Top 10 Cultural Tours in Nara

Destination: Nara.
The ancient capital of Nara, older than even Kyoto, is easily reached by train from Osaka or Kyoto. The enormous Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple with its Great Buddha inside, the deer park where you can feed crackers to the semi-wild deer, everything is more laid-back and quieter than Kyoto with much fewer tourists. Stroll through the vast temple grounds and back into the city where the tour takes you to a typical Izakaya standing bar to try some local sake and food. A wonderful way to spend a leisurely afternoon!
Known For: Nara Likely to Sell Out, Nara Likely To Sell Out, Nara Walking Tours, Nara Private and Luxury, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Historical Tours.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Nara.
Embark on a half-day tour of Nara’s rich heritage. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the sacred wild deer of Nara Park, believed to be divine messengers for over 1,200 years. Your tour starts with Kofuku-ji Temple, known for its five-story pagoda, then continues to Todai-ji Temple, where you’ll see the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue. Your guide will share stories about these historic sites and Japanese Buddhism. Next, enjoy panoramic views from Nigetsu-do Temple, and walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its lanterns and deer. After exploring Nara Park, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. End the tour with a visit to a traditional old town, contrasting modern Tokyo, and see a merchant’s house to experience Nara’s past. This tour offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and history in Nara.
Known For: Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Historical Tours, Nara Walking Tours, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours, Nara City Tours, Nara New Product.
Duration: Around 5 hours.

Destination: Nara.
This tour is recommended for those visiting Nara for the first time, and allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Nara in one day. This tour is a greedy plan that goes around all famous tourist spots in Nara City, such as Todaiji Temple, famous for the Great Buddha, and a historic shrine Kasuga Taisha, in addition to Kofukuji and Naramachi. It condenses various genres such as history, culture, and food, and is definitely a great satisfaction. If you want to spend the best day in Nara, please join this tour! [Standard tour visit spot] ・ Kofuku-ji Temple ・ Toadai-ji Temple ・ Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo ・ Kasuga Taisha Shrine [Customized tour selectable spot] Kofuku-ji Temple / Todai-ji Temple / Nigatsu-do Hall / Kasuga Taisha Shrine / Nara Park / Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine / Naramachi District / Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple / Isuien & Neiraku Museum / Toshodai-ji Temple / Heijo Palace Site Historical Park / Wakakusa-yama Hill / Yakushi-ji Temple
Known For: Nara Architecture Tours, Nara Walking Tours, Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Historical Tours.
Duration: Around 6 hours.

Destination: Nara.
This bike tour is based on our most popular tour, Nara Highlights, but without Yoshikien Garden and reserved for families with kids who can ride a bike. No E-bike nor Child seats are available. As it is a private family tour, you can be sure that your guide will take extra care of your group, and adjust and adapt the tour based on your preferences. Pour la demande de guide francophone: Nous ne pouvons pas garantir la francophonie pour un tour partagée, car mélangeant plusieurs nationalités, la priorité deviendra l'anglais. Tous nos guides parlent au minimum anglais et japonais, ce qui veut dire que le français sera une langue supplémentaire. Le guide pourra donc alterner entre anglais et français si nécessaire. Pour garantir la disponibilité du guide francophone à la date souhaitée, veuillez nous contacter à l'avance, afin que nous puissions confirmer qu'un guide francophone est toujours disponible pour votre date de réservation. Merci pour votre compréhension.
Known For: Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours, Nara Mountain Bike Tours, Nara Bike Tours, Nara Kid-Friendly.

Destination: Nara.
Nara city is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. As the capital of Japan in the 8th century, it can offer a variety of old temples and shrines, but also the charm of its former merchants’ quarter with quaint old houses serving as shops or restaurants. In this tour we will visit the biggest and most famous temple and shrine dating back to the 8th century as well as the old townscape.
Known For: Nara Private Sightseeing Tours, Nara Private and Luxury, Nara Historical Tours, Nara Seasonal, Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Walking Tours.
Duration: Around 6 hours.

Destination: 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.
Known For: Nara Historical Tours, Nara Rail Tours, Nara Full-day Tours, Nara Day Trips, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 8 hours.

Destination: Nara.
Start your exploration at Nara Park. Here you can have the experience of feeding rice crackers to deer. Deer are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto beliefs, and hundreds of them roam freely here. Then visit Kasuga Taisha, a shrine known for its deep historical roots and surrounded by a mysterious forest where divine spirits are believed to reside. The shrine is famous for its thousands of hanging lanterns, which illuminate the streets with their serene light, especially during festivals. Also you can visit to Todaiji Temple, which is one of heritage site. It is a most famous temple in Nara, not only allows visitors to see with their own eyes one of the world's largest wooden structures, designated as a national treasure, but also to feel its 1,300 years of history.
Known For: Nara Small Group, Nara Walking Tours, Nara Likely to Sell Out, Nara Likely To Sell Out, Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Private and Luxury, Nara New Product, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara City Tours.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Nara.
This is a WALKING TOUR. On this tour, you will explore the best of what Nara has to offer, including the most famous sites, such as Nara Park, and Todaiji Temple, but also some "Off the beaten path" places, such as the original shop of the former Katana maker and actual famous Knifemaker "Kikuichi", and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Continue with cultural activities, including an introduction to Origami, the "Deer Challenge", and Calligraphy. If time allows it, you can wear a Kimono and/or a variety of costumes/outfits and go for a memorable photoshoot. Explore the site of the oldest temple in Japan, Gangoji Temple, and listen to the scary origin story of the demon of Gangoji. Finally, go to a traditional Japanese cafe to experience a true Tea Ceremony led by a certified Tea Master, away from the crowded and overpriced tourist traps, with freshly made matcha green tea, right in front of you, and a traditional handmade "Wagashi", a Japanese sweet for Tea.
Known For: Nara Small Group, Nara Walking Tours, Nara Private and Luxury, Nara Sustainable Tours, Nara Full-day Tours, Nara New Product, Nara Cultural Tours.
Duration: Around 7 hours.

Destination: Nara.
This private and customizable tour for Nara city (in Nara Prefecture) 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. Discover 2-3 attractions in Nara City at your own pace on this fully customizable 4-hour private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.
Known For: Nara Historical Tours, Nara Public Transportation Tours, Nara Private and Luxury, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours, Nara Walking Tours, Nara Likely To Sell Out, Nara City Tours, Nara Car Tours, Nara Half-day Tours, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Likely to Sell Out, Nara Bus Tours.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Nara.
Embark on an enriching journey through Nara, a city where history and nature intertwine beautifully, on this private, exclusive tour. Your family will be captivated by the majestic Todai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha. Roam the verdant paths of Nara Park, mingling with friendly deer that symbolize the city’s harmony with nature. Discover the spiritual serenity of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, adorned with ancient lanterns, and feel the historical significance at the UNESCO-listed Horyu-ji Temple. Explore the charming streets of Naramachi, a district echoing with tales of the past. Witness the architectural splendor of Kofuku-ji and Yakushiji temples, each an oasis of Buddhist heritage. Uncover the hidden beauty of Shinyakushiji Temple, and delve into Japan’s rich cultural history at the Nara National Museum. Stroll through Heijō Palace Site Historical Park, imagining the grandeur of bygone eras. Visit Toshodai-ji Temple, a symbol of Nara’s enduring spiritual legacy.
Known For: Nara Historical Tours, Nara Full-day Tours, Nara Bus Tours, Nara Car Tours, Nara Cultural Tours, Nara Private Sightseeing Tours.
Duration: Around 8 hours.