Nara Early Morning Tour Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Nara, Japan
+31
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.
- Explore Nara at its best, before the biggest crowds get there
- Option to include pickup at Kyoto Station
- Small-group tour (maximum 12 people): A more personal experience
- Learn about the ancient capital of Nara from your guide
What's Included
- English-Speaking guide
- Transportation Fee from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara (Only if you select the option)
- Food and Drinks
- Transportation Fee for returning from Nara to Kyoto/Osaka
- Entrance fee - Todai-ji Temple¥800.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
Type to search
End point
- Nara ParkNara, Japan
Itinerary
1
Kofuku-ji Temple
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Kasuga Grand Shrine
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Nara Park
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Todai-ji Temple
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- We will walk about 10,000 steps during this tour.
- Not recommended for guests over 75.
- Guests under the age of 6 cannot join.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,145 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Easy to start the tour from Kyoto station. The guide arranged the train tickets for us. Beware of the deer as they follow you around. They will bow to you though before receiving some crackers which is very cute.
Haruka was an excellent guide who was able to bring the area alive as she lives in Nara. Her knowledge was amazing and we’re glad we did the trip. Thanks Haruka!
The tour was fantastic, lots of walking. Airi was an excellent guide, very informative, professional and just a lovely person.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re so happy you had a fantastic day in Nara with Airi! 😊 It’s wonderful to hear that her knowledge, professionalism, and warm personality made the tour so enjoyable. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her! 🦌🌸
It was great walking tour with Mei. That was very special what we saw, authentic Japan centuries before. Wild deers in every spot you cross, like cows in India. Only the only thing spoiled the mood- was raining most of the time.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring Nara with Mei! 😊 Even with the rainy weather, it’s wonderful to hear that the temples, history, and Nara deer made the tour special. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Mei! 🦌🌸
Tomo was a great guide. He was very knowledge about the area's history and the deer were so adorable.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring Nara with Tomo! 😊 It’s great to hear that his knowledge made the tour even more interesting — and of course, the adorable deer are always a highlight! 🦌🌸
We had a wonderful time exploring Nara with Shin! We were visiting with family, and everything was easy and seamless from a logistics standpoint.
Shin was knowledgeable, friendly, and easygoing, making the tour both informative and enjoyable. We especially loved being on the first tour of the morning, the park was practically empty when we arrived, which made the experience even more special. We highly recommend the early tour!
Big props to Shin for a memorable experience. We would definitely recommend him to anyone visiting Nara!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We’re thrilled you had such a memorable morning in Nara with Shin! 😊 The peaceful early-morning atmosphere really makes the experience special. We’ll be sure to share your wonderful words with Shin — thank you for recommending us! 🦌🌸
We had such a magical experience visiting Nara. Our guide, Shin, was incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable and seemed to delight sharing information about the city and its history. Despite the heat, my group and I were so thankful to have had this experience. The deer were also so cute! 🦌😍
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🦌✨ We’re delighted to hear that your visit to Nara felt so magical and that Shin’s enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience even more enjoyable.
We’re also glad that, despite the heat, you and your group were able to enjoy learning about the city and its history while spending time with Nara’s adorable deer.
We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you on another tour in Japan someday!
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Wonderful day! Went for the deer but the temples were beyond incredible. Great activity for teens and adults alike. My kids loved it. And great and kind guide!!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 🦌✨ We’re so happy to hear that you and your family had such a great day in Nara.
It’s wonderful that the deer brought you there, but the incredible temples became such a memorable part of the experience as well. We’re also glad to hear that both the adults and teens enjoyed the tour and that your guide made the day even more enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you and your family on another tour in Japan someday!
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Ko was our guide for the day and we loved him. He was friendly, knowledgeable and fun. My kids loved this tour as they got to feed the deer as we walked along. The whole experience was easy. We met Ko at the Kyoto station and he was right where he said he would be (he sent pictures etc). He guided our group to the train and off we went to Nara which is about a 45 min train ride. The tour is all on foot for a few of hours so bring comfy shoes. It was a good pace with time to stop if needed. On the way back, Ko guided us to the train station and told us which train/platform to get on to return to Kyoto. I would highly recommend!! Thank you Ko xo
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you and your family had such a fun time exploring Nara with Ko, especially feeding the deer! 🦌✨
We truly appreciate your kind words about Ko and your recommendation. We hope to welcome you and your family on another tour in Japan someday!
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
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.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so glad to hear that you and your family had a great time exploring Nara with Lee. It’s wonderful to know that his kindness and patience made the experience enjoyable for your son as well!
