Nara Park Afternoon Tour with English Guide and Wagyu Lunch

Nara , Japan

Nara Park Afternoon Tour with English Guide and Wagyu Lunch

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About this experience

Step into the heart of Japan with a tour that blends tradition, flavor, and unforgettable encounters. Begin with a luxurious sukiyaki lunch made from Yamato Wagyu, one of Japan’s finest beef varieties, served in a serene local restaurant. Then, explore Nara’s most iconic landmarks with the support of an English-speaking guide. Stand before the towering Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, receive a charming deer-shaped fortune at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and hand-feed Nara’s sacred deers at the summit of Mount Wakakusa with sweeping views below.

To make your journey even smoother, this tour includes a Nara Yamatoji 2-Day Pass, giving you unlimited access to designated local bus routes within the area on the day of the tour and the following day—perfect for continuing your adventure at your own pace.

This tour is designed for comfort, culture, and connection—perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the magic of Japan in just one day.

Available options

Nara Park Afternoon Tour with English Guide and Wagyu Lunch

What's included

Nara Yamatoji 2day pass Unlimited bus rides in the designated area on tour day and the following day

Transportation by coach after lunch

Yamato Wagyu sukiyaki meal (drinks are not included)

Partial English-speaking guide service (from the bus boarding point to the final drop-off)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour begins with a delicious lunch at Tsukihitei, a refined restaurant located just steps from Kintetsu Nara Station. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional sukiyaki meal made with Yamato Wagyu, a premium brand of Japanese beef known for its rich flavor and delicate marbling. The serene setting and elegant presentation offer a perfect introduction to Nara’s culinary culture.

Stop 2

After lunch, you’ll walk 5 minutes on your own to the sightseeing bus boarding point at the Kintetsu Nara Station Sightseeing Bus Stop (Nara Line House 1F, 6-1 Nakasuji-cho, Nara, 〒630-8237). Please arrive by 12:25 PM, as the bus departs promptly at 12:35 PM. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Stop 3

Once aboard the sightseeing bus, your English-speaking guide will accompany you to Todai-ji, one of Japan’s most iconic temples. As you approach the temple grounds, you’ll pass through the massive Nandaimon (Great South Gate), guarded by towering wooden statues of guardian deities. Inside the temple, you’ll encounter the awe-inspiring Daibutsu (Great Buddha)—a colossal bronze statue seated in quiet majesty within one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Visitors often try to crawl through a hole in one of the temple’s pillars, said to bring good fortune and wisdom. This stop offers a powerful blend of spiritual atmosphere, architectural wonder, and cultural depth.

Stop 4

Next, you’ll visit Kasuga Taisha, a beautifully preserved Shinto shrine nestled in the forested hills of Nara Park. Known for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, the shrine exudes a timeless elegance. After a respectful visit to the main hall, you’ll enjoy a unique cultural experience: drawing a “Deer Omikuji” fortune— a small wooden deer figure holding a paper fortune in its mouth, available in English. This playful yet spiritual tradition adds a personal touch to your visit, connecting you to the local customs in a memorable way.

Your journey continues to the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, where panoramic views of Nara’s historic landscape await. From this peaceful hilltop, you’ll have the chance to interact with Nara’s famous deer by offering them deer senbei (crackers)—a fun and gentle experience that delights visitors of all ages. The deer are considered sacred messengers in local tradition, and feeding them in this serene setting is both joyful and symbolic. Don’t forget to take a few photos with your new four-legged friends against the backdrop of the city below.

The bus will briefly stop at Kōfuku-ji Temple, a historic site known for its elegant pagodas and deep cultural significance. While there is no time allocated for sightseeing, you may choose to leave the tour here if you wish to explore the temple on your own. After this stop, the bus continues to several convenient drop-off points: Kintetsu Nara Station (around 16:25), JR Nara Station (around 16:30), and the Nara Convention Center (around 16:40). You’re free to disembark at any of these locations, depending on your plans for the rest of the day.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Tour conductor

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no tour inclusions.

Child (3-5 years old) rate includes a bus seat, English guide fee, admission fees, a sacred deer fortune charm, and deer cracker. Lunch is not included in this price. If your child requires lunch, please book using the Youth rate.

This is a local meet-up tour, so please make your own way directly to the designated meeting location. Transportation costs to and from the meeting and dismissal points are not included and will be at your own expense.

