Privat tour Nara. Ancient Heart of Japan

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. On this full-day guided tour, you’ll discover the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Tranquility at Yoshikien Garden
Our first stop is the serene Yoshikien Garden, a hidden gem in Nara. This beautiful garden, named after the Yoshiki River that flows nearby, is an oasis of calm. Your guide will lead you through three distinct areas: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. As you wander the paths, you’ll learn about the traditional Japanese garden design and the significance of each element.
Tip: Don’t forget your camera—this garden is a photographer’s dream!

Marvel at the Great Buddha in Todai-ji Temple
Next, we visit the iconic Todai-ji Temple, home to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha (Daibutsu). Your guide will walk you through the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from its construction in the 8th century to its importance as a center of Buddhism in Japan. As you enter the massive wooden hall, the sight of the colossal bronze Buddha is sure to leave you speechless.

Wander with the Deer in Nara Park
Just outside Todai-ji, we enter the famous Nara Park, where you’ll meet Nara’s most famous residents—the friendly deer. These sacred creatures have been living in harmony with humans for over a thousand years. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of the deer, and you’ll have the chance to feed them special deer crackers (shika senbei).

Traditional Lunch in Naramachi
After a morning of exploration, it’s time to relax and recharge with a traditional Japanese lunch in the charming district of Naramachi. Your guide will take you to a local restaurant where you can savor Nara’s specialties, such as kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) or a steaming bowl of udon noodles.

Spiritual Serenity at Kasuga Taisha Shrine
We continue our journey to the mystical Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a Shinto shrine renowned for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns. As you walk along the lantern-lined paths, your guide will share the legends and stories connected to this ancient site. The contrast between the vibrant vermillion buildings and the lush greenery creates a picture-perfect setting.

Step Back in Time in Naramachi
Post-lunch, we’ll explore Naramachi, Nara’s historic merchant district. This area is filled with traditional machiya townhouses, quaint shops, and museums. Your guide will walk you through the narrow streets, pointing out hidden gems and explaining the significance of the preserved architecture. You’ll also have some free time to browse local crafts or enjoy a cup of tea in one of the cozy cafes.

Reflect at Kofuku-ji Temple
Our final stop is Kofuku-ji Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Here, you’ll see the striking five-story pagoda, one of the tallest in Japan. Your guide will take you through the temple’s history and its role in Nara’s development. Visit the National Treasure Museum to admire the exquisite Buddhist art collection, including the famous Ashura statue.

Tour Conclusion and Farewell

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.