee as our guide and he was very knowledgeable, kind and patient with my son (almost 5). He held his hand while we toured different sights. He took amazing photos along the way for us and the pace was just right! He even helped ensure we got back to Kyoto quickly.

Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Deepak_S, Aug 2026

Excellent Tour with Family. Lot of Walking.

Haru was an excellent guide and highly recommend him. He guided our family including three kids with the youngest who is 6. We saw the most important sites in Nara. Our kids adore the deer that were in the wild everywhere and very friendly. Haru took appropriate breaks as there was a lot of walking (almost 14k total steps).

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day | Hidden Gems & Nara Option

Diane_D, Aug 2026

Wonderful private tour in Kyoto and Nara

We had an amazing private full day tour with our guide Shinsuke. Shunsuke was extremely knowledgeable, very friendly, spoke excellent English and made sure my 14 year old grandchild and I had a wonderful experience. We especially enjoyed Nara, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and finding Pokemon manhole covers(a special request of ours). Lunch was great also at a delicious local Ramen restaurant. We had a very memorable experience and highly recommend this tour and our guide - Shunsuke.

All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!

Alen_L, Jun 2026

Excellent walking tour with Setsuko

We really enjoyed our walking tour with Setsuko and another family. She met us right in Nara JR Station as promised after we took a 45 min train ride from Osaka. We all took a bus to Nara Park and then walked to the various site. While flowers and trees are not blooming in June, it was still very beautiful with trees and nature and of course the bowing deer! Our guide Setsuko brought some rice crackers for us to feed the deer. They did not disappoint. We appreciate the insight provided by our very thoughtful guide. We found 3 hours was perfect for us and highly recommend this tour.

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

Richard_L, Jun 2026

Magnificent day in Nara

We booked the private 1/2 day tour Yuuki was an incredible guide! We immediately felt a great rapport with her and her British accent was superb for an American couple. We spent 5 hours with her seeing the sights of Nara. Not only was she able to answer every question we posed( we were both history majors) she translated everything we asked her to Lunch was exceptional and she guided me to the perfect souvenir shop which had exactly what I had been looking for all over Japan for the past week Had the deer food in her bag the entire time so fed the deer throughout the day Would be the perfect guide for any primary English speaking tour esp with teens Caveat— blond hair and piercings, which reminded me of my kids at home. Not the guide for anyone who would be uncomfortable with that appearance. She was brilliant and recommend her enthusiastically I consider this tour to be “easy” in degree, but there are quite a few stairs and some uphill walking. Saw many families with strollers but no wheelchairs

Nara Afternoon Sake guided walk: Brewery Visit & Local Streets

rachel, May 2026

We loved the tour with our japanese sake grandpa!

We had such a good time on our tour with Shinobu! He shared so much knowledge with us, stopped at places along the walking routes to tell us about the history in Nara and things we would never had found ourselves. It wasn’t just sake, we loved the walk through the small streets, breweries we would never have found and streets we would never have walked. He was great chat, you can tell he’s passionate and we had such a great time. A group of 6 was perfect, there was 6 of our family so was our own little private tour! Really recommend, only negative is Japan is too hot right now & being Scottish, we are not built for that! A few stops and a water bottle refill kept us going in the heat though. Loved Shinobu, sad to say goodbye to our japanese sake grandpa!

Nara - Highlights Bike Tour

Nick_H, Mar 2026

Fantastic tour - highly recommended

A really fantastic bike tour by Christophe. I thoroughly recommend this tour. We arranged the night before and soon had a welcome message and instructions for joining. Christophe made sure that we had the correct size of bike and safety helmet. He guided us safely and we had flexibility to stop when we wanted for photos. Christophe was highly knowledgeable, not just about the sites, but also the local culture. The tour was at our pace and very informative. Christophe took photos of us on the tour and we were able to download them the same evening. The tour was a very special experience for us.

Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

Nikkole_L, Mar 2026

Wonderful Morning Tour of Nara!

Ikki was a kind, knowledgeable, and oh so helpful tour guide! This was our second tour of Nara and we learned so much more about the history, shrines and temples than our first experience (with another guide). Ikki knew the best picture spots, as well as the best place to feed the deer. 10/10 recommendation!