Nara Prefecture Tours

Explore Nara with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a half-day walking tour of Nara and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city. Nara's proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, and its rich collection of traditional sites, make it an ideal destination for a day trip from either of its larger neighbors. Your private guide can help you efficiently enjoy a half-day walking tour of this ancient Japanese city. You can start your day at your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

If you don’t speak Japanese, it can be hard to navigate Japan like a local. This tour of Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, is designed to  help you do just that. Leave the crowds of Kyoto behind and discover the peaceful city of Nara: its temples, shrines, traditional houses and divine deer. Explore the backstreets and alleys of the merchants district, and try authentic street food.

Maximize your time in Nara with a private walking tour that puts you in touch with the real city—via a local who loves it. It’s simple: explain your travel wants, meet your Nara local, and enjoy a tour that puts Nara at your feet. Learn ways to get around, places to see, and hidden local hotspots, and get the info needed to get the most from your visit.

This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors to Nara who want to get a good overview in a short space of time. You won’t have to worry about navigating as a guide takes you around a shortlist of Nara’s best sights. See the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, visit the traditional houses of Naramachi, and see the city’s many semi-wild deer.

This is a Nara private tour using by public transportation from Kyoto. The guide will pick you up at the hotel. No problem with train and bus transfers, as the guides are with you! The destinations of the tour includes Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha, deer park, and other UNESCO World Heritage Site temples! For details of the tour, you can look at the what to expect section and inclusions excursions section of this web page.

This tour helps you uncover the best of Japan’s ancient capital—Nara in half a day. Visit multiple temples, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Todai-ji Temple, and Kofukuji Temple. Learn about the semi-tame deer that freely roam Nara Park, and visit a sake brewery too. You’ll save hours researching Nara’s highlights by having a guide to lead the way and take you to a shortlist of the city’s best sights.

Come with me to discover Yoshino, in the South of Nara prefecture! Surrounded by nature and inside mountains, Yoshino is the place to visit especially during the beautiful sakura season, better between April 13~15. But even out season, Yoshino is a high place of History, mostly with Kukai, Buddhist monk from the 9th century the Southern Imperial Court of Japan (14th century).

Join the highlights Tour at Nara Cycle Tours and meet other travelers, or do it in private and your guide can make this day special for your own group.

Nara is the ancient capital of Japan prior to Kyoto, and the Japanese dynasty started from this area. In this tour, you will visit representing sightseeing and photo spots in Nara. This tour is designed to enable you to enjoy spots in a completely relaxed way while strolling around early in the morning with fresh air and fewer tourists. Nara is the only place in the world where about 1,300 wild deer roam freely. You can get really close to those cute animals and feed them while they bow begging for deer crackers. Let's experience ancient Japanese culture and enjoy the site of adorable animals.

Located in the southern part of Nara Prefecture, "Yoshinoyama" is known as one of the most famous cherry blossom areas in Japan. Yoshino mountain is covered with 30,000 cherry trees blooming in the spring. Its elegant and elegant landscape continues to attract many people, from ancient times to the present age. From ancient times, Yoshino cherries held a special place, even as a sacred ground for an examination of the path connecting God and nature. In the old days, it was written numerous Japanese texts how beautiful a sight it was that the Emperor of that time and all cultural people loved. This tour is about 5 hours of walking along the mountain path of Yoshino while thinking about the history of eternity. There are no steep slopes, but the entire journey will be about 8 km, so it's a tour for those who are ok with walking. Follow along with the local guide that lives in Nara, learning the way the people of the Asuka and Nara period went about Yoshino exploration.

Nara has many tourist attractions to visit. But surely you have no time? Rental bicycles are the best way to get around the sights efficiently. With a bike you can drop in anywhere you like. You can move around comfortably while looking at the beautiful city, without worrying about traffic jam like a car. ■All bicycles are maintained by mechanic. ■You can rent a bike for up to 24 hours at one day price ■Returnable after closing ■There are also many other types of bicycles, such as regular bike or kids bike. Please check our website for details. ■The number of small e-bikes (22 inches and 24 inches) is limited. If you need small e-bikes, please confirm by email to our shop in advance. ■Child seat is available for free. But please note that only children weighing less than 22 kg can sit in it.

Kansai WIDE Area Pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map ･ Valid trains are below; - Non-reserved seats on Bullet Train "SANYO SHINKANSEN" (Shin-Osaka⇔Okayama) ･ The pass can be used for non-reserved seats on the "Hello Kitty Shinkansen". - Non-reserved seats on Express Trains HARUKA, KUROSHIO, THUNDERBIRD, KOUNOTORI, SUPER HAKUTO, SUPER INABA, etc. - Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines * For reserved seats, please purchase a Limited Express Reserved Seat Ticket from a JR-WEST Ticket Office or other location before boarding.

This Activity was created for two categories of guests. Japanese people can experience a full reception/ production English-based activity on Japanese culture. People from overseas will enjoy exploring the city on their own. They learn about new places, Japanese history, and culture. All combined with a Scavenger Hunt concept, to make it more interesting and fun.

