Kyoto
Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital
Day Trips & Local Escapes • 9 hours
5.0
(25)
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
What makes this experience special
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 to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
9 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
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)
Meeting point
The host will be waiting in front of the Mister Donut - JR Kyoto Station Building ShopCancellation
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.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat 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.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience
Lambrini
Jun 2025
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!
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Herve
Apr 2025
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.
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Carolyn
Apr 2025
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.
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Julie
Mar 2025
Milo was the perfect tour guide, from beginning to end! Quick and detailed responses to correspondence while planning the tour and incredibly knowledgeable about all the destinations we visited, and Japan in general. History is his forte! He takes the best photos at the perfect spots. If/when we do a tour in Japan again, we'll request Milo. Per my husband, our only regret is not getting a picture with him!
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Lorenz
Oct 2024
War alles rundum sehr schön und informativ mit einem sehr netten Guide. Hat alles bestens geklappt. Everything was very nice and informative with a very nice guide. Everything worked out perfectly,
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David
Apr 2024
Alex was an incredible guide! We had a wonderful time exploring Nara and learning about Japanese culture. Alex was patient enough to wait for us arriving quite late due to a mix-up in my notes. Such an amazing day! Highly recommend this tour and Alex!
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