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

5.0 (62 reviews) 4–6 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

62 reviews

5.0

Kasuga Grand Shrine — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Todai-ji Temple・Great Buddha Statue — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours City Tours Sake Tasting Public Transportation Tours Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 4–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: OTAKU hopper

Ages: Children (0–12 years) · Adults (13–70 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

Not included: Public Transportation Fare: Applicable only for departures from Kyoto.
Not included: Sake Tasting Fee: Applicable only to those who wish to participate.

Itinerary

Kofuku-ji Temple

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.
Todai-ji Temple

30 min Admission included

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.
Nigatsu-do Temple

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.
Stop 4

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.
Nara Park

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.
Kasuga Grand Shrine

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.
Harushika Brewery

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour can begin at Kintetsu-Nara Station. If you are staying in Osaka or Nara, we recommend starting here. Your guide will be waiting right in front of the large statue of Gyoki-bosatsu, just outside the station, holding a board with the OTAKU hopper logo.
This tour starts from the Central Exit (Kyoto Tower side) of Kyoto Station. Please head toward the Trip.com store, which serves as a landmark for the meeting point.

End point

The tour concludes at Kintetsu Nara Station. From there, participants are free to continue sightseeing in Nara or enjoy lunch in the area. For those who wish to return to Kyoto immediately, the guide can accompany you back—simply let them know!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

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.

Options

Pick up at Kyoto Station

Duration: 6 hours: Our private tour offers a personalized experience with flexible schedules and relaxing breaks, letting you enjoy every moment

Starting point:

Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station

Duration: 4 hours: Our private tour offers a personalized experience with flexible schedules and relaxing breaks, letting you enjoy every moment

Starting point:

Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29