Private Nara Tour and Sake Tasting (Departing from Kyoto/Nara)

About this experience

Discover the best of Nara on our PRIVATE morning tour, before the popular spots get crowded! Meet the friendly deer, admire Japan’s largest Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, and enjoy a sake tasting to experience local flavors. Explore Japan’s first capital in a fun, relaxed, and efficient way — perfect for a half-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka!

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 15 min

   Kofuku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara, is renowned for its iconic five-story pagoda, the second tallest in Japan, and its rich Buddhist heritage.

2. Stop 2

   Duration: 30 min

   Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. It is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, and its massive wooden hall, the Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden structure of its kind. A symbol of Nara's rich history, the temple offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience.

3. Stop 3

   Duration: 15 min

   Niigatsudo, part of Todai-ji Temple, offers stunning views of Nara and is famous for its Omizutori ceremony, held every March. This ancient tradition, over 1,200 years old, marks the arrival of spring with torch-lit rituals.

4. Stop 4

   Duration: 15 min

   Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located on the eastern side of Nara Park, near Todai-ji Temple. Founded in 749, it was built to enshrine Hachiman, the guardian deity of Todai-ji and its Great Buddha. The shrine has long been associated with samurai and warriors, as Hachiman is considered the god of war and protection. Surrounded by nature, it offers a peaceful atmosphere and is especially beautiful during autumn when the leaves change color.

5. Stop 5

   Duration: 20 min

   Nara Park is a beautiful, expansive park famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer. Visitors can enjoy the unique experience of feeding these gentle animals, making it a memorable part of your visit to Nara.

6. Stop 6

   Duration: 30 min

   Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Nara's most important Shinto shrines. Known for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, the shrine is dedicated to the deity of the Fujiwara clan and is a peaceful, spiritual site surrounded by lush forest.

7. Stop 7

   Duration: 30 min

   (For those interested, sake tasting is available for 700 yen)Harushika Brewery is renowned for producing high-quality sake using traditional methods. Known for its rich, smooth flavor, Harushika sake is crafted from locally grown rice and pure mountain water, offering a true taste of Nara's brewing heritage.

What's included

English information from the provider

• Entrance Fees: Todai-ji Temple (800yen)
• Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide
• Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!

What's not included

English information from the provider

• Public Transportation Fare: Applicable only for departures from Kyoto.
• Sake Tasting Fee: Applicable only to those who wish to participate.

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The tour duration depends on the departure point—around 6 hours from Kyoto and about 4 hours from Nara. If you opt for the sake tasting, please allow an extra 30 minutes.
• This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, using public transportation and plenty of time on foot to explore Nara.
• If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.

Cancellation policy

English information from the provider

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