Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Nara becomes extremely crowded in the afternoon, making photos difficult. In our tour, we visit the main sites—Kofuku-ji, Todaiji, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine—before the crowds arrive.

⬇︎PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY⬇︎

* Please arrive 10 minutes early. Late guests cannot be accepted and no refunds will be given.

* For the Kyoto/Osaka Station Pickup option: the one-way train fare to Nara is included. The return ticket is not included.

*This tour has up to 12 guests.

*In this tour, we will walk about 10,000 steps. (stairs and hills included)

*We will be using the train to go from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara which each takes around 1 hour.

* Tour duration:

– Kyoto/Osaka Departure: 4.5 hours

– Kintetsu Nara Station Meeting: 3.5 hours

Please provide a phone number that is reachable in Japan and on WhatsApp so that we have a smooth interaction before the tour date. Travel agents must enter the guest’s phone number, not the agency’s.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We will walk about 10,000 steps during this tour.

Not recommended for guests over 75.

Guests under the age of 6 cannot join.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Transportation Fee from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara (Only if you select the option)

English-Speaking guide

Food and Drinks

Transportation Fee for returning from Nara to Kyoto/Osaka

Todai-ji Temple

What To Expect

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. It is famous for it's five-storied pagoda, the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan just seven meters shorter than the five-storied pagoda at Kyoto's Toji Temple. See this temple for yourself at sunrise!

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Kasuga Grand Shrine

Kasuga Grand Shrine is famous for it's lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. There are approximately 3000 stone and bronze lanterns, standing as one of Japan's most historical shrines. It holds significance as the sacred grounds that inspired the presence of deer in Nara Park.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kintetsu Nara Station Meet Up

Kintetsu Nara Station: We will meet you at in front of the Gyoki Bosatsu statue near Exit 2 or East Exist of Kintetsu Nara Station. (NOT JR Nara)
Starting point:
Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29

Osaka Station Pickup

Starting point:
Osaka Tourist Information Center, Japan, 530-0001 Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3-chōme1１ JR大阪駅中央コンコース

Kyoto Station Pickup

Kyoto Station Pickup: We will meet at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, the northern side of the station where you can see Kyoto Tower outside.
Starting point:
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan

Reviews

4.92

611 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

584

Excellent Experience
Kenna W,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour was exactly what we were looking for. Our guide, Sam, was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about each stop along the way. He also provided great insight as to his favorite local spots to ensure we had the best and most authentic experience.
Exceptional tour
Datlaprithviraj,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a fantastic small-group tour with Momoka — it felt almost like a private experience. She took us to hidden nooks we would have never discovered on our own, shared the rich history behind every spot we visited, and offered wonderful recommendations for local delicacies. Truly an exceptional guide and a memorable tour!
Excellent experience....
Hatem A,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent experience. Guide was knowledgeable. I would do it again. Timing was good. Trains on time.
Early Morning Adventures
John,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a cute little half day in Nara. Getting there before the crowds is worth the tour alone! Rin, the tour guide, was so insightful and a joy to walk around. Worth it!
Nara Day Tour
748estevanz,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a great time on this tour. Kai was an amazing tour guide. He is very knowledgeable and talked to us about the history of each place we visited. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to visit Nara and learn more about the history.
Excelent
jaredz711,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Kai was really great explaining Nara historical sites, he is a grest guide and the tour was excellent! I had much fun! All the park is beautiful and the temples and shrines too
Beautiful day in Nara
nilzak2017,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I took the Nara early morning tour with GuideMe Japan. It was a small group, only one couple and me. It was a short visit, but I enjoyed Nara a lot : Kasuga Taisha, so beautiful with its lanterns, and Todaiji Temple with its big bronze Buda. Our guide was Koichiro, he was very kind and nice. He advised us where to feed the deers to avoid the agressive ones. He also taught us how to offer the biscuits to make the deers bow. I have just a question : wouldn’t it be possible to visit Todaiji first , before all the crowds arrive? Thanks a lot for this beautiful day !
Futa is a great tour Guide!
Alejandro V,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Futa did a great job of explaining the history of all the temples. Highly recommend going to the early tour to avoid the crowd.
Outdoor deer adventure a must 🫶🏼
Nicole D,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Recieved a message from tour guide Lin via WhatsApp with meet up instructions. She was very warm and welcoming. We caught the train to Nara, chatted the whole way. Explored the grounds on foot, highlight was seeing real life deer, purchased crackers to feed them (200 yen). They are so adorable, bow for a cracker, some head butt but don’t worry it’s nothing major. Lin had so many amazing facts and stories to share, even hit me with a quiz hahaha. She truely is an absolute delight, can not praise her enough. I learnt about the religions in Japan, the differences in architecture for Tori gates, shrines, temples etc…This activity is by far my highlight so far. Do yourself a favour and book with Lin 🫶🏼💯🙌
1/2 day trip to Nara
caryc458,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing time! Rin and Mei our guides were very friendly, and knowledgeable. They were able to explain each locations history and customs. We would highly recommend 1/2 day trip to Nara from Kyoto.