NARA Walking Tour [Customize Your Itinerary]

Nara, JP
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Tour Guide

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Breakfast
  • exclusion
    Dinner
  • exclusion
    Private transportation
  • exclusion
    Public transportation
  • exclusion
    Lunch

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Agora Place Osaka Namba
Aikume Ryokan
ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka, an IHG hotel
APA Hotel & Resort Midosuji Hommachi Eki Tower
APA Hotel Higashiumeda Minamimorimachi Ekimae
APA Hotel Midosuji Hommachi Ekihigashi
APA Hotel Midosuji Hommachi Ekimae
APA HOTEL Namba Kita Shinsaibashi Ekimae
APA Hotel Namba Shinsaibashi
APA HOTEL NAMBEKI-HIGASHI
APA Hotel Osaka Higobashi Ekimae
APA Hotel Osaka Tanimachi 4Chome Ekimaekita
APA Hotel Osaka Tanimachi Yonchome Ekimae
APA Hotel Osaka Temma
APA Hotel Osaka Umeda
APA Hotel Shinosaka Eki Tower
APA Hotel Shinosaka Ekiminami
APA Hotel Yodoyabashi Kitahama Ekimae
APA Hotel Yodoyabashiekimae
Ark Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Arrow Hotel in Shinsaibashi
Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower
Astil Hotel Shin Osaka
Azu Garden Nippombashi
Benikea Calton Hotel Osaka Dotombori
Bespoke Hotel Shinsaibashi
Best Western Hotel Fino Osaka Shinsaibashi
Best Western Osaka Tsukamoto
Best Western Plus Hotel Fino Osaka Kitahama
Business Hotel Ito
Business Hotel Nissei
Business Hotel Shin-Nanba 1 gokan
Business Hotel Shin-Nanba 2 gokan
Business Inn Sennichimae Hotel
Business Inn Tanimachi
Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba
Cinnamon Hotel
City Plaza Osaka
City Villa R Annex
Cityroute Hotel
Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Comfort Hotel Shin-Osaka
Conrad Osaka
Courtyard by Marriott Osaka Honmachi
Courtyard Shin-osaka Station
CROSS HOTEL OSAKA
Cross Wave Umeda
Culti Earl Hotel
Daiwa Royal Hotel D-City Osaka Shin Umeda
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Kitahama
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Osaka Uehonmachi
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Yotsubashi
Del Style Osaka Higashitemma by Daiya Roynet Hotel
DEL style Osaka-Shinsaibashi by Daiwa Roynet Hotel
Dormy Inn Osaka Tanimachi
Dormy Inn Premium Namba
Dormy Inn Premium Namba Annex Natural Hot Spring
Dormy Inn Premium Osaka Kitahama
Dotombori Crystal Hotel
Dotombori Crystal Hotel IV
Dotombori Crystal Hotel Ⅱ
Dotonbori Hotel
Ebisuso
Eins.Inn Umeda Higashi
esports hotel e-ZONe Denno Kukan
Family Inn Fifty's Osaka
For Leaves Inn Uehonmachi
Four Points Flex By Sheraton Osaka Kitahama
Four Points Flex by Sheraton Osaka Shinsaibashi
Four Points Flex By Sheraton Osaka Umeda
Four Points Flex By Sheraton Shin Osaka
Fraser Residence Nankai Osaka
Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Kitasemba
Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Midosuji
Garner Hotel Osaka Honmachi Station
Grampus Inn Osaka
Guest House 168 Shinsaibashi
Harmonie Embrassee Osaka
Hearton Hotel Kita Umeda
Hearton Hotel Nishi Umeda
Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi
Hearton Hotel Shinsaibashi Nagahoridori
Henn na Hotel Osaka Namba
Hilton Osaka
Hisaya
Hiyori Hotel Osaka Namba
Holiday Inn & Suites Shin Osaka, an IHG hotel
Holiday Inn Osaka Namba, an IHG hotel
Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi
Hotel Alexander Namba
Hotel Alps
hotel androoms Osaka Hommachi
hotel androoms Shin-Osaka
Hotel Asiato
Hotel Awina Osaka
Hotel Axiainn Osaka-Uehonmachi
Hotel Binario Umeda
Hotel Blue
Hotel Bougain Villea Shinosaka
Hotel Brighton City Osaka Kitahama
Hotel Ceeds
Hotel Claiton Shinosaka
Hotel Consort Shin-Osaka
Hotel Cordia Osaka
Hotel Daiki
Hotel Dans Le Coeur Osaka Umeda
