Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital

What you'll do

See Japan’s most culturally significant temples and shrines in the place where Shinto Buddhism was born. Walk shaded paths lined with cherry blossom trees between Nanto Shichi Daiji – the “seven great temples” of ancient Japan.

Explore magical, wood-built architecture overhung with thousands of lanterns at Kasuga-taisha Shrine, or gaze upon the serene visage of the oldest bronze Buddha statue in the world, housed in Tōdai-ji’s main hall. See the famous Nara Park at the foot of grass-covered Mount Wakakusa, where polite deer – symbols of the city – greet you.

Get out of the sun and share a meal with your local insider in Higashimuki Shopping Street, a covered arcade with stores selling trinkets reminiscent of ancient Japan.

Where you’ll go

With your host playing the roles of GPS, translator, and local insider, take a train 50 minutes south of Kyoto to Nara – the leafy city steeped in ancient Buddhist history and home to some of Japan’s most culturally significant temples and shrines. From Kōfuku-ji to Yakushi-ji, marvel at art and architecture dating back to the 8th century, when a 15-meter bronze Buddha Vairocana statue was constructed in Tōdai-ji temple.

Walk through Nara Park, where deer are believed to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods; politely observe your journey towards the east side to Kasuga-taisha Shrine, lit by more than 3000 lanterns. Then, grab a bite from the covered shopping arcade, Higashimuki, a 10-minute stroll east of the park. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 9 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Catalan, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • With your helpful host, travel by train to Nara, one of Japan’s cultural hotspots and the birthplace of Shinto Buddhism
  • Explore ancient shrines and temples and wonder at the stunning architecture
  • Walk among tame deer through Nara Park to view the 3000 lanterns lighting Kasuga-taisha Shrine
  • Eat Nara specialties while shopping at Higashimuki Shopping Street for a memento to take home
  • Your host is always available for questions, recommendations and anecdotes about the area

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 9 hours with a host (including travel time from Kyoto)
  • Tickets to Isui-en Garden, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, Nigatsu-do & Sangatsu-do Halls
  • One day free pass Bus ticket from JR Nara
  • Walking and Bus experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
  • Train Transportation costs (Japan Rail Pass holders can travel free on the JR)
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    It was Michael's first tour and thanks to his deep knowledge of the region and his work as an English teacher in Japanese schools, it was a very enjoyable experience. Many thanks to him for spontaneously visiting Ujigami Shrine to close the historical loop from Nara to Kyoto

    May 2023

    Carola Z

    Milos made it a fun day. He took us to all the major sites and was very informative. We had a new friend by the end of the day.

    April 2023

    Harold S

    Our guide Alex Delivered a very informative and fun day. He has a vast knowledge of the history and culture of both Kyoto and Nara which he shared with us at Nara and during our escorted train trip to and from Nara & Kyoto. He brought Nara to life for us with extensive detailed information on each historic site. His friendly manner and excellent English allowed for great discussions on the past and current culture of Japan. It made for a very educational and enjoyable day despite the large crowds.

    March 2023

    Robert R

    We were like a perfect match right from the start, the kind of tourist guide we needed. We did not even notice that the tour is almost over. We had lots of fun.

    April 2023

    Odulina Lolita F

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

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