Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
See some of Japan's most spectacular temples and gardens and snap a few shots with the deer roaming around in ancient Nara on a day trip from Kyoto
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Experience Overview
Time:
9 hoursWhat to expect:
Fully tailored to your preferencesLanguage:
Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)Meeting point:
Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building Shop, Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 京都府京都市 下京区烏丸通塩小路下る東塩小路町901Cancellation:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring:
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
What’s Included:
What’s Excluded:
Key Highlights:
- 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
What travelers think of our Kyoto experiences
Ada met us very close to our hotel, which was convenient for us - she went out of our way to do this. She then took us by train the Nara, where she expertly narrated cultural, architectural, and historical features. We had lunch together, which was quite convivial. She then went out of her way to bring us to another temple of interest back in Kyoto, not in the agenda, because we had some extra time. She is Spanish, but her English is excellent as is her Japanese - which made communication easy. All told, this was an excellent experience, and we highly recommend that you consider her as your guide.
Show moreMia was a wonderful guide, provided a wonderful experience for my wife and I as we toured Nara!
Show moreMilo was such a professional guide, showing the best of the historic side of Japan, we really appreciate is work and passion.
Show moreOur guide Taiga was beyond amazing! Our favorite guide in our time here in Japan. Funny knowledgeable and beyond awesome!!! We loved being with him and he made our day super special!
Show moreUne visite complète de Nara avec un guide très intéressant et agréable. Une belle journée on nous n’avons pas vu le temps passer. Merci MILO A comprehensive tour of Nara with a very interesting and pleasant guide. A beautiful day, where time flew by. Thank you, Milo.
Show moreKenya was a kind and informed guide. We appreciated the historical and cultural context he provided. He accommodated our requests and had great coffee recommendations. English was excellent. We would seek his guidance again.
Show moreAda met us very close to our hotel, which was convenient for us - she went out of our way to do this. She then took us by train the Nara, where she expertly narrated cultural, architectural, and historical features. We had lunch together, which was quite convivial. She then went out of her way to bring us to another temple of interest back in Kyoto, not in the agenda, because we had some extra time. She is Spanish, but her English is excellent as is her Japanese - which made communication easy. All told, this was an excellent experience, and we highly recommend that you consider her as your guide.
Mia was a wonderful guide, provided a wonderful experience for my wife and I as we toured Nara!
Milo was such a professional guide, showing the best of the historic side of Japan, we really appreciate is work and passion.
Our guide Taiga was beyond amazing! Our favorite guide in our time here in Japan. Funny knowledgeable and beyond awesome!!! We loved being with him and he made our day super special!
Une visite complète de Nara avec un guide très intéressant et agréable. Une belle journée on nous n’avons pas vu le temps passer. Merci MILO A comprehensive tour of Nara with a very interesting and pleasant guide. A beautiful day, where time flew by. Thank you, Milo.
Kenya was a kind and informed guide. We appreciated the historical and cultural context he provided. He accommodated our requests and had great coffee recommendations. English was excellent. We would seek his guidance again.
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.
Real Stories, Real Connections
Smiles light up under the vibrant Torii gates of Kyoto.
Embracing Kyoto's vibe on an unexpectedly bright day.
Exploring a unique paper sculpture in a Kyoto courtyard.
Enjoying the lively atmosphere at a Kyoto temple entrance.
Perched on a banana sculpture, absorbing Kyoto's expansive views.
Smiles gleam beneath the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto.
Evening strolls reveal Kyoto's enchanting pagoda under a twilight sky.
A glimpse of Kyoto's timeless charm on a clear day.
A festive moment surrounded by golden New Year decorations.
Strolling through Kyoto with a pagoda perfectly framed in view.
Exploring Kyoto's golden beauty amidst serene surroundings.
Smiles shared amidst the towering bamboo of Kyoto's paths.
Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo paths.
Uncovering peaceful beauty beneath a blooming cherry tree in Kyoto.
Exploring Kyoto's serene forests with ancient stone markers all around.
Exploring Kyoto's serene forest paths with bright smiles all around.
Enjoying a sunny day exploring Kyoto's traditional architecture together.
Enjoying a peaceful picnic under Kyoto's blooming cherry blossoms.
A cheerful group captures a lively night in Kyoto.
Exploring a serene Kyoto garden with laughter by the stream.
A quiet stone path invites exploration through lush Kyoto greenery.
Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo grove with wide smiles.
Strolling through the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto's serene pathway.
Standing by a tranquil stream, soaking in Kyoto's serenity.
Smiling in front of Kyoto's vibrant temple architecture.
Friends capture their Kyoto adventure under clear blue skies.
Enjoying matcha ice cream in Kyoto's sunny outdoors.
A moody sky frames Kyoto's serene temple view perfectly.
Cherry blossoms frame a vibrant red temple in Kyoto.
A quiet moment at Kyoto's temple under the rain.
A cheerful group enjoys a cherry blossom moment in Kyoto.
Strolling through Kyoto under a striking torii gate.
Sunset stroll beneath a torii gate in Kyoto's warm glow.
A quiet moment beneath Kyoto's stunning pagoda as evening approaches.
Enjoying sweet treats amidst Kyoto's bustling food stalls.
Smiling under Kyoto's sun at a beautiful temple backdrop.
Emerging with laughter from a tunnel of wishes in Kyoto.
Exploring the serene atmosphere inside a Kyoto temple.
Sharing a light moment outside a dazzling Kyoto theater at night.
A smiling group gathers under Kyoto's vibrant pagoda sky.
Tranquil reflections ripple beside mossy rocks in Kyoto's serene garden.
A bustling crowd wanders through Kyoto under the pagoda's watchful spire.
Gathering beneath a historic wooden gate in Kyoto's serene streets.
Admiring Kyoto's cherry blossoms beneath the serene pagoda.
Sharing smiles over soft-serve ice cream in a cozy Kyoto nook.
Smiles abound in front of Kyoto's stunning pagoda backdrop.
Enjoying a sunny day by the serene Kyoto statue.
Exploring ancient architecture under Kyoto's soft, overcast skies.
Face to face with London's iconic Tower Bridge under a cloudy sky.
Taking in the serene beauty of a Kyoto garden view.
Evening strolls near Kyoto's pagodas offer unexpected moments of charm.
Smiles all around at a scenic Kyoto temple terrace.
Sunlight spills over a cheerful group in historic Kyoto.
Sunset casts a golden glow over Kyoto's bustling street scene.
Exploring the serene bamboo paths of Kyoto together.
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm