Nara
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Nara

From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour

From Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour

Begin your day from VIP Lounge in Osaka or Kyoto and dive into a day filled with wonder and discovery! Start your adventure in Nara, Japan's ancient capital. Visit the iconic Nara Park, where you can interact with the friendly, free-roaming deer that symbolize the city. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you stroll through this historic park. Then, explore Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for being the largest wooden structure in the world and home to the awe-inspiring 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue. This magnificent temple offers a blend of cultural heritage and impressive architecture that will leave you in awe. Next, head to the tranquil beauty of Arashiyama. Wander through the famous Bamboo Forest, where towering green stalks create a unique and calming atmosphere as sunlight filters through. This enchanting path offers an unforgettable experience. You'll also have free time here to enjoy lunch at your leisure, whether you choose a traditional dining spot or explore local culinary delights. (Please note that the schedule may be subject to change due to traffic conditions or unforeseen circumstances. As a result, your lunch location may be shifted from Arashiyama to Fushimi Inari.) Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its gold-leaf exterior and peaceful gardens. With your included ticket, marvel at the shimmering reflection of the pavilion on the surrounding pond. Conclude your journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a revered Shinto shrine and Important Cultural Property. Walk through the iconic tunnel of thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. Each gate represents a prayer or offering to Inari Okami, the deity associated with prosperity, household safety, and success. End of Tour and Return At the end of the day, board the bus for your return journey. Choose between disbanding in Kyoto or Osaka, based on your preferred location to end your day.

Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Sites & History Day Trip

Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara UNESCO Sites & History Day Trip

After meeting at the designated place in the morning,start your beautiful journey with our professional guide. Pick-up time and location: 8: 40am Nipponbashi Exit 2 9: 50am Kyoto-Hachijoguchi Bus Loading Area ▼10:00 Kyoto Recommended itinerary 1: Kiyomizu-dera Temple(Ticket fee excluded)- Nineizaka & Sanneizaka - Ishibei-koji Alley -Hanamikoji Street- Yasaka Shrine ,Tourists can choose some scenic spots according to their own preferences and physical conditions. 2: Kimono experience. Tourists who are interested can change into kimono, stroll on the ancient streets, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Take a picture with the beautiful moment.(You can choose any kimono shops including Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is recommended that you can borrow from Kiyomizu-dera Temple and return to Fushimi Inari Shrine.Price excluded.) 【Kiyomizu-dera Temple】UNESCO World Heritage site & Popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. 【Nineizaka & Sanneizaka】【Ishibei-koji Alley】【Hanamikoji Street】【Yasaka Shrine】 ▼13:30 Kyoto 【Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine 】(about 70 minutes, free time) Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its " Senbon Torii ". It attracts countless tourists from Japan and abroad every year and ranked Top1 in the survey of the world's largest travel website for three consecutive years as "the most popular tourist attraction for foreigner in Japan". Let's pray for our dear family and ourselves here. In addition, the Ema of Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine is also unique with a shape of a white fox which can be doodled into various god expressions. ▼16:00 Nara park(about 1.5 hours, free time) Nara Park is an urban park located at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa in Nara City where the famous places of interest such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are located here. It is a must-see when visiting Nara. Wakakusa which located near the park is a wonderful place to overlook the scenery of Nara, and traditional events such as "Wakakusa Burning Mount." are held here every January. A leisurely stroll is the best way to visit the park. There is large herd of deer. Feeding the cute deer is also the biggest viewing point for tourists.The deer here are also very smart. If they see deer senbei in the hands of tourists, they will take the initiative to come, so be careful of the flocks of deer which may knock you down. ▼ Itinerary Recommended. 【Todaiji Temple】(Price excluded)Also known as Suzumushi Temple, it was built in 752 by Emperor Shengmu in order to enshrine the Great Buddha and serve as the head temple of Japanese temples. It is home mountain of the Huayan Sect. (Admission fee for the main hall of Todaiji Temple: Adults,JP¥600,Children,JP¥300;Admission fee for the main hall+ Museum: Adults,JP¥1000, Children,JP¥400 ) ▼ 17:30 Start to return to Osaka The only drop-off address is at Osaka station(Nipponbashi Exit 2)

Nara: Half-Day UNESCO Heritage & Local Culture Walking Tour

Nara: Half-Day UNESCO Heritage & Local Culture Walking Tour

Meet your knowledgeable guide at the meeting point and begin your cultural half-day walking tour of Japan's first historical capital. As you walk by the shopping arcade, explore a Japanese old town extremely different from a metropolis like Tokyo. Walk between the historical buildings, and go inside a traditional merchant's house to see how people around here live in the past. Next, take a break from walking to observe the mysterious pyramid-shaped structure in the middle of the quiet town. Admire the view of the city of Nara from the hill, then visit Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the distinct Japanese religious culture as you see a huge temple with a great Buddha statue, then explore a beautiful shrine housing hundreds of lanterns. In this area, meet and feed the wild deer living in Nara Park. For over 1,200 years, locals have believed that deer are sacred divine messengers. Interact with them and see how polite they are. At the end of the tour, savor a delicious Japanese lunch dish made only using local Nara vegetables and fresh meat.

