Nara , Japan

Nara Private Customizable Full Day Tour

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All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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About this experience

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 4-5 attractions in Nara City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day 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.

Available options

Pub. Transport from/to Osaka

Tour with train, bus and other public transportation + transfer from/to Osaka.

Public Transport

Bus, Trains or other: This tour includes public transportation costs with your tour expert (1 tour guide only). All transportation costs included.

Private: 1 Driver + 1 Guide

Private Car: This tour includes private chartered vehicle (1 driver) with a tour expert (1 tour guide). All transportation costs included.

Pub. Transport from/to Kyoto

Tour with train, bus and other public transportation + transfer from/to Kyoto.

Prt. Vehicle from/to Kyoto

Tour with private vehicle + transfer from/to Kyoto.

Prt. Vehicle from/to Osaka

Tour with private vehicle + transfer from/to Osaka

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

English-speaking professional tour guide

8-hour fully customized tour with reservations and bookings made on your behalf

Choose 4 to 5 sites for a personalized tour of Nara

Transportation within the city only

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Nara Park, famous for its friendly free-roaming deer that you can interact with. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and historical landmarks within the park.

Stop 2

Visit the iconic Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Explore the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site and its rich history.

Discover the Hōryū-ji Temple, the oldest wooden structure in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing traditional Japanese architecture and cultural treasures.

Visit Kōfuku-ji Temple, known for its striking five-story pagoda and the National Treasure Museum, offering insights into the temple’s historical significance and Buddhist art.

Stop 5

Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Kasuga-taisha, a grand Shinto shrine with over 3,000 lanterns that illuminate the path during special festivals, highlighting its sacred ambiance.

Stop 6

Wander through Naramachi Odori Street, a charming area full of preserved traditional merchant houses, local shops, and cozy cafes that reflect the old-world charm of Nara.

Stop 7

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Isui-en Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design that showcases seasonal flowers, ponds, and traditional tea houses. Complement your visit with a tour of the Neiraku Museum, where you can admire an impressive collection of East Asian art and antiquities, adding a touch of history and culture to your experience.

Stop 8

Explore the serene Yoshikien Garden, which features three distinct garden areas, perfect for those seeking a peaceful and immersive natural experience.

Stop 9

Visit Toshodai-ji Temple, known for its historical significance and beautiful architecture, including the Main Hall, which holds treasured Buddhist statues.

Stop 10

Discover Yakushiji Temple, a remarkable example of classical Buddhist architecture, and learn about its importance as one of the oldest temples in Japan.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Fees for optional tours and activities for guests and tour guide

Meals, food and drinks not specified

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Moderate Cancellation Policy:

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event

We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before event

We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event

PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM:

After your booking, you will receive a link to the Nara Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Nara Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date

Every city in Japan has a lot to offer. There are many aspects to the city and many hidden and local spots that you may not have seen or heard of before. In the Custom Tour form that will be sent to you after your booking, you’ll be able to let us know of any attractions you have already visited and would not like to see again on this tour. We will carefully review your requests and will create an itinerary based on your preferences

If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable

Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today

Mode of transportation: Transportation within the city only (either public transportation or private vehicle, based on your booking)

Custom Itinerary:

Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time, and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and responses from the Custom Tour form, we’ll begin creating your itinerary and organizing the necessary arrangements for your tour

How far in advance should I book?

Preparing a customized tour takes time, especially if restaurant or venue reservations are needed. We recommend booking as early as possible—ideally 3 months in advance, or at least 1 month before your travel date. For requests made within 7 days of travel, we may not be able to arrange the tour in time, and your booking request may be canceled with a full refund

What if I'm late?

We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time

Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need help

Although this is a private tour, the tour guide will only wait for you for up to 30 minutes of start time before the tour is cancelled

Attire: Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions

Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour

Meeting point

More details will be provided after booking. Please kindly confirm with us again if your tour detail does not have a meeting point

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.