Beyond the City
5 (57)

Day trip to Nara: Japan's old capital

9 hours English
5 (57)
100% Personalized

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

Emi
Emi
Alex
Alex

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

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100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

9 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

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901

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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

A
Anne 23 February 2026

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.

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W
William 3 January 2026

Mia was a wonderful guide, provided a wonderful experience for my wife and I as we toured Nara!

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J
Jose Antonio 4 October 2025

Milo was such a professional guide, showing the best of the historic side of Japan, we really appreciate is work and passion.

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L
Lambrini 9 June 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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H
Herve 27 April 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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C
Carolyn 18 April 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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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.

Smiles light up under the vibrant Torii gates of Kyoto.

Embracing Kyoto's vibe on an unexpectedly bright day.

Embracing Kyoto's vibe on an unexpectedly bright day.

Exploring a unique paper sculpture in a Kyoto courtyard.

Exploring a unique paper sculpture in a Kyoto courtyard.

Enjoying the lively atmosphere at a Kyoto temple entrance.

Enjoying the lively atmosphere at a Kyoto temple entrance.

Perched on a banana sculpture, absorbing Kyoto's expansive views.

Perched on a banana sculpture, absorbing Kyoto's expansive views.

Smiles gleam beneath the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto.

Smiles gleam beneath the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto.

Evening strolls reveal Kyoto's enchanting pagoda under a twilight sky.

Evening strolls reveal Kyoto's enchanting pagoda under a twilight sky.

A glimpse of Kyoto's timeless charm on a clear day.

A glimpse of Kyoto's timeless charm on a clear day.

A festive moment surrounded by golden New Year decorations.

A festive moment surrounded by golden New Year decorations.

Strolling through Kyoto with a pagoda perfectly framed in view.

Strolling through Kyoto with a pagoda perfectly framed in view.

Exploring Kyoto's golden beauty amidst serene surroundings.

Exploring Kyoto's golden beauty amidst serene surroundings.

Smiles shared amidst the towering bamboo of Kyoto's paths.

Smiles shared amidst the towering bamboo of Kyoto's paths.

Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo paths.

Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo paths.

Uncovering peaceful beauty beneath a blooming cherry tree in 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 forests with ancient stone markers all around.

Exploring Kyoto's serene forest paths with bright smiles 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 sunny day exploring Kyoto's traditional architecture together.

Enjoying a peaceful picnic under Kyoto's blooming cherry blossoms.

Enjoying a peaceful picnic under Kyoto's blooming cherry blossoms.

A cheerful group captures a lively night in Kyoto.

A cheerful group captures a lively night in Kyoto.

Exploring a serene Kyoto garden with laughter by the stream.

Exploring a serene Kyoto garden with laughter by the stream.

A quiet stone path invites exploration through lush Kyoto greenery.

A quiet stone path invites exploration through lush Kyoto greenery.

Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo grove with wide smiles.

Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo grove with wide smiles.

Strolling through the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto's serene pathway.

Strolling through the vibrant torii gates of Kyoto's serene pathway.

Standing by a tranquil stream, soaking in Kyoto's serenity.

Standing by a tranquil stream, soaking in Kyoto's serenity.

Smiling in front of Kyoto's vibrant temple architecture.

Smiling in front of Kyoto's vibrant temple architecture.

Friends capture their Kyoto adventure under clear blue skies.

Friends capture their Kyoto adventure under clear blue skies.

Enjoying matcha ice cream in Kyoto's sunny outdoors.

Enjoying matcha ice cream in Kyoto's sunny outdoors.

A moody sky frames Kyoto's serene temple view perfectly.

A moody sky frames Kyoto's serene temple view perfectly.

Cherry blossoms frame a vibrant red temple in Kyoto.

Cherry blossoms frame a vibrant red temple in Kyoto.

A quiet moment at Kyoto's temple under the rain.

A quiet moment at Kyoto's temple under the rain.

A cheerful group enjoys a cherry blossom moment in Kyoto.

A cheerful group enjoys a cherry blossom moment in Kyoto.

Strolling through Kyoto under a striking torii gate.

Strolling through Kyoto under a striking torii gate.

Sunset stroll beneath a torii gate in Kyoto's warm glow.

Sunset stroll beneath a torii gate in Kyoto's warm glow.

A quiet moment beneath Kyoto's stunning pagoda as evening approaches.

A quiet moment beneath Kyoto's stunning pagoda as evening approaches.

Enjoying sweet treats amidst Kyoto's bustling food stalls.

Enjoying sweet treats amidst Kyoto's bustling food stalls.

Smiling under Kyoto's sun at a beautiful temple backdrop.

Smiling under Kyoto's sun at a beautiful temple backdrop.

Emerging with laughter from a tunnel of wishes in Kyoto.

Emerging with laughter from a tunnel of wishes in Kyoto.

Exploring the serene atmosphere inside a Kyoto temple.

Exploring the serene atmosphere inside a Kyoto temple.

Sharing a light moment outside a dazzling Kyoto theater at night.

Sharing a light moment outside a dazzling Kyoto theater at night.

A smiling group gathers under Kyoto's vibrant pagoda sky.

A smiling group gathers under Kyoto's vibrant pagoda sky.

Tranquil reflections ripple beside mossy rocks in Kyoto's serene garden.

Tranquil reflections ripple beside mossy rocks in Kyoto's serene garden.

A bustling crowd wanders through Kyoto under the pagoda's watchful spire.

A bustling crowd wanders through Kyoto under the pagoda's watchful spire.

Gathering beneath a historic wooden gate in Kyoto's serene streets.

Gathering beneath a historic wooden gate in Kyoto's serene streets.

Admiring Kyoto's cherry blossoms beneath the serene pagoda.

Admiring Kyoto's cherry blossoms beneath the serene pagoda.

Sharing smiles over soft-serve ice cream in a cozy Kyoto nook.

Sharing smiles over soft-serve ice cream in a cozy Kyoto nook.

Smiles abound in front of Kyoto's stunning pagoda backdrop.

Smiles abound in front of Kyoto's stunning pagoda backdrop.

Enjoying a sunny day by the serene Kyoto statue.

Enjoying a sunny day by the serene Kyoto statue.

Exploring ancient architecture under Kyoto's soft, overcast skies.

Exploring ancient architecture under Kyoto's soft, overcast skies.

Face to face with London's iconic Tower Bridge under a cloudy sky.

Face to face with London's iconic Tower Bridge under a cloudy sky.

Taking in the serene beauty of a Kyoto garden view.

Taking in the serene beauty of a Kyoto garden view.

Evening strolls near Kyoto's pagodas offer unexpected moments of charm.

Evening strolls near Kyoto's pagodas offer unexpected moments of charm.

Smiles all around at a scenic Kyoto temple terrace.

Smiles all around at a scenic Kyoto temple terrace.

Sunlight spills over a cheerful group in historic Kyoto.

Sunlight spills over a cheerful group in historic Kyoto.

Sunset casts a golden glow over Kyoto's bustling street scene.

Sunset casts a golden glow over Kyoto's bustling street scene.

Exploring the serene bamboo paths of Kyoto together.

Exploring the serene bamboo paths of Kyoto together.

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon