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
Ada
Kokoro
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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:
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 Excluded:
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)
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
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
Enjoying a sunny day exploring Kyoto's traditional architecture together.
Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel
Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto
Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple
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.
Smiles light up under the vibrant Torii gates of Kyoto.
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.
Family Adventure in Kyoto
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.
Emerging with laughter from a tunnel of wishes in Kyoto.
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Taking in the serene beauty of a Kyoto garden view.
Crowd gathers near Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District.
Three people standing in front of a large red torii gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
People walking through a torii gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan.
Man standing in front of the three-story pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto.
A family enjoys snacks at a table inside a busy Kyoto market area.
Group of people in front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto.
Person posing in front of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine entrance.
Tourist interacting with a musical instrument inside a Japanese temple.
Group of people in front of Kabukiza Theatre at night.
Tourists gathered at the base of the stepped roof pagoda in Kyoto.
Traditional building with tiled roof visible behind Japanese garden foliage.
Evening strolls near Kyoto's pagodas offer unexpected moments of charm.
Group of people in front of the Chion-in Temple gate in Kyoto.
Two people standing in front of the Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto, Japan.
Sweet Escapades and Smiles
Family Adventures at the Five-Tiered Temple
Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue
Exploring Timeless Beauty Together
Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo
Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style
Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility
Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto
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
