Nara Prefecture Tours

Stroll through 3 of historic Nara’s most iconic landmarks with a professional, English-speaking guide. Get to know the temples and scenic gardens of Nara. Meet your guide at the JR Nara Station, and walk at a relaxed pace to visit Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, the Great Buddha in Todaiji Temple, and Kofuku-ji Temple. Meet the divine deer of Nara along your way.

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.

Make a mini Tatami mat with a craftsman at “Oda Tatamiten”, the long-established Tatami handicraft shop for 120 years!

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.

Return from Osaka with fun-filled memories after a costumed photo shoot in Nara, an extra-special experience that comes with multiple souvenir photos. A hair and make up stylist creates an authentic Japanese look before you don the costume of an Edo-style samurai, princess, or courtesan. You'll receive a USB stick with your photographs on so you don't have to carry photos around for the rest of your vacation.

In this tour, you will visit a hidden spot "Kousegawa Valley", which is at the upper stream of famous Mitarai Valley. An experienced canyoning instructor from the local tour company "Wild Wind" will take you to full-fledged canyoning such as sliding down, jumping off, and climbing a waterfall or a mountain. Refresh yourself to your heart’s content at these hidden mountain streams. After canyoning, you unwind yourself in a hot spring. A ticket for "Ten-no-kawa Hot Spring" is included, where spring water is re-boiled using a firewood boiler. This hot spring offers you very relaxing time.  Upon your request, it is possible for you to skip activities such as sliding down, jumping off, and climbing. You can enjoy the tour even if you are not athletic or a good swimmer. Please feel free to consult us.

Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 794 when it was relocated to Kyoto, and the entire town is now registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". In the vast Nara Park where deer roam, there are historical temples and shrines such as Todaiji Temple where the Great Buddha is enshrined, Kofukuji Temple with many national treasures, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with vivid vermilion. This is a virtual tour via ZOOM that allows you to experience the feeling of traveling in Nara while at home. An English-speaking guide will take you around the city of Nara while taking a walk, and you can enjoy the scenery of the beautiful city of Nara. This tour is livestream, so there is also time to enjoy a conversation with the guide. Have a nice livestream virtual tour of about 1 hour.

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.

Explore Nara away from all tourists, on a bike, reach the top of Wakakusayama Mountain, explore a lost temple in the forest, admire hidden Buddhist statues carved in stone... A tour that mixes sport, nature and Japanese history for a very unique experience and amazing memories.

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.

Kyo Yuzen is one of the Japanese traditional dyeing technique. You will use the Kyo Yuzen sketch technique to illustrate a pattern on a 100% dyed silk stole. Several colors will be layered on top of each other making for a colorful design, soft feel and high-quality texture. Why not try making a one-of-a-kind original stole using this traditional Japanese method. The instructor has been recognized from among the artisans engaged in creating traditional crafts, as designated by METI (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry), as a “Traditional Craftsman” because of her commitment to maintaining a high level of quality. She will carefully explain the process in simple terms so that even the beginner can understand.

You can see Japanese old temples and lots of small statue statues in the wood. You can see the view of Nara, Osaka and Kyoto .. Then we take a hiking course to Ikoma Amusement Park and enjoy the view from the summit. On the way we will have a lunch. The final point is Makioka Shrine. We can talk about the cultural difference between yours and Japan. The guide is experienced trekking guide in Nepal, living in Japan. The course is for beginners, primary school students also can go. Walk from Kintetsu Ikoma Station to Hozan Temple. After visiting the temple, climb the hiking trail. After seeing the scenery of Nara, Osaka and Kyoto at Yamakami Amusement Park, we ran for lunch through the Japan's oldest highway, Akari. Get off in the nature, pass through the Ichioka Shrine, and dissolve at the Hiraoka Station.

Learn to make sushi, one of Japan’s most popular foods, with a hands-on sushi lesson from a cooking instructor. Put on a traditional Happi, and look like a sushi chef as you shape your own beautiful sushi rolls. Then sit down for a delicious meal of sushi and udon you prepared yourself.

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.

Make one of the most popular Japanese foods, "Sushi" by yourself on the 1.5 hour cooking class with a Japanese teacher at Umemori Sushi School in Nara. Make your own favorite sushi with us and take a photo of them. After making Sushi, let us enjoy them with other Japanese food (optional). We believe that this will be an unforgettable memory for you.

Shiroyama Ryokan, which has a 50-year tradition, is located in the middle of Ikoma Mountain, where you can enjoy a tea experience while watching the night view of Ikoma. A full-fledged tea experience by a teacher who is also a professor, you can enjoy incense. Comes with 2 cups of green tea and 2 types of Japanese sweets (fresh and dried sweets).

