Osaka
Day trip to Nara, where past meets present
Day Trips & Local Escapes • 9 hours
5.0
(13)
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
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.
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 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
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!
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
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What travelers think of this experience
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!
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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!
Show more
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!
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Emily,
Jul 2024
Maria is a wonderful guide. She is thoughtful and friendly. I recommend her to anyone who wants to tour in the Osaka region.
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Jesse,
Jun 2024
Alex was the best tour guide! He managed our time so we could see everything on our list. He was super helpful in providing recommendations of things to do for the rest of our trip as well. We would definitely want to have another tour with him!...
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Raimond,
Apr 2024
Amazing experience very very nice person with lots of experience and very very polite. We enjoyed all day from train ride to see all the main attractions in Nara Japan.
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