We’re also happy you came away with some great photos and memories from the day. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you again in Japan! 🦌
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Was a wonderful tour. Our guide Josh was amazing. We learned interesting information about the temples and the halls. The main attraction for me were the deer and they did not disappoint, but I’m glad we listened to Josh and moved further away from the vendors to feed them the biscuits.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re glad you had a great time exploring Nara with Josh and enjoyed learning about the temples and their history.
And of course, we’re especially happy that the deer lived up to your expectations! 🦌 Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you again in Japan!
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Well we undertook this excursion on a very hot day…well being Irish it was a challenge but regardless our wonderful tour guide Seishiro was very understanding and his knowledge of Nara Park history was very comprehensive and we left with a wonderful feeling of contentment and knowledge, I would have no problem recommending this excursion 10/10 Tommy/Mairead
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much, Tommy and Mairead! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a memorable time in Nara, even in the summer heat!
It’s wonderful to know that Seishiro’s knowledge and care made the experience enjoyable and meaningful. We truly appreciate your 10/10 recommendation and hope to welcome you again someday! ☺️
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Had a tour of Nara seeing the local shrines and temples and learning about the local history, as well as meeting and feeding the many deer around. Was a great day trip with a friendly and informative guide in Haruka, thanks!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed discovering Nara’s shrines, temples, history, and of course, meeting the deer!
We’re happy to hear that Haruka made your day both enjoyable and informative. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future! 🦌
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
An amazing opportunity to see the sacred deer of Nara and the great Buddha. Taking advantage of the early morning to avoid the crowds is a pro tip. Our guide Josh was fabulous!
This was such a wonderful experience! Jo was our your guide and so kind and knowledgeable. His English is perfect and made the tour easy to understand.
We had a wonderful experience. I would recommend this tour to everyone who doesn't know from where to start exploring Nara.
The deer are cute but when you buy the cookies to feed them they rush you and nip at your pockets! My guide was fantastic! She was in constant contact with me riding on the train to meet her. When I needed to rest she stopped! She was a wonderful person!!
Lots of walking, dress comfortably. Deer were really cool and fun. They can get insistent for food (I wouldn’t actually say aggressive, they’re like eager puppies) but hold both hands like “stop” and they’ll back off a little. Saw the largest Japanese Buddha and temple. Toshi, our guide, is very polite and friendly. Honestly, after being in Nara, we’d probably skip a couple Tokyo days for Nara instead
Ko, our guide, was fantastic! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Nara. He was super knowledgeable & a kind young man. He had great stories and facts about the places we visited. It is a fantastic tour of Nara highlights. So well done!! Ko was super attentive to everyone on the tour. My kids range in age from 16-33, and he connected so wonderfully with all of them! Thank you Ko!!!!
Friendly, personable tour guide who went above and beyond.
Be prepared for a lot of walking throughout.
Very nice tour but my guide Aki was amazing. She made sure everyone got where they needed to go after the tour was over by going above and beyond with train directions sending train schedules translating it to English and providing food recommendations. I recommend the tour itself but the guide made it even better.
We really enjoyed this tour! The shrines were beautiful and gave us a glimpse into the past and present culture of Japan. There were many rest stops along the tour which was appreciated. Ryuya was an excellent guide and very friendly!
Hina was an exceptional guide and made our Nara tour one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. She was warm, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable, sharing the history and significance of the famous Nara deer, beautiful temples, shrines, and many interesting cultural details along the way. Every stop felt meaningful because of the stories and context she provided.
Be prepared for a fair amount of walking, but don’t let that discourage you. Hina paced the tour perfectly, making frequent rest and water breaks while regularly checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable. She went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great experience.
What really set her apart was that she didn’t just focus on the tour itself. She also gave us excellent recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and other interesting sites in both Kyoto and Nara, helping us get even more out of our time in Japan.
A special mention also goes to the colleague Hina was training. She was friendly, attentive, and already demonstrated the qualities of an excellent guide. Based on what we saw, she’s going to do a fantastic job.
If you’re considering this tour, ask for Hina if you can. Her knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and genuine enthusiasm made for an unforgettable experience. We would recommend this tour without hesitation and would happily book with her again. Five stars.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Vincent_V,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review.
We are truly delighted to hear that your experience with Hina became one of the highlights of your trip to Japan. It is wonderful to know that her knowledge, warmth, and passion for sharing Nara’s history and culture helped make each stop more meaningful and memorable.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about Hina’s attentiveness throughout the tour. Ensuring that our guests feel comfortable, enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace, and have opportunities to rest and recharge is very important to us, especially during warmer weather. We are happy to hear that her thoughtful care helped you fully enjoy your day in Nara.