Kyoto: Highlight Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Kyoto: Highlight Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Embark on an unforgettable customizable sightseeing tour of Kyoto, where the itinerary is entirely tailored to your unique interests and preferences. This immersive experience is led by a knowledgeable and personable private driver-guide, who will not only take you to iconic landmarks but also provide captivating insights into the rich history and vibrant culture of this ancient city. As you explore Kyoto, you have the freedom to prioritize the attractions that resonate most with you. Choose to visit majestic temples such as Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, where you can admire its stunning reflection in the surrounding pond, or venture to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you can stroll through soaring stalks of bamboo. If you’re drawn to traditional culture, your guide can take you to a tea house for a fascinating demonstration of the Japanese tea ceremony. For those seeking hidden gems, your guide can introduce you to lesser-known shopping areas filled with artisanal crafts and local delicacies, ensuring you find unique souvenirs to remember your trip. Alternatively, you may wish to dive deep into Japanese history by visiting the Kyoto National Museum or exploring the historic Gion district, where you may even catch a glimpse of a Geisha. This tour is designed for those who wish to maximize their time, allowing you to experience a comprehensive overview of Kyoto in just one day while focusing on the sights that truly captivate your interest. In the event of traffic delays, rest assured that your guide will thoughtfully extend your tour time free of charge, ensuring you won’t miss out on any of the experiences you’ve eagerly anticipated. With a commitment to personalized service, this private tour guarantees an enriching exploration of Kyoto, where every detail of your journey is carefully curated to meet your preferences. Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience that immerses you in the beauty and history of Kyoto, creating lasting memories you'll cherish for years to come.

Kyoto: Historical Nara & Kyoto Bus Tour

Kyoto: Historical Nara & Kyoto Bus Tour

Discover Nara's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour and make Matcha (green tea) by yourself in Uji, Kyoto! In this tour, we will take you to the most famous places in ancient Nara & Kyoto such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Byodoin Temple, which are registered as the World Heritage Sites. Let's dive in to the mesmerizing historical sites around Nara and Kyoto! With our friendly English-speaking native guide, enjoy historic landmarks with magnificent views as well as your free time along the way. Departing from Kyoto Station at 8am, a comfortable air-conditioned coach will pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo palace on the way to Nara. First, we will visit Todaiji Temple, a must-see tourist spot in Nara. The center of the Todaiji complex is the Daibutsuden Hall housing the Great Buddha of Nara and it is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Nara Park is adjacent to the temple, so take a walk through Nara Park and come into contact with Nara's wild deers. You can also give them rice crackers which are sold at roadside stalls and on the way to shrines in Nara Park. When you feed them, they may give you a lovely bow! Next, we will head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Do not miss the 3,000 stone lanterns; you will find them magical. After exploring Nara, we will visit Uji area which is the home of matcha. Then, you have lunch break. Guests who booked the tour with "lunch option" will enjoy a Japanese lunch. Next, we will visit Byodoin Temple, well-known for its Phoenix Hall which is depicted on 10 yen coins. It is also registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. After sightseeing at Byodoin Temple, let's try making Uji Matcha from scratch! Matcha is powder of finely ground green tea leaves. In Japan, in addition to the use for tea ceremonies, it is widely used in making sweets and cooking. Matcha that you make by yourself will taste special. Near Matcha place, you will find many small shops, restaurants, and other attractions, so you can buy souvenirs there. After the matcha experience, the tour bus takes you back to Kyoto Station. The tour includes commentary from both our friendly tour guide and a multilingual audio guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and Ukrainian. The coach has an antibacterial coating and is regularly ventilated. Enjoy the tour on a comfortable air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi.

From Osaka/Kyoto: Guided Day Tour to Kyoto and Nara

From Osaka/Kyoto: Guided Day Tour to Kyoto and Nara

Embark on a comfortable ride through Japan's ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto to see the Sagano Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, the glimmery Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji, and Nara's famous deer park. First, we'll make our way to Arashiyama, where we'll enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch of seasonal Kyoto specialties before exploring the area. The Sagano Bamboo forest has been a popular nature-viewing destination since the Heian Period. Listen to the distinct rustle of bamboo leaves as you walk through the vibrant green bamboo path. You can also see the "moon-crossing bridge," Togetsukyo, as you walk along the beautiful Katsura River. Later, drive through Kyoto proper and arrive at Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion. True to its name, the gold-leaf covered temple dazzles in the sunlight, reflected in the mirror-like pond it overlooks. After admiring the sight (and taking some great pictures,) wander through the sprawling garden that has retained its original design from the 14th century. After Kinkaku-ji, board your bus again and head south to Nara. Take a short walk through Nara Park, famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. With special "shika-senbei," you can feed the polite deer which are famous for "bowing." Within Nara Park you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site, Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the three titanic Great Buddha Statues of Japan. After a day full of sightseeing, relax on your comfortable ride home to your departing station.