There will be no tour conductor accompanying the group. Instead, local staff will be present at the meeting point to assist with check-in and provide guidance. When checking in, please show your reservation screen or voucher and provide your name.

The English-speaking guide will join you from the Kintetsu Nara Station sightseeing bus stop and stay with the group until the end of the tour. After lunch, you’ll walk to the bus stop on your own, where the guide will rejoin you for the remainder of the tour.

Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.

Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes is strongly recommended.

According to traffic conditions etc., the order of the itinerary may have to be changed.

Meeting point

Meet at Tsukihitei Restaurant located near Kintetsu Nara Station. The address is: 2F, Nara Economic Club Building, 6 Higashimuki Nakamachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8215. The meeting time is 11:30 AM, and punctuality is very important—late arrivals may not be accommodated.

Important notes

-Emergency Contact: +81-50-3649-8469 (Japanese only). For English, use the 3-way calling app "Oyraa" with a professional interpreter. Instructions will be emailed to you. If you do not receive it, contact welcome@club-tourism.co.jp
-Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no tour inclusions
-Child (3-5 years old) rate includes a bus seat, English guide fee, admission fees, a sacred deer fortune charm, and deer cracker. Lunch is not included in this price. If your child requires lunch, please book using the Youth rate
-This is a local meet-up tour, so please make your own way directly to the designated meeting location. Transportation costs to and from the meeting and dismissal points are not included and will be at your own expense
-There will be no tour conductor accompanying the group. Instead, local staff will be present at the meeting point to assist with check-in and provide guidance. When checking in, please show your reservation screen or voucher and provide your name
-The English-speaking guide will join you from the Kintetsu Nara Station sightseeing bus stop and stay with the group until the end of the tour. After lunch, you’ll walk to the bus stop on your own, where the guide will rejoin you for the remainder of the tour
-Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals
-Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes is strongly recommended
-According to traffic conditions etc., the order of the itinerary may have to be changed

About Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city's well-preserved heritage sites and serene landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Japan.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It houses the Great Buddha Hall, which contains a giant bronze Buddha statue.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours 600 JPY (5.50 USD)

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer, which are considered sacred in Shinto tradition. The park is also home to several important temples and shrines.

Nature/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (200 JPY for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is known for its many lanterns, which are donated by worshippers.

Religious/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (500 JPY for the Botanical Garden)

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple was once one of the most powerful and influential temples in Japan. It is known for its pagoda and museum, which houses many important artifacts.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours 300 JPY (Museum) (3 USD)

Nara National Museum

Nara National Museum is dedicated to the art and history of Nara and its temples. It houses a collection of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts.

Museum 1-2 hours 620 JPY (5.50 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

A type of sushi where vinegared rice and fish are wrapped in persimmon leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Nara zuiki

A traditional Nara dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables cooked in a sweet soy-based sauce.

Dinner Contains chicken

Nara pickles

A variety of pickled vegetables, including radish, eggplant, and cucumber, known for their unique flavors and textures.

Snack/Side Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Nara Park Biking around the city Tea ceremony Onsen (hot spring) visit Temple visits Traditional crafts workshops Winter illuminations at temples and shrines Deer feeding in Nara Park

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn features beautiful fall foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of deer in Nara Park, as they can be aggressive when looking for food
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km (31 miles)
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km (22 miles)

By train

Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most major attractions. Day passes are available for frequent travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nakasenbon Zakuracho Sanjo-dori

Day trips

Osaka

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

Osaka is a vibrant city known for its food, shopping, and nightlife. It offers a mix of modern attractions and historic sites.

Kyoto

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, with numerous temples, shrines, and gardens. It's known for its traditional tea houses, geisha districts, and historic streets.

Ise

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Ise is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto's holiest sites. The city offers a serene and spiritual experience, with beautiful forests and traditional architecture.

Festivals

Nara Matsuri • April 25-26 Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha • February 3-4

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Buy deer crackers to feed the deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction.
Consider staying in a ryokan for a unique cultural experience, complete with traditional tatami rooms, onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki meals.
Explore Nara-machi, the historic district, for a glimpse into the city's past and to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Use an IC card like ICOCA for easy payments on public transportation, buses, and some shops and vending machines.