Kyoto Day Trip to Nara with a Local – Private & Personalized

About this experience

Travel to Japan’s 8th century capital and immerse yourself in Nara’s ancient heritage and leafy green surroundings. With one of our hosts by your side, you will make the short journey from Kyoto to this city, which plays home to some of the most significant Zen temples and Shinto shrines in all of Japan. When lunch rolls around (which it inevitably does), you can enjoy authentic Kansai cuisine at a tranquil spot. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Take a train from Kyoto Station with your host who will eliminate any travel stress by organizing your tickets - no one likes looking at train timetables when they’re on holiday IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

2. Stop 2

   The head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples. The main hall, the Daibutsuden houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu), 15 meters tall. Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

3. Stop 3

   See the iconic deer roaming through the city’s streets and parks like Nara-koen Park. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

4. Stop 4

   This garden, stretched between Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji temples is so quiet that you will feel almost outside the world in your little bubble of zen-peace. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

5. Stop 5

   Nara’s most celebrated shrine, it was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, one of Japan's most powerful family clans. Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries until Edo period. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. The lanterns are only lit twice a year during two Lantern Festivals (February and August). IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

6. Stop 6

   Don’t miss the astonishing five-storied pagoda (Japan’s second tallest wooden pagoda) and three-storied pagodas, historical landmarks of Nara. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

What's included

English information from the provider

• Tickets to Isui-en Garden, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple and other
• Private and personalized experience
• Walking experience once in Nara (other transportation can be arranged)
• 9 hours with a host (including travel time from Kyoto)

What's not included

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• Food and drinks
• Tickets to attractions other than the ones listed above
• Bicycle rentals
• Transportation costs (Japan Rail Pass holders can travel free on the JR)
• Gratuities (optional)

Additional information

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• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

English information from the provider

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