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Well known for its roaming deer, the ancient capital of Japan is a wonderful place to visit, filled with history, nature, and fresh air aplenty. With a great combination of shrines, temples, parks, and amazing views, it makes for a stress-free wandering experience. Where is the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world found in Nara? You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Did you know deers found on Nara Deer Park are believed to be the messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion? If you bow to the deer (with senbei in hand), they might just bow back! You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Nara. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

, where the spiritual aspect is important, It is a martial art that nurtures the spirit of nature, human reason, social justice, and values the spirit of peace and harmony. This martial art is not intended to defeat the enemy. Instead of competing with the opponent by power, it is not a skill of leaving power, but rather a technique that uses the opponent's power reasonably. The quick and reflexive movement that avoids personal dangers will bounce off the thugs that suddenly attack you, and it will also exert its power for self-protection. Learn the Aikido self-defense technique that can be recommended as a self-defense technique for weak women, and experience a wonderful experience that teaches your spirit and skills to your friends. Why don't you drop your mind, feel confident in your power and feel calm?

We will explain about Chado (the way of tea) and you will then learn how to behave yourself as a guest by drinking and how to make Matcha (green tea). Tea Ceremony will be in a traditional Japanese tatami room. You can enjoy Japanese historic atmosphere.

Don’t miss the famous Buddhist image of Todai-Ji temple and the three thousand bamboo lamps at “Kasuga-Taisha” if you come to Nara! We will take you there and give detail explanation about them on this tour. You will first visit the popular hall of the great Buddha which is a national treasure and world cultural heritage. “Nigatsu-do” which is located behind Todai-Ji temple is not so popular, but the view of the whole city from there is superb! After hiking through a forest with wild deer and visiting a famous Japanese sword shop, we will get to “Kasuga Taisha”. The three thousand bamboo lamps there is beyond description! Don’t forget to book your photogenic tour!

Hiking tour in Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, surrounded by beautiful nature, various plants and animals, and amazing picturesque views. Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest is located in the main area of Nara City and very close to Nara Park. It has remained untouched for thousands of years and has been carefully protected as the sacred forest of the Kasugataisha Shrine. There are over 800 types of trees, wild animals, rare birds and insects. Takisaka-no-Michi path, one of the famous hiking courses in the forest, passes a waterfall and small caves carved with Buddha figures. It is said to be a training path for monks in Nara and you can see the objects of faith along the way. The path leads to Yagyu Village known as the birthplace of the Yagyu Shinkage School of swordsmanship. The statue of Kubikiri Jizo appears along the way. It has been sliced at the neck by a sword. According to folklore, it was used by the master swordsman to test his blade.

Why don't you transform yourself into a ninja who was 1400 years ago? Rent ninja clothes and tools to become a ninja and enjoy a town where Japanese history and culture are inherited. Imaicho in Kashihara City, which preserves Japan's unique cityscape, It is a very precious place in Japan that has been designated as an important traditional building preservation district. Take pictures that will be memorable in a nice place.

This private and customizable tour for Nara is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage, Mt.Yoshino in Nara has many shrines and temples to see. It is a spiritual place where the monks used to practise to gain enlightenment. In this tour, you will climb Mt.Yoshino and see World Heritage sites such as "Kinpusan Temple" with its large Buddha statue, and "Yoshino Mizuwake-Jinja" hidden in the mountains. Don't miss the spectacular view from the top! If Spring, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom and you will see a view like no other. Want to get away from the busy city, and experience serenity? This is the plan recommended for you, you will feel refreshed after seeing the vibrant nature and historic shrines.

Being refreshed and comforted in the cobalt colored pool fed by the waters of a river in an unspoiled gorge. Dorokyo Gorge in the Yoshino Kumano National Park. The river gorge with its cobalt blue pools, created by natural forces over many thousands of years, is a sublime sight. You'll have a special trip down to the beautiful Dorokyo George on the Kawasemi riverboat. Passengers are usually not allowed to get off the boat, but this plan will allow you to land on the bank where you can have a bento lunch box featuring local delicacies.

Are you excited to hear there is a 1300 years old remain under reconstruction? If yes there is no way to skip this tour! Its been more than 60 years since a research team started digging and reconstructing Heijo Palace but it is said that only one-third of it is revealed so far. But in 2018 a memorial park was built where you can visit reproduced huge buildings by bikes and Segway! You will also a dynamic video showing the ancient days on a five dimension screen in a VR theater. You can enjoy the thousand-year-old remain and the latest technology at the same time on this tour! Don’t forget to book your tour to visit a famous remain, with your otomo guide!

Enjoy meeting the local folk living in Totsukawa Village. Experience the Bon Odori Musashi O-Odori dance which has been held for more than 300 years. The Musashi O-Odori is a dance which has been passed down from generation to generation, and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. You can wear the actual Bon Odori costumes for the traditional dance, and hear lectures given by locals. A great opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of the friendly locals in Totsukawa.