Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Do you really like temples and gardens? If so, Nara is the place for you! Close to Osaka and Kyoto, this quiet area is full of beauty...and deer! Why so many deer in Nara? Deer are messengers from the heavens, so they have free reign over the city of Nara that is filled with religious importance. Come and learn about Japan’s temples and religious history in Nara!
Once your reservation is made, a guide will contact you to plan your personalized tour. Choose 4 to 5 spots from ‘Tour Details’ to visit. Don't know where to go? Ask the guide to send you their recommendations. We hope to guide you soon!
Maximum 7 participants per tour.
Available options
Van (Up to 7 PAX)
Van (Up to 7 PAX)<br/>Pickup included
Mini Van (Up to 4 PAX)
Mini Van (Up to 4 PAX)<br/>Pickup included
Regular Car (Up to 2 PAX)
Regular Car (Up to 2 PAX)<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private vehicle
Customizable Walking Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Home to a 15 meter tall Buddha
2
Stop 2
A beautiful small grassy mountain with view of Nara
3
The former merchant district of Nara, where several traditional residential buildings and warehouses are preserved and open to the public
4
This temple features several buildings of great historic value, including a five-storied pagoda and a three-storied pagoda
5
Stop 5
One of Japan's oldest temples, Yakushiji has a strictly symmetric layout, with the main hall and lecture hall standing on a central axis, flanked by two pagodas.
6
Stop 6
An art museum which displays Japanese Buddhist art
7
A garden founded on water
8
Stop 8
A garden with three unique gardens within: a pond garden, a moss garden and a tea ceremony garden
9
Stop 9
A lovely park with many deer that may bow to you!
What's not included
Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Only one reservation per group allowed. You cannot combine multiple reservations into one group.
There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
About Namba
Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.
Top Attractions
Dotonbori
A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.
Shopping
2-4 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Hozenji Yokocho
A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.
Historical
30-60 minutes
Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)
Amerikamura (Amemura)
A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Namba Parks
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.
Shopping
1-3 hours
Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Takoyaki
Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Snack
Contains seafood, gluten, and soy
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request
Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Snack
Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.
Main Dish
Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Biking along the river
Kayaking or paddleboarding
Visiting onsen (hot springs)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending a traditional festival
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba
By train
Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station
By bus
Namba Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Nipponbashi
Amerikamura (Amemura)
Hozenji Yokocho
Day trips
Osaka Castle
3 km from Namba • Half day
A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Universal Studios Japan
15 km from Namba • Full day
A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Kobe
30 km from Namba • Full day
A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.
Festivals
Osaka Asian Film Festival • March
Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31
Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25
Pro tips
- Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
- Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
- Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
- Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
