Nara , Japan

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour

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(919 reviews)

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About this experience

As soon as we pass through the shopping arcade, we will visit Kofuku-ji temple where we can see the beautiful 5 stories pagoda. After taking some good photos, we will be heading to Todai-ji temple. The huge Great Buddha statue await you in the back. Our local guide will explain some histories and interesting facts about Japanese Buddhism and temples!

After seeing the Great Buddha statue, we will enjoy viewing Nara on the Nigetsu-do temple!
On the top of Todai-ji temple, there is Nigetsu-do temple where we can enjoy the great view of Nara. After that, we will visit some traditional souvenir shops and walk toward Kasuga shrine!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Available options

Regular Menu

Vegetarian Course

Vegetarian Course: ※Not suitable for vegans or gluten-free diet. If you have any food allergies, please mention in your special note.

What's included

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

Lunch (Vegan menu available)

Detailed itinerary

We will be the iconic Kofuku-ji Temple, renowned for its stunning five-story pagoda.

This ornately carved pagoda was built by the Fujiwara clan in 730. Today it is an iconic historical landmark of Nara.

Stop 2

Explore Todaiji Temple Main Hall and Nandaimon.

As you approach, you will be greeted by two imposing guardian statues called Kongorikishi. Beyond them is the Great Buddha, a sight that never ceases to fascinate visitors. During this tour, your local guide will share fascinating stories and interesting insights into Japanese Buddhism and the significance of historical temples!

Stop 3

Some lunch at a traditional Japanese restaurant

Enjoy lunch at a well-established restaurant in an old Japanese town!

Stop 4

Explore Kasugayama Primeval Forest and Kasuga Taisha.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located in Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the 22 shrines in the Shikinai Shrines and one of the 22 Shinto shrines. Formerly a kanpeitai-sha, it is now an annexed shrine of the Jinja Honcho (Agency for the Promotion of Shinto Religion). The former name of the shrine was Kasuga Shrine, and the crest of the shrine is a “falling wisteria”. It is the head shrine of approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines throughout Japan. It is registered as one of the “Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara” on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Stop 5

Explore in Nara Park

Walk inside Nara park where you can see cute wild deers.
Explore the beautiful red shrine housing hundreds of lanterns!

Explore Naramachi and head for Naramachi Nigiwai no Ie.

We will check out an old Japanese townscape that is quite different from the Tokyo we know. We will walk among historical buildings and enter merchant houses to see how people used to live in this area.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

88 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

831 reviews

5★

799

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.

All ages are welcome on this tour. Although we walk with a few short breaks, please let us know in advance if any group members have health concerns.

You do not need to cover the guide’s food and drinks. Please bring cash if you would like to purchase additional snacks or drinks.

We are unable to accommodate gluten-free requests for this tour.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.

For any dietary request, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to accept any request on the day of the tour.

Japan’s climate has become more extreme, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C (110°F) and winter lows dropping to -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.

Meeting point

In front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or East Exist of Kintetsu Nara Station.

Please don’t go JR Nara station, you need to be at Kintetsu Nara Station.

It takes 10 minutes to get to Kintetsu Nara station from JR Nara station.

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.