Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony

5.0 (5 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation

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5 reviews

5.0

Tea Ceremony in progress — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Posing in front of the Nandaimon Gate. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This is a WALKING TOUR.

On this tour, you will explore the best of what Nara has to offer, including the most famous sites, such as Nara Park, and Todaiji Temple, but also some "Off the beaten path" places, such as the original shop of the former Katana maker and actual famous Knifemaker "Kikuichi", and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Continue with cultural activities, including an introduction to Origami, the "Deer Challenge", and Calligraphy. If time allows it, you can wear a Kimono and/or a variety of costumes/outfits and go for a memorable photoshoot.

Explore the site of the oldest temple in Japan, Gangoji Temple, and listen to the scary origin story of the demon of Gangoji.

Finally, go to a traditional Japanese cafe to experience a true Tea Ceremony led by a certified Tea Master, away from the crowded and overpriced tourist traps, with freshly made matcha green tea, right in front of you, and a traditional handmade "Wagashi", a Japanese sweet for Tea.

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Operated by: Japan Tour Adventure

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Youth (6–19 years) · Adults (20–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bilingual Local guide
Included: Deer Cookies to share
Included: Introduction to Japanese Cutlery history
Included: Tea Ceremony Fee (Matcha & Wagashi Included)
Included: Gangoji Temple Entrance Fee
Included: Todaiji Temple Entrance Fee

Not included

Not included: Food and Drinks
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Shopping & Souvenirs

Itinerary

Stop 1

30 min

Admire the Great Southern Gate, the symbol of the Todaiji Temple domain. Admire the two fierce guardians of the gate and enjoy the beauty of its unique architecture.
Todai-ji Temple

50 min Admission included

Explore the Todaiji Temple on your own, providing free time inside for a more personal exploration, and learn about its history.

Visit the temple where is located the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the country, the "Daibutsuden", and get a chance to go through the Buddha's nostril.
Stop 3

30 min

Visit the original shop of the prestigious knife maker company Kikuichi.

Receive an introduction to Japanese cutlery, as well as advice on Japanese knives, if needed.

Former Katana maker, there is no better place to get Japanese knives, directly from the manufacturer.
Stop 4

45 min Admission not included

Midway through the tour, enjoy a relaxed lunch stop near Mikasa-ya Main Store, a long-established local favorite in Nara. Away from the busiest areas, this spot offers a genuine taste of everyday cuisine, with simple, seasonal dishes prepared in a traditional, home-style manner.

Your guide will help you navigate the menu and introduce regional specialties, making the experience accessible and engaging. More than just a meal, this stop provides a moment to slow down, observe local life, and connect with Nara’s culinary culture before continuing the afternoon exploration.
Stop 5

40 min

Visit the ancient Shrine "Kasuga Taisha" and learn about its spirit, the spirit of Kasuga, which can be described as the spirit of Nature, but also a general introduction to Shinto. Admire the beautiful Lantern path, and get the opportunity to make a wish at the Shinto shrine and connect with the spirit.
Nara Park

30 min

Walk through the park of Nara and witness the harmony between the city and the deer, following your local guide to get the best route possible.
Naramachi

30 min

Step into the atmospheric backstreets of Naramachi, where time seems to slow and everyday life unfolds much as it has for generations. This guided exploration invites you beyond the main tourist routes into one of Nara’s most authentic and quietly preserved neighborhoods—an area still largely untouched by mass tourism.

Wandering through narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden townhouses (machiya), you’ll gain insight into the architectural ingenuity and lifestyle of merchant families who once thrived here. But this experience goes far beyond observation. Carefully paced and thoughtfully curated, the tour creates natural opportunities to connect with the people who keep Naramachi alive today.

You may find yourself stepping into a small, family-run shop where the owner shares stories of their craft, or exchanging a few words with a local artisan restoring antique goods.
Gango-ji Temple

45 min Admission included

Explore Gangoji Temple, one of the 5 World Heritage Sites in Nara, and one of Nara's seven great temples.

Being technically the oldest temple in Japan still standing, learn about its history, and listen to the very unusual and scary story of the Demon of Gangoji.

Go inside for a preset time and explore the site freely before meeting your guide back outside.
Stop 9

one hour Admission included

Visit a traditional cafe, welcomed by a tea master and her husband.

Get away from the crowded tourist spots, and experience a true matcha green tea ceremony led by a certified tea master, with a traditional handmade "Wagashi" included (Japanese sweet).