Hotel Ekichika Nagahoribashi
Hotel Elsereine Osaka
Hotel Felice Shinsaibashi
Hotel Forza Osaka Kitahama
Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba
Hotel Granvia Osaka
Hotel Hankyu International
Hotel Hankyu Respire Osaka
Hotel Hanshin Annex Osaka
Hotel Hanshin Osaka
Hotel Hillarys
Hotel Hills
Hotel Hokke Club Osaka
Hotel Il Cuore Namba
Hotel Il Grande Umeda
Hotel Il Monte
Hotel International House Osaka
Hotel It. Osaka Shimmachi
Hotel It’s On
Hotel J&C
Hotel Kanade Osaka Namba
HOTEL KANADE Osaka Shinsaibashi
Hotel Kanade Osaka Shinsaibashi
Hotel Kansai
Hotel Keihan Kyobashi Grande
Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi
Hotel Keihan Yodoyabashi
Hotel Kitahachi
Hotel Landmark Umeda
Hotel Lantana Osaka
Hotel Links Namba
Hotel Live Max Umeda
Hotel Livemax Namba
Hotel LiveMax Osaka Hommachi
Hotel Livemax Osaka Yodoyabashi
Hotel Livemax Otemae
Hotel Livemax Shin-Osaka
Hotel Livemax Shinsaibashi-East
Hotel Livemax Umeda Doyama
Hotel Livemax Umeda-West
HOTEL MATSUGAE OSAKA
Hotel Meldia Osaka Higobashi
Hotel Mielparque Osaka
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka
Hotel Monterey Lasoeur Osaka
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
Hotel Monterey Osaka
HOTEL MYSTAYS Midosuji Honmachi
HOTEL MYSTAYS Otemae
HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Dojima
Hotel Mystays Sakaisuji-Honmachi
HOTEL MYSTAYS Shin Osaka Conference Center
HOTEL MYSTAYS Shinsaibashi
Hotel Naniwa Shimanouchi Honten
Hotel Nankai Nanba
Hotel NCB
Hotel Neo World Nishinakajima
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka Annex
Hotel New Otani Osaka
Hotel Nikko Osaka
Hotel Oaks Early Bird Osaka Morinomiya
Hotel Okuuchi Osaka
Hotel Osaka Castle
Hotel Plaza 21 Osaka Kyobashi
Hotel Plaza Osaka
Hotel Plaza Umeshin Kitashinchi
Hotel Primrose Osaka
Hotel Relief Namba Daikokucho
Hotel Route Inn Osaka Hommachi
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
Hotel Sakura Suite Osaka
Hotel Shiki Utsubo Park
Hotel Shin Osaka
Hotel Shinsaibashi Lions Rock
Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome Mae
Hotel Sun White
Hotel Sunlife
Hotel Taisei Nakanoshima
Hotel Taito
HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi
Hotel The Grandee
Hotel the Lutheran
Hotel Trend Nishi-Shinsaibashi
Hotel Villa Fontaine Shinsaibashi
Hotel Vischio Osaka by Granvia
Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi
Hotel Wing International Select Osaka Umeda
Hotel Yururito Osaka
Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda
Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel
Ichiyu
Ikenoya
Ikidane House Tanimachi Sou
Imperial Hotel Osaka
Intercontinental Osaka, An Ihg Hotel
IP City Hotel Osaka
JR West Group Via Inn Shinosaka
JR West Group Via Inn Shinosaka West
Kamon Hotel Namba
Kaneyoshi Ryokan
karaksa hotel grande Shin-Osaka Tower
karaksa hotel Osaka Namba
Kawarayamachi Crystal Hotel
Kitahorie Yamaguchi
KKR Hotel Osaka
Koyo Ryokan
Kuretake Inn Osaka Midosuji Hommachi
Kuretake Inn Osaka Sakaisuji Hommachi
Kuromon Crystal Hotel
Maruichi Hotel
Milago Stylish Hotel Juso
Minami Semba Crystal Hotel
Minn Juso
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
Moxy Osaka Honmachi
My Dear I
My Dear II
Nakanoshima Plaza
Namba Oriental Hotel
Nanba Plaza Hotel
Naniwanomiya Hotel
Natural Hot Spring Midosuji Hotel
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
New Osaka Hotel
New Osaka Hotel Shinsaibashi
Nippombashi Crystal Hotel
Nippombashi Crystal Hotel 2
Noku Osaka
Nono Namba
Osaka Corona Hotel
Osaka Days Apartment
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka Fujiya Hotel
Osaka Garden Palace
Osaka Riverside Hotel
Osaka Teikoku Hotel
Osaka Tokyu REI Hotel
Osaka View Hotel Honmachi
