Nara Full-Day Private Tour: Government-Licensed Guide From Osaka/Kyoto
5.0
70 Ratings
Nara
Experience a full-day private tour of Nara with a government-licensed guide from Osaka/Kyoto. Explore the ancient city's traditional and modern sides in this customizable tour!
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Todai-ji Temple - Todaiji (東大寺, Tōdaiji, “Great Eastern Temple”) is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple’s influence on government affairs.

Until recently, Todaiji’s main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world’s largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall’s size. The massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

What's Included
  • Meet up with guide in Osaka/Kyoto
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
What's Not Included
  • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Additional Information

Explore the charm of Nara with a certified multilingual guide who is well-experienced and government-approved. They will effectively guide you through a day-long walking tour of Nara, acquainting you with the modern and traditional aspects of this vibrant, historic Japanese city.

Nara sits near Kyoto and Osaka, and its rich heritage makes it an ideal place for a day trip from either city. The personalized assistance of your private guide will make your day-long exploration of this ancient city even more rewarding.

Begin your day at your hotel in Osaka or Kyoto. Tell us what you hope to see and do, and we’ll tailor the best Nara day tour for you!

Note1: Please choose your must-visit locations from the list provided in the tour information to create your own itinerary.
Note
2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter qualification is granted by the Japanese government and necessitates a firm understanding and knowledge of Japanese culture and history.

  • This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Location
Todai-ji Temple
406-1 Zoushi-cho,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(70 Ratings)
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263zeniac
Jun 20, 2024
Sumo wrestling - We had an amazing experience learning about Sumo culture. Kazuo was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour fun by telling many interesting and entertaining stories about the sumo culture and wrestlers.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_c
Jun 11, 2024
Appreciate Yuka... - Appreciate Yuka personalized the trip to accomodate our desire to see Yakushiji Temple, even though it was in a less popular area of Nara. The East Pagoda was first built over 1,300 years ago, and is one of the several National Treasures in Japan. Yuka was very knowledgeable, explained the history and showed us the details of the architecture. We also enjoyed Horyuji Temple, Nara Park and Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple was overcrowd with a lot of the Japanese school children's school excursions. So less time to spend rto eally admire the Vairocana Buddha. But it was interesting to see all the children lining up and trying to crawl through the hole in the huge pillar to ensure academic success.
Review provided by Viator
Jeany_b
Jun 3, 2024
Trip to Nara - Seeing all the deer & enormous Buddha was fascinating. Our guide was very pleasant and informative! I would definitely recommend this day trip!
Review provided by Viator
Michael_p
May 30, 2024
Very organized, informative guide. - Mr. Ken Yokozuka was quite incredible the way he prepared everything for our one day visit to Nara. He organized the day to fit in the places we were interested in visiting and another most interesting places. At every stop, he explained all the historical background and related information. It was on a very tight schedule and without his help we could not have managed it. The morning at the Horyuji temple was the highlight of our five day trip in Japan. Clear blue sky, clean air, the oldest wooden building and the art works there. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
O1643ickathleens
May 28, 2024
Great day tour - We had a great day trip seeing the shrines and temple in Nara and feeding the deer. Our guide Anne was a delight. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samy
May 23, 2024
Great full day experience - Hiro was great!! He has a ready itinerary, and we did even more, he even pick us up from our hotel in Kyoto. Very kind and good history behind all the temples
Review provided by Tripadvisor
568rafab
May 22, 2024
Beautiful trip. - Beautiful trip. Our guide Shoji was really professional and kind. He took us to amazing temples, far away from the crowds. We really recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan_r
May 12, 2024
Nara Tour: History, Joy, and Warmth Collide - Our day in Nara with Junichi was an unexpected delight—a rejuvenating journey guided by the warmth and humor of an extraordinary host. We arrived weary from days of tours and treks, unsure if we had the energy for more, but Junichi's infectious enthusiasm quickly swept away our fatigue. From the outset, Junichi's charisma and charm transformed the day into an unforgettable adventure. His joyful demeanor made us forget our weariness as he effortlessly blended insightful commentary with genuine camaraderie. We felt less like tourists and more like cherished companions. What truly set Junichi apart was his exceptional ability to engage everyone around us. His insight into each tour site was so enlightening and engaging that children and adults from all walks of life stopped to listen to him while he guided us throughout our day. Exploring Nara Deer Park with Junichi was a highlight, filled with laughter and wonder. The sight of bowing deer and the joy of feeding them cookies brought smiles that erased any trace of tiredness. Opting for on-the-go eats, we savored local Onigiri at a serene gazebo, overlooking a picturesque pond—a simple yet sublime moment made magical by Junichi's company. Later in the afternoon, we stopped for a quick snack of the most amazing Udon noodles—another of Junichi’s special hidden diamonds, casting brilliance in our day. Junichi's tour was a tapestry of cultural gems. At the Katana Sword manufacturer's shop, we marveled at exquisite Japanese knives—a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. Visiting Todaiji Temple, Junichi regaled us with tales of its grandeur, the significance of its architecture, and the profound history behind Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue. The Nio Guardian Kings overseeing the temple gate added a majestic touch to the experience. The Shoro Bell Tower captivated us with its Zen-inspired elegant and massive historic bell—a true embodiment of ancient Japan's enduring spirit. Our leisurely stroll through Isuien and Yoshikien Gardens revealed serene beauty at every turn, offering a tranquil respite. Yet, the pinnacle of our day was in Nara-machi, where Junichi orchestrated a sake tasting like no other. Amidst the locals, it was wonderful to laugh and rest our weary bones while Junichi made us feel like cherished friends. Junichi's thoughtful gestures extended to ensuring our safe return, securing our tickets back to Kyoto with meticulous care. Parting ways at Nara Station was bittersweet—we left with lumps in our throats, feeling like we were saying farewell to family. Junichi's passion and genuine warmth made our journey through Nara an unforgettable chapter of our Japan adventure. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour for anyone seeking not just sights, but a deep connection with Japan's soul. Thank you, Junichi, for crafting memories that will forever resonate in our hearts.
Review provided by Viator
Lovetravel1996
Jun 20, 2024
Great day at Nara - A full day with amazing temples, shrines and deer! Kazuo met with us at the train station and guided us to Nara. He kept a very thorough schedule that included the major highlights, with great knowledge of all the history. He always made sure we were hydrated and allowed us time to go shopping. The restaurant he chose for lunch was very reasonable and with good variety.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y300zvdebras
May 28, 2024
A great day in Nara - The trip was great with our guide, Anne who explained the history of the sites we visited. The only drawback was the weather as it rained the entire time. All in all, a good day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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1 Adult
June 2024
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