Thank you also for mentioning Hina’s recommendations for restaurants, activities, and places to visit in Kyoto and Nara. We believe that sharing local insights beyond the tour itself can help guests make the most of their time in Japan.
We truly appreciate your kind words about Hina’s colleague as well. Supporting and training the next generation of guides is something we value, and we are grateful that you noticed her enthusiasm and dedication.
Thank you again for your five-star recommendation and generous support. We will be sure to share your wonderful feedback with Hina and our team. We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Haruka was a great guide and a local to Nara which was a treat. Very informative, organized and in depth tour. Fun and memorable day!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Renee_H,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing your kind review.
We are delighted to hear that you had a fun and memorable day with Haruka. It is especially wonderful to know that her local knowledge of Nara made your experience even more special and that you found the tour informative, well-organized, and in-depth.
Thank you again for your warm feedback. We will be sure to share your kind words with Haruka, and we hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
DON’T GO. I was told this tour requires walking 12,000 steps completely exposed and it’s 37C or 99F today. This distance is not a problem in moderate weather but being exposed in those conditions is completely unsafe. 45 people were hospitalized here days ago due to heat stroke. The fact that the company was unwilling to refund me (I booked last minute then called when I got the details) is criminal. Additionally you’re taking TRANSIT and paying for everything (temple admission) it’s a selfish money grab and they will be responsible when someone gets hurt.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Laura_M,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you were concerned about the walking distance and weather conditions for the Nara Early Morning Tour.
We understand that visiting Nara during extremely hot summer weather can feel challenging, and the safety and comfort of our guests are always our highest priority. We provide detailed tour information in advance, including the walking involved and the nature of the experience, so guests can make the best decision based on their personal condition and preferences.
Our tour is designed to start in the early morning to help guests avoid the hottest part of the day and the largest crowds. While the route does involve walking between Nara’s famous sites, including parks, temples, and historic areas, we make every effort to maintain a comfortable pace and provide guidance throughout the tour.
We are also sorry to hear that you felt disappointed regarding the transportation and admission fees. Our tours use convenient public transportation to offer an authentic local experience and allow guests to experience how people travel around Japan. Any required expenses and inclusions are clearly stated in the tour details before booking.
We truly value guest feedback, especially regarding experiences during periods of extreme heat, and we will continue to look for ways to improve communication and ensure our guests can enjoy Japan safely and comfortably.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your concerns.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
We had an amazing day in Nara with our guide Toshiki. He was excellent - very knowledgeable about all the places we visited but didn’t overwhelm us with facts. Toshi was personable and helpful with questions we had about Kyoto that were unrelated to our Nara day trip. He helped make this one of the most memorable days of our 2 week Japan trip. Would highly recommend to anyone considering this!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Eric_H,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing your wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear that you had such an amazing day in Nara with Toshiki. It is wonderful to know that his knowledge of the sites, combined with his ability to share information in an enjoyable and approachable way, helped make your experience even more meaningful.
We are also pleased that Toshiki was able to assist with your questions about Kyoto and provide helpful insights beyond the tour itself. Knowing that this became one of the most memorable days of your two-week trip in Japan means a great deal to us.
Thank you again for your kind words and recommendation. We will be sure to share your wonderful feedback with Toshiki, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Haruka provided an incredible experience for us as our Nara guide for half of the day. She is a delightful person and knowledgeable guide, and it always felt like she was taking us to a special place or on an uncharted path no one else had the opportunity to do unless they were with her, which made us feel like VIPs. She also had visited our home state, so that was fun to have in common as well! Enjoyed the tour of Kofuku-ji Temple, but wish we could have seen the pagoda (it's undergoing restoration and covered in scaffolding/hidden from view and won't be open until 2031), but even at this first stop, we could see the early morning tour was worth it. There was only one other tour group around at that time (e.g., 4-5 people), so we basically had the temple, grounds and deer all to ourselves. It was great. We then made our way to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, but got to have a fun detour when we heard someone playing a French horn and realized the deer around us were running toward the sound. Haruka suggested we follow the deer, who were making their way toward the man with the horn because he feeds them acorns from his bag. What a unique sight and experience to have! We then made our way back to the shrine and viewed the many lanterns that adorn its walkways, as well as view how the shrine completely honors nature by building its buildings around trees, etc. (one building was built around an 800-year-old tree's offshoot/branch, as the branch simply went through one of the building's windows). After we left the shrine, we took a small break in a building that houses Nara's indoor Noh Theater. Haruka spoke to one of the personnel there, and the theater was open that day with no events planned, so we actually got to view it with no one else inside. Again, a completely unexpected and cool experience to have. We lastly made our way to Todai-ji Temple, and again, Haruka took us through a beautiful garden where we were the only ones around on the way there. Amazing. As we approached the temple, the number of people exponentially grew, but this was the first time in the few hours we had already been on the tour. The temple, its Nandaimon Gate and its enormous bronze Buddha statue are spectacular, and we are so glad we got to see all of these sights, but they were made just that more special with Haruka. As we made our way back to the train station via bus and walking, the hordes of people walking the opposite way made us even more glad we had opted for the early morning tour. Haruka also helped us get on the right train(s) and told us what station to disembark. Highly, highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Amy_S,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing such an incredible and detailed review.
