Nara Prefecture Tours

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

- 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

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.

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.

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.

Have you heard about friendly free-roaming deer? Or, have you heard about the giant buddha statue? These are in Nara city which is small but rich in the photogenic & cultural treagers. Also, it will be a nice opportunity to feel the atmosphere of local countryside of Japan. Since Nara is close to Osaka city and Kyoto city, it is the best for someone who consider to stay in Osaka or Kyoto some day but also good for just thinking to travel Japan, too. *It’s NOT a real tour, but online virtual tour. *The time is Japan Standard Time(GMT +9:00). Please exchange to your time. HIGHLIGHTS ・Basic information to travel Japanese ancient capital, Nara & enjoy deer Park virtually ・Local stories you can enjoy Japan more ・Introduction of unfamous but very nice sites to visit around Nara (Local sake brewery, photogenic spot, local nice restaurants)

･ Kansai-Hiroshima 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⇔Hiroshima) ･ 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 (Kyoto⇔Kamigori) etc.' * A separate fare is required for traveling on SUPER HAKUTO (Kamigori⇔Tottori) and SUPER INABA (Kamigori⇔Tottori) - Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines - JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima) * For reserved seats, please purchase a Limited Express Reserved Seat Ticket from a JR-WEST Ticket Office or other location before boarding.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Private VIP Tour in NARA allows you to “Customize Your Itinerary” to fit your specific travel expectations. You have your own private Land Rover Discovery Sport and driver who can speak English for approximately 8 hours. Our team assists you to manage the tour, give recommendations, make reservations and check information. <<< You customize your own Day Trip in NARA >>> STEP1: We propose list of famous destinations while you share with us your travel desires and special requests. STEP2: With careful communication and planning, we share and exchange our draft detailed itinerary. STEP3: We revise/finalize the itinerary. ***You can always change the itinerary even on the day while traveling on the car. Please feel free to reach our team and driver for recommendation at any time. ***Extra 1 ~ 2 hours will be given for free only in case of heavy traffic jam and unexpected delay(s). ***Extra charges will be applied for over time service.

･ Sanyo-San'in Area pass is valid for unlimited travel in the valid area on the map ･ Valid trains are below (Reserved seats) - Reserved seats on SANYO SHINKANSEN (Shin-Osaka⇔Hakata) ･ This pass can be used for "Hello Kitty Shinkansen". - The Limited EXPRESS 'HARUKA, KUROSHIO, THUNDERBIRD, KOUNOTORI, YAKUMO, SUPER HAKUTO (INCL.Kamigori⇔Chizu) etc.' - Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines - JR WEST MIYAJIMA FERRY (Miyajimaguchi⇔Miyajima)

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.