Nara Best Spots Private Tour

15 Ratings

Kyoto

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Discover Nara’s rich heritage with expert guides. Explore temples, gardens, and iconic deer. Customize your tour for an unforgettable experience.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Kyoto Station - Meet your guide at 9:00 at JR Kyoto Station (in front of Tourist Information) for an 8-hour tour or at JR Nara Station (in front of a ticket gate) for a 6-hour tour. Please select some must-see spots from the list below. On average, you can visit 3 to 4 spots during this tour.
Kasuga Grand Shrine - Nara’s most renowned shrine, located within an ancient forest known for its mystical ambiance and lush, lantern-lined paths. Established in the 8th century when Nara was the capital, the shrine was built to pray for Japan’s prosperity and the well-being of its people. The harmony of nature, tradition, and spirituality at Kasuga Taisha Shrine offers a serene experience and a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Nara Park - A vast park in central Nara, famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer considered messengers of the gods. The park provides a unique chance to interact with wildlife amidst stunning historical landmarks. It’s an expansive oasis perfect for feeding the deer, exploring ancient temples, or enjoying a leisurely walk.
Mt. Wakakusa - A gently sloping mountain behind Nara Park, offering panoramic views of the ancient city of Nara and its surrounding beauty. This grass-covered mountain is popular for its scenic hiking trails leading to a summit about 350 meters high.
Kofuku-ji Temple - A testament to Nara’s ancient religious and cultural significance, this temple was once the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan and consisted of over 150 buildings in the 8th century. Visitors can explore the history and artistry of the Heian period through its museum, which houses an exquisite collection of Buddhist art. The temple’s five-story pagoda (under restoration until 2031) is an iconic Nara landmark.
Naramachi - Literally meaning “Nara Town,” this charming historic district invites visitors to step back in time as they wander through narrow alleys lined with traditional residential buildings, warehouses, shops, and cafes. Once a merchant district, Naramachi now features beautifully preserved residences turned museums, unique local crafts, and peaceful strolls.
Isuien Garden - An attractive Japanese garden featuring the use of Todaiji Temple’s Nandaimon Gate and Mt. Wakakusayama as “borrowed scenery.” The garden’s name, meaning “garden founded on water,” comes from its ponds fed by the nearby Yoshikigawa River. The Yoshikien Garden is located just across the river.
Yoshikien - A pleasant Japanese garden in central Nara next to Isuien Garden, named after the Yoshikigawa River. Built on the site of Kofukuji Temple’s former priest residences, Yoshikien features three unique gardens: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. Visitors can see three different styles of Japanese gardens in one spot, with Isuien Garden just across the river for more examples.
Shinyakushiji Temple - Founded in the 8th century to pray for the emperor’s recovery from illness, this temple houses a remarkable principal image of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine, surrounded by twelve guardian deities, each a masterpiece of early Japanese sculpture. The temple offers a peaceful and reflective ambiance.
Nara National Museum - Located in Nara Park, this art museum primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art. Established in 1889, the museum retains its original building and features a new wing connected by an underground passage. Both wings display the museum’s permanent collection, including Buddhist statues, paintings, scrolls, and ceremonial objects mainly from Japan. The new wing also hosts temporary exhibitions, including an annual autumn exhibition of treasures from Todaiji Temple. A ticket grants access to both wings, with English explanations available throughout the museum.
Todai-ji Temple - One of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples, and a landmark of Nara. This UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates visitors with its rich history and architectural magnificence. Home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, Todai-ji Temple is both a spiritual haven and a masterpiece of ancient Japanese craftsmanship.

What's Included

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

What's Not Included

Transportation to/from attractions (for you & guide)
Entrance fees (for you & guide)
Lunch (for you & guide)
Other Private Expenses
Private Vehicle
Hotel Pick-up

Additional Information

Explore the highlights of Nara with our friendly local guides who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their city. They will take you around the sites in most efficient way and provide you with in-depth insights into each site, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.

Nara, the first capital of Japan, is a captivating city that offers a journey back in time to the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Famous for its serene temples and a shrine, stunning garden, and the iconic free-roaming deer. This tour allows you to choose several locations of your choice.

Join us for an unforgettable stop in Nara, the heart of Japan.

Please choose 3 to 4 must-see spots from “What To Expect” that you wish to visit.

A moderate amount of walking is included. Please wear comfortable walking shoes
This is a walking tour. A private vehicle is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between spots.
The tour will take place rain or shine.

Location

Kyoto Station

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings

4.8

(15 Ratings)

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Joavb2024

Aug 18, 2024

Amazing Experience! - We had Kiyoto as our tour guide. He was great, very knowledgeable and flexible to adapt to our needs on the fly. Nara and Kyoto were amazing. Thank you!