Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide

Nara , Japan

Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide

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(46 reviews)

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

**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.

Available options

12:30JR Nara Station East Exit

Please arrive 10mins before

12:35 Kintetsu Nara Station

Please arrive 10mins before

What's included

Consumption tax

Nara-Yamatoji 2-Day Pass

English Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Deer fortune fortune-telling paper fee

Deer cracker fee

Temple entrance & Viewing fee

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

- Todaiji Temple (Nandaimon, Great Buddha Hall)

Stop 2

Kasuga Taisha Shrine (main shrine) is registered as World Heritage Sites. You can have a memorable sightseeing experience here. *You can visit the main shrine and draw a deer fortune (English version).

The Nara Okuyama Driveway is located in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a World Heritage Site.

At the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, you will have a panoramic view of Nara city. But the real thrill awaits in Nara Park, where you can feed rice crackers to the friendly deer, a unique and exciting opportunity.

　- Scheduled to arrive at the Kofukuji at 16:20.
(You can choose to leave on-site if you prefer.)
　- Scheduled to arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station drop-off point at 16:25
　- Scheduled to arrive at JR Nara Station drop-off point at 16:30

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

44 reviews

5★

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The allotted time for transportation time is already included in the total duration

Notifications for travelers **MUST READ** Service may be suspended if conditions compromise safety. Locations, visit order, times, and fees may change. Traffic delays may happen. During tourist season, allow time change. Children under six travel free if without a seat. Contact the reservation site for cancel inquiries. Proceed to the bus stop and show your boarding pass 10 minutes early.

Meeting point

Kintetsu Nara Station regular sightseeing bus stop
Address: Nakasuji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8237
Access: Immediately after getting off at Kintetsu Nara Line Kintetsu Nara Station
*Please make sure to arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before the departure time.

Important notes

There is no need to check in at our information desk; please proceed directly to the bus stop.
When boarding, please show the attendant your boarding pass (your voucher with our company's name, LINKTIVITY on it).
Please arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before departure to allow ample time.
Departure times vary based on the boarding location, so please check the boarding and departure times.

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.