OYO 516 Hotel U-nus
OYO 644 Hotel Art Inn Namba
Premier Hotel Cabin President Osaka
Quintessa Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
R & B Hotel Umeda Higashi
R&B Hotel Shinosaka Kitaguchi
Reco Hotel Mikuni
Red Roof Inn & Suites Osaka Namba Nippombashi
Remm Shin Osaka
Rex Inn Namba
Richmond Hotel Namba Daikokucho
RIHGA Place Higobashi
Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka
Rock Star Hotel
Ryokan Kuramoto
S Peria Inn Osaka Hommachi
Sakura Garden Hotel
Sanco Inn Osaka Yodoyabashi
Sankai Ryokan
Sarasa Hotel Dotombori
Sarasa Hotel Namba
Sarasa Hotel Shin-Osaka
Sarasa Hotel Shinsaibashi
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Shin Osaka Washington Hotel Plaza
Shin-Osaka Station Hotel
Shin-Osaka Station Hotel Annex
Shin-Osaka Sun Plaza Hotel
Shin-Osaka Sunny Stone Hotel
Shinsaibashi Arty Inn
Shogetsu Ryokan
Smile Hotel Namba
Smile Hotel Premium Osaka Higashi-Shinsaibashi
Smile Hotel Premium Osaka Hommachi
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kitahama
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Namba Ekimae
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Shinsaibashi
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba
Stay Vintage Nakazaki East
Step Inn Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi
Suigetsu Ryokan
Sumo Backpackers
Sunplaza Rinkai
Super Hotel City Osaka & Natural Hot Springs
Super Hotel JR Shin-Osaka Higashiguchi
Super Hotel Namba Nippombashi
Super Hotel Tanimachi 4 chome Subway Exit No. 6
Super Hotel Umeda Higobashi
SureStay PLUS Hotel by Best Western Shin-Osaka
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
Tanimachi LUXE HOTEL
the b namba-kuromon
THE BOLY OSAKA
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
The Lively Osaka Honmachi
The Rise Osaka Kitashinchi
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
The Rooms Osaka
The Royal Park Canvas Osaka Kitahama
The St. Regis Osaka
The Westin Osaka
Toho Hotel Namba Motomachi
Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Hankyu Juso-eki Nishi-guchi No.1
Toyoko Inn Osaka Hankyu Juso-eki Nishi-guchi No.2
Toyoko Inn Osaka JR Noda Ekimae
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba Nishi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Nippombashi Bunraku Gekijo Mae
Toyoko Inn Osaka Sakuranomiya-eki Nishi-guchi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Semba 1
Toyoko Inn Osaka Semba Higashi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Semba No.2
Toyoko Inn Osaka Taniyon Kosaten
Toyoko Inn Osaka Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome
Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Higashi
Toyoko Inn Osaka Umeda Nakatsu No.1
Toyoko Inn Osaka Yodoyabashi eki Minami
Toyoko Inn Shin-osaka Chuo-guchi Honkan
Toyoko Inn Shin-Osaka Chuoguchi Shinkan
Toyoko Inn Shin-Osaka Higashi-Mikuni Ekimae
Toyoko Inn Shin-Osaka-eki Higashi-guchi
Toyoko Inn Shinsaibashi Nishi
Toyoko Inn Temmabashi Otemae
Toyoko Inn Umeda Nakatsu 2
Tsukinoya
Tsurigane Club
Umeda Plaza Hotel
Urbanty Nishikujo
Vessel Inn Shinsaibashi
Via Inn Shinsaibashi
Via Inn Shinsaibashi Yotsubashi
Via Inn Umeda
Viale Osaka
Wafu Ryokan Uehonmachi
Welco Inn Yodoyabashi
Welina Hotel Dotonbori
Welina Hotel Honmachi
Welina Hotel Premier Shinsaibashi
Welina Hotel Umeda
Well Stone Hotel Umeda
WONZ HOTEL
Y's Hotel Shin Osaka
Yamanishi Welfare Memorial Hall
Yamatoya Honten
Yuyou Superior Apartment
***This is a door-to-door service. Other than hotels and ryokans listed above, we pick up and drop off all guests at other types of accommodation like AirBNB, train stations or their desired destinations within the traveled city. ***Pick up and drop off time could be arranged according to your convenience.

