Nara attractive tour with local guide (4hours)

Nara , Japan

Nara attractive tour with local guide (4hours)

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About this experience

Discover the best of Nara on this half-day walking tour with a local guide.
Start your journey with a short bus ride to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its bright red halls and thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. Learn about Japan’s Shinto traditions while enjoying the peaceful forest setting.

Next, continue on foot to Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha. Standing, this bronze statue is one of Japan’s most iconic cultural treasures.

Then, head into Nara Park, where you’ll meet the city’s beloved deer. Purchase special crackers to feed them, capture memorable photos, and enjoy a relaxed stroll through the park’s scenic paths.

Finally, explore the historic Naramachi district. Browse for souvenirs, taste local snacks, and soak in the atmosphere of old Nara before returning to the Station.

This 4-hour itinerary blends world-famous landmarks with local experiences, making it the perfect introduction to Nara’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Available options

Nara attractive tour with local guide (4hours)

What's included

admission fee for Todaiji temple

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visitors can walk along the sacred approach lined with stone lanterns and feel the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine.
You can make an offering at the main hall, draw an omikuji (fortune slip), or write your wish on a wooden ema plaque.
Buying a lucky charm (omamori) is also a popular experience.
Deer, believed to be messengers of the gods, often appear nearby.
It’s a place where you can truly sense Japan’s harmony between nature and spirituality.

Stop 2

Visitors can walk through the great South Gate (Nandaimon) guarded by two enormous wooden statues, and then enter the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.
You can see the 15-meter-tall bronze Great Buddha up close, offer a prayer, and even try passing through the famous hole in a pillar said to bring good luck.
Outside the hall, friendly deer roam freely around Nara Park.
It’s a powerful place where you can feel the deep history and spirituality of ancient Japan.

Stop 3

At Nara Park, you can meet over a thousand friendly deer that freely roam around the vast park.
You can buy special shika senbei (deer crackers) and feed them—some deer even bow politely before receiving food!
The park is also surrounded by historic sites like Tōdai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, making it a perfect spot to relax between visits.
It’s a fun and peaceful place where you can enjoy nature and connect with Japan’s sacred animals.

What's not included

Meals

Bus(Kintestu-Nara to Kasuga Taisha)

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Written guide

JA EN

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

You will arrive at platform located second basement floor and you going up to 1st basement floor. Please exit from East exit no.3. And you go to straight to Exit 3 and you can go out the building. You'll see the fountains looks like mountain and statue on the top. This is where we meet up.

Important notes

As for the entry ticket to Todaiji temple, we purchase at the entrance gate instead of you.

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.