Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR（Fall Foliage Season）

Nara , Japan

Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR（Fall Foliage Season）

Active

(14 reviews)

3h - 4h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Ideal for first-time visitors to Nara, this 3-hour fully private walking tour introduces you to both must-see landmarks and hidden gems with a local guide.

Explore Nara, dotted with historically and culturally significant temples. In Nara, wild deer are revered as messengers of the gods, and they roam freely throughout the city. Don't miss the unique opportunity to feed these sacred creatures—it's an experience you can only have here in Japan.

This tour includes admission tickets to all shrines and the deer feeding experience. It's the most efficient way to cover Nara's historic streetscape and visit its most famous shrines and temples in just a few hours.

Available options

Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR（Fall Foliage Season）

What's included

Entrance fee for all of the temples and shrines we are visiting.

One packet of cracker to feed a deer

Professional Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This is the beginning of your historical exploration of Todai-ji Temple in Nara.

Stop 2

Nandaimon (Great South Gate) of Nara is the main gate of Todai-ji Temple, showcasing Japan's history and culture. Rebuilt in the 13th century, this massive wooden gate exemplifies Kamakura period architecture.

Nandaimon's impressive size—about 25 meters tall and 29 meters wide—amazes visitors. The gate is guarded by two enormous Nio statues, created by famous sculptors Unkei and Kaikei, known for their detailed realism.

Steeped in historical events and legends, Nandaimon allows visitors to experience ancient Japan's atmosphere. As a significant cultural heritage site, it is a must-visit to appreciate its grandeur and historical importance.

Stop 3

Todaiji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, is famous for having the largest Buddha statue in Japan.
.
The large grounds surrounded by nature and the large Daibutsu enchant visitors.
It has been rebuilt several times in various eras, so it is also attractive that you can enjoy each architectural style.

Nara Park is a beautiful place where Japan's history and nature blend seamlessly, attracting many tourists. Spanning approximately 660 hectares, the park is home to around 1,200 freely roaming deer, which visitors can feed with special deer crackers.
The park features numerous historical buildings, such as the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a wealth of sights to explore. Additionally, the park's seasonal natural beauty is captivating, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves being particularly popular.
Nara Park is a unique place where history and nature harmonize, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Japan's traditional culture and beautiful landscapes. Be sure to visit and experience its charm for yourself.

Stop 5

A hexagonal hall floating in Sagiike surrounded by trees. On a clear day, you can see the blue of the sky, the green of nature, and the beautiful Ukimido reflected in the water.

Stop 6

The Five-Story Pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara is a stunning example of traditional Japanese architecture and history. Originally built in 730, it stands about 50 meters tall, making it one of the tallest wooden pagodas in Japan.

Reconstructed several times due to fires, the current structure dates back to 1426. The pagoda's elegant design reflects the classical style of the Nara period, showcasing the advanced construction techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of that era.

The Five-Story Pagoda is not only a religious monument but also a symbol of Japan's cultural heritage. A visit to Nara is incomplete without seeing this architectural masterpiece.

What's not included

Extra food & drinks on the street (Available for purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Japan's summer can be quite hot, especially in August when temperatures often exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Given the nature of our walking tours, which involve spending time outdoors, we strongly recommend taking measures to prevent heatstroke. Please ensure you stay hydrated and consider using items like parasols for shade.

Meeting point

The meeting point is the air-conditioned bench inside the Tōdai-ji Museum（FREE）, located next to the Great South Gate. The museum has an exhibition area and a rest area. The rest area, which is the meeting spot, can be accessed for free through the entrance on the left side.

Important notes

現地にてガイドの説明を受けて下さい。

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.