What to expect

1

Todai-ji Temple

Todaiji (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. Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) is 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.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
2
Nara Park

Nara Park (Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's over 1000 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them, so make sure not to tease them with food.

Duration 60 minutes
3

Heijo Palace Museum

During most of the Nara Period (710-794), Nara served as the capital of Japan and was known as Heijo-kyo. The Heijo Palace extended about one kilometer wide and one kilometer long and served as the site of the emperor's residence and government offices. For its great historical and cultural importance, the palace site is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nara. Although the palace once stood as the majestic center of the ancient capital, all of its original buildings were eventually lost, with the exception of a single hall that was moved in the 8th century and now stands at Toshodaiji Temple. When the capital was moved away from Heijo-kyo in 784, Heijo Palace and a large part of the city were abandoned as officials and other citizens flocked to the new capital. The temples on the outskirts of the former capital, however, retained their importance, and the city of Nara eventually resumed its growth around these temples, while the palace grounds were used for nothing but rice fields.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
4
Horyu-ji Temple

Horyuji Temple (Hōryūji) was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, who is credited with the early promotion of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples and contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a world heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are spacious and separated into two main precincts, the Western Precinct (Saiin Garan) and the Eastern Precinct (Toin Garan).

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Kasuga Taisha Museum

Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. In the case of Kasuga Taisha, however, the custom was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period. Beyond the shrine's offering hall, which can be visited free of charge, there is a paid inner area which provides a closer view of the shrine's inner buildings. Furthest in is the main sanctuary, containing multiple shrine buildings that display the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture, characterized by a sloping roof extending over the front of the building.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
6
Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofukuji (興福寺, Kōfukuji) used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful aristocratic clan during much of the Nara and Heian Periods. The temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. At the height of Fujiwara power, the temple consisted of over 150 buildings.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
7
Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum (奈良国立博物館, Nara Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan), located in Nara Park, is an art museum which primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art. Established in 1889, the museum retains its original building and is joined by a new wing that is connected to the original building by an underground passage.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8
Nigatsu-do Temple

The Nigatsudo Hall is a short walk on the hill east of the Daibutsuden Hall and offers nice views of the city from its balcony. The hall is the site of the spectacular Omizutori ceremonies, held in March every year.

Duration 30 minutes
9

Hasedera Temple

Hasedera Temple (長谷寺) is located in the mountains east of central Sakurai. The temple was founded in 686, and now serves as the head temple of the Bunzan school of Shingon Buddhism. Situated in a valley, Hasedera has over 30 buildings built up along the hillside that visitors can spend a long time exploring. The main hall is at the very top and offers a great view of the surroundings from its balcony, particularly during the cherry blossom (sakura) and autumn color (koyo) seasons.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by Private & Custom Tours in Japan

What our experts say

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    Try the deer crackers in Nara Park.
  • icon
    Visit Todai-ji early to avoid crowds.
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    Explore nearby cafes for lunch options.
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    Check the seasonal events at Kasuga Taisha.
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    Bring a camera for stunning temple views.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the beauty and history of Nara like never before with the NARA Walking Tour. This private VIP tour allows you to customize your itinerary and explore the city at your own pace. With your own dedicated tour guide, you'll have approximately 8 hours to visit the famous destinations and hidden gems of Nara.

What to expect?

During the NARA Walking Tour, you can expect a one-of-a-kind experience that caters to your travel desires and special requests. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient temples, strolling through picturesque parks, or immersing yourself in Japanese culture, this tour can be tailored to meet your specific interests. From the iconic Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, to the tranquil Nara Park where hundreds of deer roam freely, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of Nara.

Who is this for?

The NARA Walking Tour is perfect for anyone seeking a personalized and immersive experience in Nara. Whether you are a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this tour caters to a wide range of interests. Solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups can all benefit from the flexibility and customization options offered by this tour. No matter your age or travel preferences, this tour ensures that you can enjoy Nara to the fullest.

Why book this?

Book the NARA Walking Tour for a truly unforgettable journey through this ancient capital of Japan. With your own private guide, you'll have the opportunity to explore Nara's famous landmarks while also discovering hidden gems that are off the beaten path. The ability to customize your itinerary ensures that you can focus on the aspects of Nara that interest you the most, creating a personalized and meaningful experience. From the moment you step foot in Nara until the end of your tour, our team will be there to assist you, provide recommendations, and ensure that your trip is seamless and memorable.

Good to know

During the NARA Walking Tour, you have the flexibility to make changes to your itinerary even on the day of the tour. Our experienced tour guide and dedicated team are always available to offer recommendations and assistance. It's important to note that extra charges may apply for overtime service. With a total duration of 480 to 600 minutes, this tour allows you to immerse yourself in Nara's history, culture, and natural beauty.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the NARA Walking Tour rave about the personalized and customized nature of the tour. They praise the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides who make the experience truly memorable. Travelers appreciate the flexibility to explore at their own pace and the ability to discover hidden gems in Nara. Whether you're interested in ancient temples, breathtaking parks, or cultural landmarks, the NARA Walking Tour has exceeded the expectations of many travelers, leaving them with a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of Nara.

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