Nara Explore Top Highlights by Private Walking Tour

Kyoto , Japan

Nara Explore Top Highlights by Private Walking Tour

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About this experience

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Nara – Private Walking Tour
Step into Japan’s rich cultural heritage with a fully customized private walking tour of Nara. Whether you're interested in ancient temples, sacred deer, hidden gems, or local food, this experience is tailored entirely to your interests. You’ll enjoy the flexibility of setting your own meeting point and time, and we'll help create the perfect itinerary just for you. From visiting famous landmarks like Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha to strolling through peaceful parks or shopping streets, every moment is designed around what you want to see and do. We’re also happy to assist with advance reservations for lunch or cultural experiences, so you can relax and enjoy a smooth, unforgettable day in Nara. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups!

Available options

Nara Explore Top Highlights by Private Walking Tour

What's included

Private Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Todaiji Temple is a must-see in Nara, famous for housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. This iconic temple, built in the 8th century, is also home to the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), once the largest wooden building on earth. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a spiritual and historical highlight of Nara.

Stop 2

Nara Deer Park is a spacious and scenic park where over a thousand freely roaming deer—considered sacred messengers of the gods—interact with visitors. You can feed them special deer crackers (shika senbei), bow to them, and enjoy a peaceful walk among these gentle creatures in a setting rich with cultural landmarks.

Higashimuki Shopping Street is a lively covered arcade near Kintetsu Nara Station, filled with souvenir shops, cafes, local snack stands, and fashion boutiques. It’s a great spot to enjoy street food, shop for local specialties, and take a short break between temple visits in Nara.

Stop 4

Kasuga Taisha is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine, known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that line the paths and hang in the shrine buildings. Founded in the 8th century, the shrine is nestled in a peaceful forest setting and offers a mystical and serene atmosphere, especially during lantern festivals.

Nigatsudō, part of the Todaiji Temple complex, is a quiet and sacred hall perched on a hillside offering one of the best panoramic views of Nara. Famous for its annual “Omizutori” ceremony in March, this hidden gem provides a peaceful atmosphere, wooden terraces, and stunning views of the city and surrounding nature.

Kofukuji Temple is one of Nara’s oldest and most important temples, originally established in 710. It is famous for its elegant five-story pagoda, the second tallest in Japan, which has become a symbol of Nara. Located near Nara Park, the temple complex includes beautiful halls and a museum housing treasured Buddhist statues and artifacts, offering a glimpse into Japan’s ancient religious and artistic heritage.

What's not included

Meals

Bottled water

Snacks

Transportation costs depend on meeting/ending location, mode of transportation ....

Entrance fee depends on travel destinations and whether clients want to enter into the paid area or not

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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

Transportation (bus, train, taxi ...)

Meeting point

Once your booking is complete, we’ll get in touch via WhatsApp to arrange the itinerary and meeting location.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.