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119 Available Tour Excursions in Nara
**Important Notice**If you need to change the participation date or number of participants after making a reservation, please cancel your original booking and place a new one. Changes made without canceling the original reservation will not be accepted. Discover the wonders of Nara on this immersive tour, visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple, with its impressive Nandaimon Gate and the iconic Great Buddha Hall, and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its beautiful main shrine. Experience the breathtaking views from the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, a grass-covered mountain offering a panoramic vista that will leave you in awe. Our expert English-speaking guide will lead you throughout the day, providing insightful commentary and stories about these historical sites. As a special bonus, you will receive a “Nara-Yamatoji 2-Day Pass,” which allows unlimited rides on local buses within the designated area, along with an exclusive original handkerchief.
Price: $65.15
Duration: 4 hours
Discover the best of Nara on our PRIVATE morning tour, before the popular spots get crowded! Meet the friendly deer, admire Japan’s largest Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, and enjoy a sake tasting to experience local flavors. Explore Japan’s first capital in a fun, relaxed, and efficient way — perfect for a half-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka!
Price: $162.88
Duration: 4-6 hours
1. Authentic Experience Unlike standard sushi classes, this experience covers every step, from preparing rice to crafting perfect nigiri. You’ll use authentic tools and techniques under the guidance of skilled instructors. 2. Cultural Insight Learn not only how to make sushi but also its cultural significance in Japan. It’s more than a cooking class—it’s an exploration of tradition. 3. Personalized Instruction With small group sizes, you’ll receive guidance tailored to your skill level, whether you’re a beginner or experienced. 4. Hands-On Fun Grate fresh wasabi, slice sushi-grade fish, and assemble sushi in an engaging, interactive environment. 5. Graduation Ceremony Celebrate your achievements with a fun graduation ceremony and a certificate of completion. 6. Take-Home Skills Learn techniques and recipes to make sushi at home, impressing friends and family. 7. Unique Setting Held in the heart of Japan, this class offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
Price: $114.67
Duration: 1 hours
Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and well preserved traditional Japanese culture. Your tours are designed to help visitors explore and appreciate the beauty of Kyoto while enjoying a fun and memorable experience. As Kyoto’s famous landmarks are spread out often requiring extensive walking, navigating hills, and locating hidden spots a private tour by car offers a more comfortable and efficient way to explore the city. Led by your knowledgeable guide, Riku, and organized by a dynamic young team, this tour is dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for every guest. For tours departing from Kyoto, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, Gion, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. For tours departing from Osaka, the itinerary includes Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. For the Kyoto & Nara Tour, we typically visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove).
Price: $480.00
Duration: 8 hours
Taste five expertly selected teas locally sourced in Nara prefecture Talk with locals for inside tips on places to visit while in Japan Private, one-on-one instruction from a skilled tea master Hands-on matcha practice with personalized feedback Enjoy authentic wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)
Price: $62.55
Duration: 1 hours
We offer sake tours in Nara, the birthplace of sake, where you can experience its historical brewing and culture. Accompanied by a sake-loving guide, you can interact with locals, enjoy local sake and cuisine, and have the special experience of toasting in front of World Heritage sites. We promise you an unforgettable journey, fully immersing you in the charm of Nara.
Price: $104.24
Duration: 3 hours
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.
Price: $221.52
Duration: 5 hours
The ancient capital of Nara, older than even Kyoto, is easily reached by train from Osaka or Kyoto. The enormous Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha inside, the deer park where you can feed crackers to the semi-wild deer, everything is more laid-back and quieter than Kyoto with much fewer tourists. Stroll through the vast temple grounds and back into the city where the tour takes you to a typical Izakaya standing bar to try some local sake and food. A wonderful way to spend a leisurely afternoon!
Price: $86.49
Duration: 4 hours
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
Price: $97.73
Duration: 6 hours
Experience the essence of Kyoto in one day with this all-inclusive bus tour covering the city’s most iconic sights. Begin at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo creates a calm, magical atmosphere. Continue to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)—a stunning gold-covered temple beside a reflective pond (entry with ticket only). Visit Nijo Castle and explore its elegant rooms, lush gardens, and famous “nightingale floors” (ticket required). Head to Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Kyoto and charming nearby shops (entry with ticket only). Finish at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of red torii gates lead you through peaceful forest trails. Highlights: ✓ Top Kyoto landmarks in one day ✓ Entry options available (based on ticket purchase) ✓ Comfortable, scenic bus transport ✓ Perfect for first-time visitors
Price: $553.80
Duration: 8 hours
This bike tour is based on our most popular tour, Nara Highlights, but without Yoshikien Garden and reserved for families with kids who can ride a bike. No E-bike nor Child seats are available. As it is a private family tour, you can be sure that your guide will take extra care of your group, and adjust and adapt the tour based on your preferences. Pour la demande de guide francophone: Nous ne pouvons pas garantir la francophonie pour un tour partagée, car mélangeant plusieurs nationalités, la priorité deviendra l'anglais. Tous nos guides parlent au minimum anglais et japonais, ce qui veut dire que le français sera une langue supplémentaire. Le guide pourra donc alterner entre anglais et français si nécessaire. Pour garantir la disponibilité du guide francophone à la date souhaitée, veuillez nous contacter à l'avance, afin que nous puissions confirmer qu'un guide francophone est toujours disponible pour votre date de réservation. Merci pour votre compréhension.
