Full Day Guided Tour to Nara from Osaka by Van

Meet your tour conductor either in Shinsaibashi or Umeda DT Tower, and board our comfortable, luxurious private vehicle and travel 1 hr from Osaka to Nara Park.

Todaiji Temple was built to pray for the peace of the country. The Great Buddha Hall, where the Great Buddha sits, is one of the largest wooden structure in the world, with a width of about 57m, a depth of about 50m, and a height of about 48m. Originally completed in 751, the structure was destroyed in 1181 and 1567. The current building we see today was rebuilt in 1709, and was registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Here our tour conductor will talk about the history of Nara and the nearby temples while assisting you in feeding and playing with the famous bowing deer of Nara Park.

Walk toward The Great South Gate, or Nandaimon, the main gates of Todai-ji temple, and bask in its size of this great structure. The Nandaimon gate, which stands at the entrance of the approach to Todaiji Temple, is a massive structure with a height of about 25.5m, and the Ni-o guardian statues located in Nandaimon are also a site to behold. Walk through this great gate, and see the magnificent large wooden Ni-o statues. housed in the great Nandaimon Gates.

Arrive in Nara Park and disembark with your tour conductor here at Yumekaze Plaza.

Naramachi is the main town area of Nara, where you will be spending your free-time and lunch break. Enjoy a walk around on your own and find a local lunch spot for you and your group. Enjoy some local delicacies, or
have a sit-down meal in one of the local restaurants in the area. This is also a good area to look for souvenirs. During WW2, this charming area was spared from air raid damage, preserving the old structures and facade of the old town of Nara. You can find several town houses, galleries, restaurants, and shops that are refurbished in contemporary style, while keeping its original machiya facade. Many of the structures here where originally built in the late Edo period to Meiji period.

Sarusawa-ike Pond is a beautiful scenic spot in Nara where we will take a relaxing walk by the water. You can enjoy the reflection of nearby temples and seasonal scenery on the calm surface of the pond, perfect for photos.

After visiting the Central Golden Hall, walk towards the five storied pagoda and be amazed with the structure of this wooden tower. Built in 730 by the founder of Kofuku-ji, this five-storied pagoda has endured disasters and rebuilt 5 times over the years. The pagoda we see now was reconstructed in 1426, standing in 50.1m tall. The five roofs symbolize land, water, fire, air, and sky, representing the 5 dimensions of our world.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site originally founded in the 6th century. Gango-ji is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and a symbol of Nara’s deep historical roots, famous for its ancient roof tiles and peaceful atmosphere.

This area features a group of beautifully preserved traditional townhouses, including Naramachi Nigiwai-no-Ie, Naramachi Monogatari-kan, and Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie. Together, they offer a deeper look into the daily life, architecture, and culture of old Nara. Visitors can explore restored merchant houses, learn about local history, and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese townscape.

After you visit Nara, you will board our private vehicle and you will be driven back to Osaka. You will be dropped off at your pick-up point.