- Nara has various collection of traditional sites of Japan - Visit this town to explore the history sides of Japan - While enjoying the views of incredible traditional sites, you have to capture those moments - Hire a photo service in Nara taken by special photographer who can speak English - This photography service lets you to choose the sites to take your photo shoot

There is also a Japanese garden attached to the tea room, where you can enjoy tea while watching the views of various expressions in each season. Please enjoy Japanese tradition through tea. ※ About waiting At the end of the Edo period about 200 years ago, Hakushin-ya was erected in Horyuji Temple Zenjuin by Horyuji Temple Monk Kokuken. According to Horyuji's records, Kukken, who was familiar with the tea ceremony, wrote letters to fellow monks and invited everyone to enjoy tea. ◆ 集合 Meeting place ◆ ◆ ・ Nara Ikarugato Tourism Waikaru (free parking available) ◆ 開 催 Opening time ◆ ◇ ・ 10 o'clock to 16:30 The start time is every 30 minutes. ◆ 料 金 fee ◆ ◇ 2,500 yen per person (tax included) ・ The fee includes experience fee and sweets fee. ◆ 流 れ Flow of experience ◆ ◇ Remove the watch or ring so as not to damage the bowl. ↓ Greeting with the lord. ↓ Let's stretch the spine and learn how to do it. ↓ Matcha green tea is on. The trick is to stand the teapot vertically and move it back and forth. ↓ I have sweets before drinking. ↓ Let's have some tea. ↓ I thank the lord and finish. ◆ 流 れ Flow of the day ◆ ◇ Gathering at Nara Ikarugato Tourism Waikaru (Please come 10 minutes before the start time) ↓ Confirmation of reservation, entry of experience participation application form ↓ Move to Experience Facility If you come by foot or by bus, the staff will transfer you to the experience facility by car. ↓ Experience start! ↓ It is finished by having tea, it will be disbanded. Staff will pick you up on foot.

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.

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 city bike or kids bike. Please check our website for details. ■Child seat is available for free. But please note that children weighing less than 22 kg can sit in it. ■There are only a few small electric bicycles (22-inch), so if you need a smaller size please email us in advance.

~Explore numerous national treasures with a local guide in the early but quiet morning ~ Our certified guide who lives in Nara will take you to all the highlights. Be an early bird and take advantage of fewer tourists and the fresh air on a placid morning in the ancient capital. It is a great pleasure for us to take you to our beloved Nara and its highlights.

A local instructor will take you around Asuka Village by bicycle at a leisurely pace. Even if it is your first visit to Asuka, they say you’ll feel nostalgic somehow, and foreign visitors are no exception. It may be because the historical and cultural assets, together with its surrounding nature, have been cherished for a long time and protected by the Ancient Capitals Preservation Law. During the tour, you’ll enjoy solving the mysteries of ancient tombs and ancient stone structures; imagining the ancient city of 1,400 years ago; and strolling along beautiful terraced rice fields that are beyond description. You’ll also visit and see everyday life in the country side with peaceful views of the satoyama settlement. This cycling tour offers you exquisite experiences; seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, and imagining.

Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with amateur wrestlers in Katsuragi, a birthplace of Sumo! According to Japan’s oldest historical record, the first Sumo was held in Katsuragi City, Nara.Kehayaza, the Sumo Museum of Katsuragi City, opened in 1990.There is a sumo ring which is the same size as regular tournaments. Special thing in Kehayaza is anyone can step onto the sumo ring here.This program will provide you a special chance to learn sumo terms, manners, sumo-themed songs(Sumo-jink), practice schedule and watch real match by amateur sumo wrestlers.In addition, one of the highlights of this program is you can take part in the sumo practice and match with sumo costume or mawashi, a loincloth.Here is the perfect place to enjoy the special Sumo program you have never experienced!

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.

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.

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.

Discover a town famed for its Edo-style castles and orange goldfish on a half-day tour of Yamato-Koriyama from Nara. In a small group limited to 9, you’ll visit town highlights such as Koriyama Castle and a Goldfish Museum before stopping for a snack at K Coffee, a cafe that features fish tank converted from a phone booth. Plus, you’ll visit a goldfish farm to learn more about the popular pets.

Kimono Rental Leisurely Stroll in Nara in Kimono. Kimono rental service. You can rent Kimono and take a leisurely stroll in Nara. Please come as you are , there is no preparation necessary.  

We have everything from cute kimonos to trendy kimonos. Everything you need is available here. Please come home with me. Japanese-style bags and slippers are included in the rental fee. You can also add a hair set as an option.