Price: $195.46
Duration: 3-4 hours
Nara city is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. As the capital of Japan in the 8th century, it can offer a variety of old temples and shrines, but also the charm of its former merchants’ quarter with quaint old houses serving as shops or restaurants. In this tour we will visit the biggest and most famous temple and shrine dating back to the 8th century as well as the old townscape.
Price: $117.88
Duration: 6 hours
Nara's charm is not only deers but also its traditional country lifestyle, which has been inherited from generations to generations.Half a day off-the-beaten walk to an oldest road "Yamanobe no michi" will lead you to deep cultural understanding on satoyama villages. You will come across small farm stands and people's life.
Price: $97.73
Duration: 8 hours
Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese house ┗ Savor the serene, tranquil setting that creates a truly special atmosphere. Taste two types of Nara single-origin matcha ┗ Compare flavors and aromas, and discover your personal favorite. Witness the tea master’s demonstration ┗ Observe expert skill and hospitality firsthand as the tea master prepares matcha. Learn tea ceremony basics ┗ Explore its history, etiquette, and the proper use of tea utensils. Whisk your own matcha ┗ Get hands-on experience using a bamboo whisk (chasen) to prepare matcha yourself. Blend focus and relaxation ┗ Find a perfect balance of concentration and calm as you create your own cup of matcha.
Price: $46.91
Duration: 1 hours
Start your exploration at Nara Park. Here you can have the experience of feeding rice crackers to deer. Deer are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto beliefs, and hundreds of them roam freely here. Then visit Kasuga Taisha, a shrine known for its deep historical roots and surrounded by a mysterious forest where divine spirits are believed to reside. The shrine is famous for its thousands of hanging lanterns, which illuminate the streets with their serene light, especially during festivals. Also you can visit to Todaiji Temple, which is one of heritage site. It is a most famous temple in Nara, not only allows visitors to see with their own eyes one of the world's largest wooden structures, designated as a national treasure, but also to feel its 1,300 years of history.
Price: $71.67
Duration: 3 hours
1. Cook with "Local Friends" (Mune & Hitomi) Connect with friendly, English-speaking hosts who have traveled the world. It feels less like a class and more like visiting a friend's home. 2. Authentic 70-Year-Old Typical Japanese Home Step into a real, private residence (not a commercial studio). Experience the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional house built over 70 years ago. 3. Master 3 Styles of Onigiri & Enjoy a Full Meal Go beyond the basics by making Traditional, Typical, and Innovative rice balls. Includes miso soup and side dishes for a satisfying Lunch or Dinner. 4. Perfect Location: 5 Mins from Nara Station Ideally located just a short walk from JR/Kintetsu Nara Stations. Easy to access for day-trippers from Kyoto (35 min) or Osaka (40 min). 5. Deep Cultural Immersion & "Real Talk" Experience authentic daily life in Japan. Relax in a private setting and ask honest questions about Japanese culture, lifestyle, and history.
Price: $70.00
Duration: 2 hours
This private and customizable tour for Nara city (in Nara Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 2-3 attractions in Nara City at your own pace on this fully customizable 4-hour private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.
Price: $175.26
Duration: 4 hours
You will be guided directly by a skilled craftsman from Nara as you experience authentic handmade udon making using Japanese wheat, along with tempura cooking featuring fresh local vegetables. More than just a cooking class, this experience lets you learn about Nara’s food culture and its local connections, with the highlight being enjoying your very own “Tempura Udon” that you’ve prepared yourself.
Price: $53.43
Duration: 1 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (tourist areas)
- Climate: Humid subtropical
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 360,000
- Best Time to Visit: times to visit Nara are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October to November) for colorful foliage.
- Visa Requirements Citizens of the US, EU, and UK can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism. Visa on arrival is not available for these nationalities; entry is granted upon arrival for short stays. E-visa options are limited and generally not required for these countries. Always check current regulations before travel, as requirements can change.
