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
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, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Your hotel/apartment or any other 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

    Toga was very able and willing to answer any questions about the features of the shrines and Temples and of Shintoism and Buddhism in general. The highlights included a good mixture of gardens, natural beauty and history of Nara.. We would thoroughly recommend Toga as a guide in Nara and Kyoto.. We had a great day.

    December 2023

    Trudi B

    Kenya was so kind and we had a great experience with his knowledge!! He was so helpful and knows what we expect! Thank you!!

    November 2023

    Mehmet M

    We had a wonderful day in Nara Our guide Taiga was funny, knowledgeable and professional He was wonderful with our kids, they loved him I highly recommend this trip and in particular our guide Taiga

    October 2023

    Murray L

    Taiga was knowledgeable, friendly and great company for the day. we had a wonderful time! Would happily be guided by him again thanks

    October 2023

    Murray L

See more reviews

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

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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