Nara Afternoon Tour from Kyoto or Osaka
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit two World Heritage Sites in Nara—Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine—as well as Nara Park on this half-day afternoon course. This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. The intensity of Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha statue is absolutely stunning. Get to see wild deer, a rarity in Japan and elsewhere in the world, while walking through Nara Park. Enjoy the view out the window from the suburbs of Kyoto to Nara.
Available options
Round Trip from Kyoto
Meet by 1:20pm KYOTO AVANTI: Please come to the meeting point by 1:20pm. The tour will depart at 1:30PM.<br/>Starting point:<br/>JTB SUNRISE TOURS DESK KYOTO, Japan, 601-8003 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Higashikujō Nishisannōchō, ３１ B1F AVANTI
What's included
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee
Admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
A World Heritage site. This is the symbol of the Nara Period and one of the world's largest wooden structures. Its huge main hall and bronze Great Buddha are impressive to behold.
2
Stop 2
[From January 2025] This Nara Period shrine is designated as a World Heritage Site. The deer of Nara Park are thought to be the shrine messengers. From January 2025, the Main Sanctuary special visit area will be newly added to the itinerary. Visitors can get closer to the Main Sanctuary and view the hanging lanterns in the corridor.
What's not included
Entrance to Treasures Hall and Manyo Botanical Gardens at Kasuga Shrine
Lunch and drink
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
209 reviews
5★
100
4★
67
3★
20
2★
18
1★
4
Tripadvisor
4.6
165 reviews
5★
126
4★
26
3★
7
2★
3
1★
3
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
Participants will walk from the parking lot to Todai-ji Temple (about 25 min one-way)
Please inform us at the time of booking if any person in your group is using crutches or a wheelchair, or has a chronic illness that makes it difficult to walk for long distances
At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the tour will also enter the Main Sanctuary special visit area. However, in case the special visit area cannot be entered due to events or operational circumstances, the Kasuga Taisha Museum or Todaiji Museum will be visited instead
Refunds will not be issued in case the tour visits aforementioned alternative destinations
Seats may not be designated
[Only Osaka Departure Option]The tour will be accompanied by an English-speaking assistant (not a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter) from Hotel Granvia Osaka to the Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F, and from Kintetsu Nara Station to Osaka Namba Station
Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats. If bus seats are required, please make a booking under the child rate
Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
Meeting point
Meet at Hotel Granvia Osaka, 1st Floor (in front of the elevator). Not the 19th-floor front desk. We will then walk to JR Osaka Station. An assistant will guide you to the Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F, where you will meet other tour participants.
Important notes
・If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
・You can refer to below link for specific directions:
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/access/avanti
・Some parts of road on this tour are gravel and steep inclines; comfortable walking shoes are recommended
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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