About Nara
Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is a city where history and nature blend seamlessly. Founded in 710, Nara is home to some of Japan’s most significant temples and shrines, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city’s compact center is easily explored on foot, with lush parks and tranquil gardens offering respite from urban life. Nara’s most iconic residents are the hundreds of sacred deer that roam freely in Nara Park, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. Visitors are charmed by the deer’s gentle presence and the opportunity to feed them special crackers sold by local vendors. Beyond the deer, Nara’s cultural treasures—such as Todai-ji Temple’s Great Buddha and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine—draw travelers seeking a deeper connection to Japan’s spiritual and artistic heritage. The city’s atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with fewer crowds than Kyoto or Tokyo, making it ideal for those who wish to experience traditional Japan at a leisurely pace. Nara’s unique combination of natural beauty, ancient history, and living culture makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Kansai region.
Nara Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Nara Prefecture
- Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best times to visit Nara are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October to November) for colorful foliage. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are mild but chilly. Pack comfortable walking shoes, as much of the city is explored on foot. Carry cash, as some smaller shops and temples may not accept credit cards. Respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering temples and homes, and avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces. The deer are protected animals; do not feed them anything other than the special crackers sold in the park. Nara is generally safe, but standard travel precautions apply.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $180
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
Todai-ji Temple: Home to the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha, this monumental temple is a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist architecture and a symbol of Nara’s historical importance. Nara Park: A vast public park where hundreds of sacred deer roam freely, offering unique photo opportunities and a chance to interact with these friendly animals. Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, this Shinto shrine is set in a primeval forest and is especially beautiful during lantern festivals. Horyu-ji Temple: One of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, this temple complex is a treasure trove of early Buddhist art and architecture. Nara National Museum: Showcases an impressive collection of Buddhist art, including national treasures, and provides insight into Japan’s religious history.
Popular Activities
Feeding and photographing the sacred deer in Nara Park is a highlight for many visitors. Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines offers a deep dive into Japan’s spiritual heritage. Strolling through Nara’s historic districts reveals traditional machiya houses and quaint shops selling local crafts. Seasonal activities include cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn leaf peeping in the surrounding mountains. Participating in a tea ceremony or trying on a kimono provides a hands-on cultural experience. For those seeking tranquility, the gardens and walking paths around Sarusawa Pond and Yoshikien Garden are perfect for relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Nara’s cuisine reflects its agricultural heritage and Buddhist influences. Local specialties include kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, and narazuke, vegetables pickled in sake lees. Other must-try dishes are chagayu (rice porridge cooked with green tea) and miwa somen, thin wheat noodles served cold. For a unique dining experience, visit Nakatanidou to watch mochi pounding demonstrations and taste fresh, warm mochi. Notable restaurants include Harishin, known for its elegant kaiseki meals, and Edogawa Naramachi, offering traditional Japanese dishes in a historic setting. Dining customs emphasize seasonal ingredients and presentation, with many restaurants offering set menus that highlight local flavors.
Getting Around
Nara is easily reached by train from Kyoto (about 45 minutes) and Osaka (about 30-40 minutes), with frequent services on the JR and Kintetsu lines. Within the city, most major attractions are within walking distance of each other and the train stations. Buses are available for destinations further afield, and day passes offer unlimited rides. Taxis are also an option but can be expensive. Renting a bicycle is a pleasant way to explore the city and surrounding countryside. Public transportation is efficient, affordable, and covers all key tourist sites, making it unnecessary for most visitors to rent a car.
Travel Tips
The best times to visit Nara are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October to November) for colorful foliage. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are mild but chilly. Pack comfortable walking shoes, as much of the city is explored on foot. Carry cash, as some smaller shops and temples may not accept credit cards. Respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering temples and homes, and avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces. The deer are protected animals; do not feed them anything other than the special crackers sold in the park. Nara is generally safe, but standard travel precautions apply.
Culture & Customs
Nara’s culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism and Shinto, with many traditions and festivals dating back centuries. The city hosts several major events, including the Omizutori fire festival at Todai-ji and the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri. Social customs emphasize politeness, respect for elders, and quiet reflection in sacred spaces. When visiting temples and shrines, observe proper etiquette: bow slightly before entering, wash your hands at the purification fountain, and avoid touching religious objects. The local people are hospitable and appreciate visitors who show interest in their traditions. Nara’s relaxed pace and preservation of ancient customs offer a glimpse into Japan’s enduring cultural legacy.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
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Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
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Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..