Arashiyama & Nara Highlights

Uncover the rich history and vibrant culture of Nara and Arashiyama in a day tour from Kyoto. Visit iconic landmarks, explore beautiful gardens, and interact with friendly deer.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Nara Park - Discover the charm of Nara Deer Park on your tour, where friendly deer roam freely in a picturesque setting. This expansive park allows you to interact with the gentle deer, known for their calm demeanor and eagerness to greet visitors. Purchase special deer crackers to feed them and enjoy a memorable, interactive experience.

The park’s beautiful landscape, featuring lush green lawns and seasonal blooms, provides a perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll. Embrace the unique opportunity to connect with these sacred animals in one of Japan’s most beloved natural spaces.

  • Todai-ji Temple - Experience the grandeur of Todaiji Temple on your tour, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its majestic Great Buddha Hall. Inside, you’ll find one of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statues, an awe-inspiring sight that exemplifies Japanese Buddhist art and architecture.

Explore the temple grounds, where ancient wooden structures and serene landscapes enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Todaiji Temple’s historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination, offering a profound glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

  • Kasuga Grand Shrine - Visit Kasuga Shrine on your tour, a captivating Shinto shrine renowned for its enchanting atmosphere and beautiful lanterns. The shrine is famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathways, creating a magical glow as you explore its lush, forested grounds.

Admire the intricate design of the shrine’s buildings and enjoy the tranquil setting, which reflects the serene spirit of Japanese spirituality. Kasuga Shrine’s rich history and picturesque surroundings make it a highlight of your visit to Nara.

  • Bamboo Forest Street - Explore Kyoto’s natural and cultural treasures with our tour featuring the Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, and Tenryu-ji Temple Garden. Begin your journey in the Bamboo Forest, where towering green stalks create a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful walk.

Next, visit Nonomiya Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine known for its serene setting and ancient traditions. Discover its beautiful architecture and lush surroundings.

  • Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien - Conclude with a visit to the Tenryu-ji Temple Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its exquisite Zen garden and stunning landscape views. Enjoy a serene stroll through meticulously designed gardens, reflecting the beauty of traditional Japanese landscape artistry.
What's Included
  • Guiding and management
  • Driver arrangement
What's Not Included
  • Transportation: van rent -Cash : Up to 5 : ¥ 110,000,more than 5 please let me know)
  • Entry fees and Lunch
  • Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected (In case your experience was exceptional)
Additional Information

The itinerary is based on hiring a car or a van for 10 hours - Cash to the driver on the tour day: Up to 5 passengers: ¥110,000 ,if more than 5 please let me know in advance.

1- Within a day of your stay in Kyoto, I am going to show you the must-see spots of Nara and Arashimaya.

2- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective.

3- Tour itenerary is planned to cover the top sightseeing spots of Nara and Arashiyama and long enough to go around the cultural and historic places too, however, I can customize it based on your will.

Itenerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide.

09:00 Meeting at your hotel in Kyoto
10:00 bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji temple garden
11:00 Hozu-gawa river and Togetsu bridge
13:00 move to Nara
14:30 Nara deers park
15:30 Todaiji temple
16:30 Kasuga Shrine
17:30 Back to Kyoto
19:00 Tour finish

Location
Kyoto
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Flora_k
May 17, 2024
Must do for people who have short stay in Japan - Very well organized trip We saw very impressive Buddha Temple and Shinto Shrine in Nara. We were fascinated with Bamboo forest. Guide was very attentive, took lots of pictures and even when we had extra time left took us to Kyoto to explore Nijo castle which was not on itinerary that we are very appreciative that otherwise we would not have a chance to see it. Guide also helped us to make dinner reservation for after the trip We were very happy how we spent our time
Review provided by Viator
Xcpvx76xvg
Apr 13, 2024
Great Tour - We had an amazing time, our tour guide Miyako was awesome, so knowledgeable and kind, highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_f
Apr 2, 2024
Best tour guide EVER!!! - wow I have to say my family and I had an amazing time!!!!! this is my second time ever writing any kind of review. my first experience with viator was a miserable one. thanks to my stars I didn't cancel this tour based off of my first experience. this tour cost a bit but it was worth every penny. we got picked up at our hotel. greeted so nicely . doors opened for us, water was offered right away. our tour guide Mike was AMAZING!!! it's our first time in japan so we didn't know anything. mike was very polite, bubbly and funny. mike told us step by step where we were going and as we got to each location he explained about the history and little facts about that location. persons in our group had a bit of a ruff time with walking to quickly but Mike made sure he asked Frequently it we are ok and if we needed to rest for a min. Mike was the best!!! he was like our personal photographer lol . he took pictures in every little spot and at every angle lol that was so sweet of him to do. he also gave use a picture foulder of every place we visited. he also saved every entry ticket we got that day and gave them to us after every stop . he also sent all of the photos to me at the end of the tour . if anyone is looking for a GREAT tour guide ask for Mike on this tour . he seems to love his job so that made the tour more memorable for my family and I. this experience makes me want to come back to Japan to learn more . 100% satisfied
Review provided by Viator
Liliya_b
Oct 2, 2023
Great tour - We had a great day exploring Kyoto and surroundings. Our guide Ahmed was excellent, speaks fluent English and is very knowledgeable about the region. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Cristinastroe2412
Apr 27, 2023
Great day - We had a great day. The guide was a professional, very punctual and he told us a lot if interesting things.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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