We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a special experience exploring Nara with Haruka. It is wonderful to know that her local knowledge, thoughtful guidance, and personal touch helped you discover hidden moments and feel like a VIP throughout the tour.
We are especially happy that you enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Todai-ji Temple before the crowds arrived. The early morning timing is one of the highlights of this tour, and we are glad it allowed you to experience Nara’s historic sites, beautiful nature, and deer in such a unique and tranquil way.
The unexpected moments you shared, such as following the deer toward the sound of the French horn and having the rare opportunity to see the Noh Theater when it was quiet, sound like truly unforgettable memories. These special encounters are exactly what make exploring Nara with a local guide so meaningful.
We are also pleased to hear that Haruka helped you navigate the transportation back and shared her local insights along the way. Her passion for Nara and dedication to creating memorable experiences for guests truly shine through.
Thank you again for your heartfelt recommendation. We will be sure to share your wonderful feedback with Haruka. We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
We highly recommend this walking tour! Even in the rain, Nara is gorgeous and the deer are amazing. Our guide was very sweet and knowledgeable. Our hardest hurdle was getting from Kyoto to Nara station. The train station trapped us and we missed our first train option to Nara. I wish I would have met our guide at the Kyoto station and avoided the chaos. Allow extra time for navigating the Kyoto station. Our Nara guide was very thoughtful and waited for us and still did as much of the tour as possible! Very happy and loved the experience!!!!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Jessica_D,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing your wonderful and thoughtful review.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Nara despite the rainy weather. Nara’s beautiful scenery and charming deer create a special atmosphere in any season, and we are happy that you were able to appreciate the experience.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about your guide. We are pleased to know that their thoughtfulness, patience, and knowledge helped make your tour enjoyable, even after the unexpected delay getting to Nara. We truly appreciate your understanding and are glad that your guide was able to adjust and provide you with a memorable experience.
Thank you also for sharing your helpful feedback regarding transportation from Kyoto Station. We understand that navigating a large station can sometimes be challenging, especially for first-time visitors, and we appreciate your suggestion. We hope this information will help future guests plan their journey more comfortably.
Thank you again for your recommendation and support. We will be sure to share your kind feedback with your guide, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
Haruka was very knowledgeable and very patient with all of us. We got to appreciate the tour knowing the history than most walking by ourselves. She was patient and answered all our questions about Nara and Japan in general.
She messaged ahead to provide information about how to get there and where to meet, which was a nice touch. She stayed with us to get us back to the station and shared options for food and other stuff in Nara.
Highly recommend this!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Edward_R,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing such a wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear that you had an informative and enjoyable experience exploring Nara with Haruka. It is wonderful to know that her knowledge of Nara’s history, patience, and thoughtful explanations helped you appreciate the sights on a deeper level than exploring on your own.
We are also pleased that Haruka’s communication before the tour, including the meeting details and transportation information, helped you feel prepared and comfortable from the beginning. Her dedication to supporting guests throughout the entire experience, including helping you return to the station and sharing local recommendations, reflects the level of care we strive to provide.
Thank you again for your kind words and high recommendation. We will be sure to share your wonderful feedback with Haruka, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
This Nara tour was wonderful, largely thanks to Hinano! She was an amazing guide who went out of her way to look after us. Not only did she meet us in Kyoto, but she also took the extra time after the tour concluded to help us navigate and get safely on our way to our next stop. Incredible hospitality and highly recommended!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Dear Jermaine_R,
Thank you very much for joining our Nara Early Morning Tour and for sharing your wonderful review.
We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience exploring Nara with Hinano. It is truly heartwarming to know that her kindness, dedication, and thoughtful support helped make your visit so memorable.
We are especially grateful for your kind words about Hinano going above and beyond to assist you, not only during the tour but also afterward by helping you navigate to your next destination. Providing guests with a comfortable and stress-free experience throughout their journey is something we deeply value.
Thank you again for your high recommendation and for recognizing Hinano’s incredible hospitality. We will be sure to share your wonderful feedback with her. We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Japan.
Best regards,
GuideMe Japan Team
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