Osaka

Day trip to Nara, where past meets present

Day Trips & Local Escapes • 9 hours 5.0 (17)

Day trip to Nara, where past meets present

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 Osaka

Osaka has its own distinctive dialect so although you might've practised your

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

Take a train ride from Osaka to Nara with your host, and discover the ancient city’s best attributes
Delve into centuries of Japanese history and culture, all in a single day.
See the city’s most iconic shrines, temples and relics, with expert insight from your host.
Discover hidden side streets and picturesque pathways in an architecturally stunning city.
Feed the famous deer that roam in and around Nara-koen Park. Who doesn’t love Bambi?
Taste Nara’s local delicacies at an eatery hand-picked by your host.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

9 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

A private and personalized experience

9 hours with a host (including travel time to and from Osaka)

Tickets to: Isui-en Garden, Todaiji-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

DAISO Namba Nansan-dori Store - The host will be waiting in front of the shop.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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 most

What you’ll do

Nara is home to unique features; we don’t just mean temples and shrines. Local street food is amazing because it caters to the tame deer that wander around Nara Park. Be wary, though - they’ll do anything for a bite! Your host will lead you to the city’s numerous cultural hotspots, ranging from ancient temples to one giant Buddha, giving you the inside scoop on centuries of Japanese history.

Peckish? You might find yourself slurping on the unique taste of spicy Tenri Ramen or sampling chagayu, a regional rice and tea porridge. If it’s souvenirs you’re after, pop in at Higashimuku Shopping District before heading back to the station. It’s chock full of curios and trinkets, and your host will be on hand to haggle!

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Sweet Surprises on the Streets of Osaka

Channeling Your Inner Kid at an Osaka Matsuri Stall

Flipping Osaka’s Favorite Comfort Food

Late-Night Laughs in a Local Izakaya

From Station to Adventure

A Royal Encounter: Smiles and Stories at Osaka Castle

Roll With It – Sushi, Sake, and Great Company

Strike a Pose with Osaka’s Most Iconic Runner

Golden Hour in Dotonbori

Osaka from Above: Views, Vibes, and New Friends

City Streets & Serendipitous Meetups in Umeda

Sweet Stops and Smiles on Shinsaibashi Street

Hidden Kitchens of Osaka

Neon Nights and Nostalgia in Shinsekai

A Step Through History at Osaka’s Shrines

Kanpai to a Night Well Spent – Dinner the Local Way

Rolling into Osaka’s Sushi Scene – One Bite at a Time

Walking Through History at Osaka Castle

Wandering Osaka’s Backstreets

Hook It, Eat It – Dining the Zauo Way

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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What travelers think of this experience

Javier Apr 2025

Maria was sooo attentive and a great guide. We had many laughs and great little hidden spots to see and food stops to taste. Highly recommended.

Javier Apr 2025

Maria was the best and made this walking tour extra special by showing us some of the hidden hems of Nara.

Barry Mar 2025

Despite a non-stop tour schedule and almost no sleep, Hiroki was wonderful and we enjoyed the sights around Nara, particularly the "Giant Buddha" temple, Nara deer park, and the (exhausting) climb and views from Mount Wakakusayama. It was a jam-packed day but highly enjoyable!

Barry Mar 2025

Hiroki accommodated our requested times and choices.

Jim Oct 2024

We had a great day traveling to and exploring Nara with Alex as our guide. He was knowledgable about the included sights and also the entire surrounding area. Information was explained in a fun and conversational style which added to our learning. The Todaiji-Temple was one of the most impressive sites we visited on our trip. Alex listened to our interest in gardens and flexed so that we could also visit a special garden not on the official tour route. He was always sensitive to our comfort and timed when to stop and eat. Finally, he met us at our hotel to start the day and brought us back at day's end, something many other guides in the area did not offer. Alex even helped us with the arrangements for our next day's sightseeing plans. All in all, we had a great day with an experienced and lovely guide. Thank you, Alex!

Jim Oct 2024

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