All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is a guided walking tour covering all must-sees of Nara Park area. Instead of looking down at your smartphones or guidebooks for information, look up and around to enjoy the city. Our guide is sure to tell you history, picture spots, about deer and so on. The tour usually ends around 1 pm; you have enough time to explore the city on your own afterwards.
*This tour is not a private tour. This is a group tour with other guests.
*The tour starts punctually. As this is a group tour, we do not wait for those who cannot or does not appear on time at the meeting spot. If you arrive late, unfortunately you cannot join the tour.
Available options
All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!
What's included
One bus ride from JR Nara Station to Nara Park area
Admission to Great Buddha Hall
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Our meeting spot is JR Nara Station. You will find our guide in front of the ticket gates. There is only one location for ticket gates at JR Nara Station. So just come out, and find our guide with a white NaraWalk flag.
*Note: If you find ticket gates at underground level, you are at Kintetsu Nara Station which is a station about 15 min. away on foot from JR Nara Station.
2
Stop 2
Walk the precinct with the guide and most likely you can spot deer here and there. Find out why deer are freely roaming in Nara, the difference between Shinto and Buddhism and so on.
3
Stop 3
We visit the Great Buddha Hall to meet the Big Buddha. The guide will tell you stories behind the Big Buddha statue and the temple. It's a picture spot.
4
Stop 4
Our destinations, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple - it's not wrong to say all of them are in the Nara Park. Depending on the season and speed of the group, we may add more spots from the Nara Park.
5
We usually end the tour at this temple. The five-storied pagoda is photogenic. After informing you with history, we are happy to give you direction for train stations, afternoon plans, and a lunch.
(*During June to September, when heatstroke is a concern, we may only visit Kasuga Grand Shrine, Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. If the temperature permits we may go to Kofukuji Temple.
*Kofukuji Temple’s iconic five-storied pagoda is undergoing a major repair. It is scheduled to end in March 2031. You may not be able to see the tower till the project completes.)
What's not included
Meals and Drinks
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
35 reviews
5★
33
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
73 reviews
5★
69
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
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 spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour route includes steps and a gravel path where you would need to carry or need a harder push for your baby stroller.
If you are arriving at Kintetsu Nara Station, please come to JR Nara Station. We cannot meet or pick you up at Kintetsu Nara Station, since this is not a private tour. We take a bus from JR Nara Station, and we do not stop at Kintetsu Nara Station.
The tour starts punctually. As this is a group tour, we do not wait for those who cannot or does not appear on time at the meeting spot. If you arrive late, unfortunately you cannot join the tour.
Meeting point
*Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate at JR Nara Station. JR Nara Station has only one ticket gate. Just come out, and find a NaraWalk guide with a white flag! (Ticket gate is a machine you tap your IC card or insert your train ticket.)
*There are two "Nara Station" in Nara. Please come to JR Nara Station, not Kintetsu Nara Station.
*If you have arrived at Kintetsu Nara Station, please come to JR Nara Station. This is not a private tour, and our only meeting place is JR Nara Station.
*The tour starts punctually. As this is a group tour, we do not wait for those who cannot or does not appear on time at the meeting spot. If you arrive late, unfortunately you cannot join the tour.
Important notes
Come to the meeting spot and show the guide your printed or mobile ticket.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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![[Nara & Uji] Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple & Byodo-in Temple & Uji Matcha Gourmet & World Heritage Onsen Day Trip (From Osaka)](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/op8ebikytywpfcwudenb.jpg)
