NaraKyotoSightseeingPrivate toursDay trips

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

    5.0(61 reviews)
    By OTAKU hopperProduct code 5515036P7
    Kasuga Grand Shrine
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    Kofuku-ji TempleWelcome to Nara!・Kintetsu Nara StationNara Park・DeerKasuga Grand ShrineTodai-ji Temple・Great Buddha StatueKasuga Grand ShrineTodaiji-TempleHarushika Brewery・Sake TastingTodai-ji Temple・Great Buddha StatueTodai-ji Temple・Great Buddha StatueTemukeyama Hachimangu ShrineTodai-ji Temple Nigatsu-doNara Park・DeerNara Park・DeerTodai-ji Temple Nigatsu-doNara Park・DeerHarushika Brewery・Sake TastingKasuga Grand Shrine・DeerNakatani-ya (World most famous mochi store)Deer GoodsKofuku-ji TempleNara Nigiwai no Ie(Nara Traditional House)Harushika Brewery・Sake TastingHarushika Brewery・Sake Tasting

    Duration

    4 hours to 6 hours

    Ticket type

    Mobile Only

    Languages

    English

    Confirmation

    Instant

    Meeting point

    Meeting point provided

    Time zone

    Asia/Tokyo

    Why Travelers Love This

    5.0 rating from 61 reviewsMobile tickets

    Overview

    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!

    What's Included

    Included

    Other

    Entrance Fees: Todai-ji Temple (800yen)

    Other

    Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide

    Other

    Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!

    Not included

    Other

    Public Transportation Fare: Applicable only for departures from Kyoto.

    Other

    Sake Tasting Fee: Applicable only to those who wish to participate.

    Meeting and Pickup

    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!

    Itinerary

    Standard4 hours to 6 hours
    1

    Stop 1

    15 minutes

    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

    30 minutesAdmission 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.

    3

    Stop 3

    15 minutes

    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

    15 minutes

    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

    20 minutes

    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

    30 minutes

    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

    30 minutes

    (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.

    Additional Info

    Public Transportation Nearby

    Public transportation options are available nearby

    Physical Medium

    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Other

    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.

    Other

    This tour is designed as a WALKING experience, using public transportation and plenty of time on foot to explore Nara.

    Other

    If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.

    Cancellation Policy

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

    Policy type

    Standard

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

    Refund eligibility

    100% refundable 1+ days before

    Refund eligibility

    0% refundable 0-1 days before

    Review Summary

    5.0

    61 reviews

    Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

    5 stars61
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