How about walking around Nara must-see spots with a highly experienced guide?This tour visits three must-see spots in deer park area, Nara. Kasuga-taisha shrine - praised for its beautiful vermilion constructions and three thousand of stone lanterns and hanging lanterns, Todai-ji temple - renowned for its Great Buddha originally created in the eighth century, and Kofuku-ji temple - closely related to Fujiwara family, a noble family once at the summit of its prosperity. Along the way, other scenic spots of Nara, such as Mt. Kasuga, Tobihino hill, Ukimi-do gazebo, and Suikinkutsu (a buried pot that makes harp-like sound with water drops) will also attract your eyes and ears. At the end of the tour, we will take the time to experience Japanese cultures such as origami or kumihimo braiding. This tour is recommended not only for first-time visitors to Nara but also for repeat visitors to discover new charms of Nara.

Nara's charm is not only deers but also its traditional country lifestyle, which has been inherited from generations to generations.Half a day off-the-beaten walk to an oldest road "Yamanobe no michi" will lead you to deep cultural understanding on satoyama villages. You will come across small farm stands and people's life.

Tea Ceremony Experience at Hyakurakusou, a high-class Japanese restaurant with the beautiful garden view. The program offers tea ceremony experience at Japanese traditional room. In the beginning, an instructor will explain about tea ceremony history and a set of instruments. After that, you can watch the demonstration and experience making Japanese green tea on your own. Hyakurakusou provide you a unique opportunity to experience Japanese hospitality and enjoy beautiful culture.Traditional Japanese garden is also one of the main points to visit here. Please feel real Japanese seasons and its beauty of nature.

Learn about Japanese kami (nature spirits) whilst practicing formal ways in which to worship and meditate. Under the guidance of a priest at Tamaki Shrine, a site included in the World Heritage ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range', you will learn about formal worship. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, an experience of meditation will refresh both body and mind. *This is a 1-night, 2-day trip where you will interact with local people and feel true Japanese culture.

You can enjoy Japanese Calligraphy experience. We will give you a small lecture on how to use calligraphy tools and how to write Japanese words with those tools.Your Calligraphy lesson will be in a traditional Japanese tatami room where you can enjoy a view of a Japanese garden and historic atmosphere. After you complete it, you can take it home in a frame. It must be a memorable souvenir for you.

Explore Nara with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full-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 full-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 six-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.

Walking in a World Heritage area ～the Hatenashi Pass on the Koheji route connecting Mount Koya and Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine. The Koheji, one of the Kumano Kodo routes, has been used for centuries as a path, through steep mountains, connecting Mount Koya and Kumano. Trekking this route from Kumano Hongu to Totsukawa offers an opportunity to fully appreciate nature, with many beautiful sites, including Hatenashi hamlet, the so-called Tenku no Sato (Village in the Sky), and old paved paths. Of course, we wold be happy to advise if you would like us to help you arrange a different course. *This is a 1-night, 2-day trip where you will interact with local people and feel true Japanese culture.

Soy sauce & Tofu are essential ingredients for Japanese cuisine. You will visit the site where Soy sauce and Tofu are being made, and enjoy tasting them there.(Private Tour, Guided in English) You will visit Nagara town in Gose city where is a tranquil submontane old town in the central area of Nara. At there, you will learn how Soy sauce and Tofu are being made, and enjoy strolling through an old town where you can still feel the atmosphere from the Edo period (16-19th century). This tour will be guided in English.

Have a precious experience in the birthplace of tea ceremony and tea whisks! This is very rare opportunity to watch master craftsman Tango Tanimura's fascinating techniques in person. During the program, you can watch the demonstration by Mr Tanimura and try the last step of making a tea whisk under his guidance. Please take it home with you as a original souvenir after completing your tea whisk. The program is held at Hyakurakusou, a high-class Japanese restaurant located in the west of Nara city. There are 10 elaborately designed Japanese houses and a traditional wide garden. Please feel real Japanese seasons and its beauty of nature there.

Explore Nara's scenic beauty and sake on this all inclusive, private tour. A convenient day trip from either Kyoto or Osaka, Nara is a must see on any traveler's list. From the numerous wild deer that roam free in the streets to multiple UNESCO world heritage sites like the giant Buddha at Todaiji, explore both the famous sites and the places that lie just a little off the beaten path. End your day with a one of a kind Japanese sake rice wine brewery tour and tasting in Nara's old town merchant quarters surrounded by medieval townhouses and storefronts. All entrance fees, the sake tasting, and a snack are included in the price so no need to fret about any hidden fees.