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Overview
Discover the ancient city of Nara before the crowds arrive. This early-morning guided tour allows you to experience Nara’s most iconic landmarks in peace and quiet, making it perfect for photography, reflection, and immersion in cultural heritage. With the tour ending before noon, you’ll still have the rest of the day free to explore Kyoto, Osaka, or other parts of Nara on your own.
Highlights
- Beat the crowds with an early start
- Enjoy insights from young, passionate, and knowledgeable guides
- Visit four major historical sites before noon
- Perfect for day-trippers based in Kyoto or travelers with a tight itinerary
- Small group tour with a personal touch (max 12 guests)
Full Description
Nara gets crowded quickly, especially in the afternoon. This early bird tour is carefully designed to take you to the city’s most famous landmarks—Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, and Todai-ji Temple—before the crowds arrive.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want to:
- Maximize their morning
- Enjoy a calm, serene atmosphere for photos
- Learn from engaging local guides
The tour begins at Kyoto Station, where you’ll be met by your guide near the Central Ticket Gate (look for Kyoto Tower in the background). From there, you’ll take a comfortable public train to Nara (approx. 50 minutes).
Please note:
- Kyoto Station Departure Option: Full 4-hour guided tour (including travel time)
- Kintetsu Nara Station Meet-Up Option: 3-hour tour (for guests already in Nara)
- Punctuality is essential – we cannot wait for late arrivals or offer refunds for missed tours
Itinerary
- Kyoto Station (meet-up and departure)
- Train to Nara (approx. 50 minutes)
- Kofuku-ji Temple – 30 minutes
- Kasuga Grand Shrine – 1 hour
- Nara Park – 30 minutes
- Todaiji Temple – 1 hour
Pricing
From ¥12,000 per person
Includes
- English-speaking local guide
- Public transportation from Kyoto to Nara (for Kyoto Station option)
Meeting Point
Kyoto Station – Central Ticket Gate
Look for the gate on the northern side, near Kyoto Tower and Hotel Granvia. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Address:
Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Reviews
“Daizen was the best guide and the tour was so memorable. Absolutely loved everything about it!”
“My visit to Nara was unforgettable—not just because of the serene temples and majestic deer, but also because of our incredible guide, Soichiro Toide. He was kind, attentive, and helped even when I felt unwell. Truly above and beyond.”
“We missed the crowds and had the perfect amount of time at each site. A must-do if you want to explore Nara in peace.”
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