Day trip to Nara, where past meets present
Day trip to Nara, where past meets present
Day trip to Nara, where past meets present
Day trip to Nara, where past meets present
Day trip to Nara, where past meets present
Day trip to Nara, where past meets present

What you'll do

Nara is home to unique features; we don’t just mean temples and shrines. Local street food is amazing because it caters to the tame deer that wander around Nara Park. Be wary, though - they’ll do anything for a bite! Your host will lead you to the city’s numerous cultural hotspots, ranging from ancient temples to one giant Buddha, giving you the inside scoop on centuries of Japanese history.

Peckish? You might find yourself slurping on the unique taste of spicy Tenri Ramen or sampling chagayu, a regional rice and tea porridge. If it’s souvenirs you’re after, pop in at Higashimuku Shopping District before heading back to the station. It’s chock full of curios and trinkets, and your host will be on hand to haggle!

Where you’ll go

Hop on a train with your local host and head straight for the culture-rich ancient capital of Nara, where thousands of years of civilization have shaped a unique and visually stunning setting. Buddhist artwork peppers the city's architecture, culminating in incredible temples, shrines, and relics, like the Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, and Horyu-ji, three spiritual centers with immense cultural significance.

Only eight such locations have been preserved, making Nara a unique window into Japan's tumultuous and vivid past. With its leafy avenues and famous tame deer, Nara is a true sight to behold, and your host will ensure you enjoy the finest sights, tastes, and lessons the city has to offer.

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 9 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Take a train ride from Osaka to Nara with your host, and discover the ancient city’s best attributes
  • Delve into centuries of Japanese history and culture, all in a single day.
  • See the city’s most iconic shrines, temples and relics, with expert insight from your host.
  • Discover hidden side streets and picturesque pathways in an architecturally stunning city.
  • Feed the famous deer that roam in and around Nara-koen Park. Who doesn’t love Bambi?
  • Taste Nara’s local delicacies at an eatery hand-picked by your host.

Things to know

What’s included

  • A private and personalized experience
  • 9 hours with a host (including travel time to and from Osaka)
  • Tickets to: Isui-en Garden, Todaiji-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

    Really engaging and helpful

    May 2023

    Sian H

    We had a marvelous day in Nara, going around and seeing all the sights and also the deers. Picture perfect. We are also grateful and thankful for our guide Marcelo for an amazing tour.

    April 2023

    Danna L

    We had a marvellous day in Nara, going around and seeing all the sights and also the deers. Picture perfect. We are also grateful and thankful for our guide Marcelo for an amazing tour.

    April 2023

    Danna L

    Our guide Miki was wonderful! She took us through a number of sites, explaining cultural and historical significance of each site. She reached out well in advance of our tour to confirm if we had any dietary restrictions (which we did), our budget for lunch, and our desired method of travel. Once everything was arranged, she met us promptly at the meeting time and patiently guided us through the rail system until we arrived in Nara. Once we arrived, she had arranged for two taxis to take us to the Ryoukan where we ate lunch. The scenery was picturesque and the food was delicious as well! She navigated us through the must-sees of Nara, including the Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, and the Kasuga Shrine with ease. She engaged with our children to make sure they had a great time as well.

    April 2023

    Ryan P

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Osaka. 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.

Other experiences you may be interested in

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See all experiences in Osaka

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

Other experiences you may be interested in

Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka
Osaka

Day trip to Kyoto from Osaka

In mystical Kyoto, wood-built alleys and centuries old temples replace the skyscrapers in Osaka

$299.10 per person

8 hours

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Osaka from Kobe port
Osaka

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Osaka from Kobe port

Get picked up at Kobe port and explore Osaka on a private tour tailored to your schedule and wishes!

$275.10 per person

8 hours

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Osaka port
Osaka

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Osaka port

Get picked up at Osaka port and explore Kyoto on a private tour tailored to your schedule and wishes!

$269.10 per person

8 hours

See all experiences in Osaka