Kyoto
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day Trips & Local Escapes • 9 hours
5.0
(21)
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
See some of Japan's most spectacular temples and gardens and snap a few shots with the deer roaming around in ancient Nara on a day trip from Kyoto
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- With your helpful host, travel by train to Nara, one of Japan’s cultural hotspots and the birthplace of Shinto Buddhism
- Explore ancient shrines and temples and wonder at the stunning architecture
- Walk among tame deer through Nara Park to view the 3000 lanterns lighting Kasuga-taisha Shrine
- Eat Nara specialties while shopping at Higashimuki Shopping Street for a memento to take home
- Your host is always available for questions, recommendations and anecdotes about the area
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
9 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
9 hours with a host (including travel time from Kyoto)
Tickets to Isui-en Garden, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, Nigatsu-do & Sangatsu-do Halls
One day free pass Bus ticket from JR Nara
Walking and Bus experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
Train Transportation costs (Japan Rail Pass holders can travel free on the JR)
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
The host will be waiting in front of the Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building ShopCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
See Japan’s most culturally significant temples and shrines in the place where Shinto Buddhism was born. Walk shaded paths lined with cherry blossom trees between Nanto Shichi Daiji – the “seven great temples” of ancient Japan.
Explore magical, wood-built architecture overhung with thousands of lanterns at Kasuga-taisha Shrine, or gaze upon the serene visage of the oldest bronze Buddha statue in the world, housed in Tōdai-ji’s main hall. See the famous Nara Park at the foot of grass-covered Mount Wakakusa, where polite deer – symbols of the city – greet you.
Get out of the sun and share a meal with your local insider in Higashimuki Shopping Street, a covered arcade with stores selling trinkets reminiscent of ancient Japan.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
What travelers think of this experience
Lorenz,
Oct 2024
War alles rundum sehr schön und informativ mit einem sehr netten Guide. Hat alles bestens geklappt. Everything was very nice and informative with a very nice guide. Everything worked out perfectly,
Show more
David,
Apr 2024
Alex was an incredible guide! We had a wonderful time exploring Nara and learning about Japanese culture. Alex was patient enough to wait for us arriving quite late due to a mix-up in my notes. Such an amazing day! Highly recommend this tour and Alex!
Show more
David,
Apr 2024
Alex was one of the best guides we have ever experienced in our world travels. Very informative, flexible, and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and highly recommend Alex!
Show more
Florence,
Apr 2024
Very friendly experience with Vanessa, very professional and in a good mood. Thank you for these visits to Nara.
Show more
Erica,
Mar 2024
Our experience with Alex was wonderful: we spent a day across Nara. We learned a lot not only about the main attractions visited but also about Buddhism and Shintoism culture overall, which gave us more context for previous and future experience across the beautiful Japan.
Show more
Trudi,
Dec 2023
Toga was very able and willing to answer any questions about the features of the shrines and Temples and of Shintoism and Buddhism in general. The highlights included a good mixture of gardens, natural beauty and history of Nara.. We would thoroughly recommend Toga as a guide in Nara and Kyoto.. We had a great day.
Show more