From Osaka/Kyoto: Private Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Pickup

From Osaka/Kyoto: Private Kyoto & Nara Day Trip with Pickup

See the iconic landmarks in Nara and Kyoto in one day on a private trip with hotel pickup and drop-off from Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe. Encounter deers at Nara Park, see a grand Buddha statue at Todaiji, visit the torri gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and more. Meet your driver at your hotel and head to Nara Park, home to thousands of freely roaming deers. Buy some crackers to feed the deer, or grab a snack from one of the many tea houses. Walk through Nara Park and reach the Todaiji Temple or the “Great Eastern Temple”. Discover a priceless trove of history and culture at Todaiji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See one of Japan's most famous and historically significant Buddhist temple complexes. Visit the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) and see the majestic 15-meter-tall large bronze statue of Buddha. Next, walk through a sea of vermillion-red torri gates of the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto. Next up is Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto. See 3 floors, each with its own different style of architecture. Admire the top 2 floors completely covered in gold leaf. Finally, visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest together with the Arashiyama Kimono Forest. Choose to ride the Sagano Romantic Train, known during spring for scenic views of cherry blossoms and in fall for the brilliant colors of maple leaves. Cross the Togetsukyo wood bridge across the Katsura River.

Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara Guided Day Trip

Osaka/Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara Guided Day Trip

Kyoto & Nara Private Tour: Fully Customized for Your Perfect Day Explore the beauty of Kyoto and Nara with our flexible private tour, offering the maximum options to help you make the most of your day. Whether you want to combine the highlights of both cities or focus on just one, this tour is designed entirely around your preferences. 1. Kyoto-Nara Tour Discover the best of both cities with a suggested itinerary: - Fushimi Inari Taisha - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Nara Park - Tōdai-ji Temple - Kasuga-taisha Shrine 2. Kyoto-Only Tour Dive into Kyoto’s rich history and culture with these recommended spots: - Ginkaku-ji Temple - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Fushimi Inari Taisha - Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kyoto Imperial Palace - Kyoto Prefecture - Gion District 3. Nara-Only Tour Embrace the charm of Nara with this suggested itinerary: - Tōdai-ji Temple - Nara Park - Kōfuku-ji Temple - Naramachi District - Isuien Garden & Neiraku Museum - Nara National Museum - Nara Palace Site Museum - Kasuga Taisha Museum Important Note: You have a 10-hour window to explore these options. It’s entirely up to you how many places you visit, and you can add other destinations within Kyoto or Nara. This is a fully customized tour designed for your ease and enjoyment!

Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Customized Private Guided Tour

Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Customized Private Guided Tour

Kyoto, See a Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and more. NARA : nara deer park , todai-ji temple , todai-ji nigatsudo , horyu-ji-temple , wakakusayama hill , kasuga taisha shrine , shinyakushiji temple , nara machi street Meet your driver at your hotel and head to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Torri gates of Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Gion District, Sanjusangendo Temple, Ginkakuji Temple, Nishiki market shopping District, a Zen temple in northern Kyoto. Samurai and Ninja Museum, Nijo Castle And Many more Adorable places you can visit.

Osaka: Nara, Todaiji, Uji Matcha, and Hot Spring Tour

Osaka: Nara, Todaiji, Uji Matcha, and Hot Spring Tour

See the iconic landmarks of Nara and Kyoto in one day with roundtrip transportation from Osaka. Encounter deers at Nara Park, see a grand Buddha statue at Todaiji, stroll through the Uji Matcha street, find peace in natural hot springs, and more. After meeting your driver/guide, head to Nara Park, home to thousands of freely roaming deer, at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa in Nara City. Get some crackers to feed the deer, take a stroll through the urban park, or grab a snack from one of the many tea houses around. Reach the Todaiji Temple or the “Great Eastern Temple”. Discover a priceless trove of history and culture at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See one of Japan's most famous and historically significant Buddhist temple complexes. Enter the Daibutsuden to see a 15-meter-tall bronze statue of Buddha. Next, head to Uji Matcha Street, a foodie's paradise full of matcha ice cream, matcha cakes, and even soba noodles that are matcha green. Explore the time-honored Matcha stores recommended by your guide at the sacred site of green tea. Finally, make your way to the only natural hot spring in Uji, with water springing from 1111 meters underground. Admire the traditional Japanese architecture and enjoy a moment of relaxation and peace.(if you have tattoo is large, entry into Japanese hot springs is not permitted.)

Top activities

New to GetYourGuide

All activities

188 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond Nara

Explore all

Frequently asked questions about Nara

What top attractions are a must-see in Nara?

The must-see attractions in Nara are:

See all must-see sights in Nara

What are the best day trips and excursions from Nara?

The best day trips and excursions from Nara are:

See all day trips and excursions from Nara on GetYourGuide

Top Attractions in Nara

Experiences in Nara

Tours in Japan

Things to do in Japan

Other Sightseeing Options in Nara

Want to discover all there is to do in Nara? Click here for a full list.