Japan · NARA DAY TRIPS

The 15 Best Nara Day Trips from Kyoto & Osaka

49 tours  ·  from $22

Nara is forty minutes from Kyoto and holds the biggest bronze Buddha in the country plus a thousand deer that bow for biscuits. These 15 compare the half-day runs and the full days that add Fushimi Inari, with prices and train times.

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience - Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s lantern-filled shrine
Historical Tours, Nara Day Trips, Nara Day Trips in Nara, Nara Tours, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tour Reviews

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

1.World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,573 reviews · from $129Our pick

Travel from Kyoto to Nara and Uji by air-conditioned coach with an English-speaking guide. Visit Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Byodoin Temple, and a 500-year-old matcha shop. Guides such as Nanami, Yuta, Mai, and At-Chan are praised for clear history and friendly help.

“Tour guide At-Chan was excellent, also gave us an insight into Japanese culture and language.A Day of Learning and Exploring. We were given time to all that was nesscessary at Nara park the temple and the shrine ,there was no rushing around. So we had time to see all the sights. Thanks”

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Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour - Starting from Osaka or Kyoto
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Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

2.Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,275 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $52Best value

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Osaka or Kyoto to Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Arashiyama. English or Chinese guides such as Amy, Willa, Christine, and Fiona keep the day moving, share useful background, and help you explore independently at each stop.

“Anson was great!!! He was super informative, funny and explained everything very clearly. Thank you Anson!”

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Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available) - Todaiji and the Great Buddha
1-Day Tours, Nara Day Trips, Nara Day Trips in Nara, Nara Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

3.Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 937 reviews · from $105

Spend five hours exploring Nara with a local English-speaking guide such as Shin, Yuki, or Miyabi. Visit Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofuku-ji, Nara Park, and Naramachi, while enjoying a Japanese lunch, deer encounters, and admission to the main paid sights.

“Amazing tour!! Shin was an awesome tour guide. Very knowledgeable, kind, incredible personality. Can't express my gratitude for his time and for sharing with us all the history of Nara. If I need to rate him and the whole experience, it will be 20 out of 10, 5 star. He even took me to get a Furoshiki. Thank you Shin! Be careful with the deers, they are very pushy, specially in the morning😁, but they are very courteous and will bow for you.”

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Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: a short walk through tall green stalks
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Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch

4.Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 754 reviews · from $61

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Osaka Villa Namba or Kyoto VIP Lounge to Arashiyama, Nara Park, and Fushimi Inari. Enjoy lunch in a 120-year-old Kyoto townhouse, with Kobe beef, pork, or vegetarian curry. English- and Chinese-speaking guides such as Gary, Nick, Eric, and Mike keep the day moving.

“we woke up late and our guide instructed us what to do. overall a great experience for someone that wants to do a flash tour of the places. the Kobe beef was amazing and also the place was quite traditional. highly recommended for the activities and Veggie our guide”

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Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available) - Kofuku-ji Temple and the five-story pagoda
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Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

5.Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 676 reviews · from $61

Start early in Nara with an English-speaking guide and a group of no more than 12. Visit Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Nara Park, and Todai-ji, with optional transport from Kyoto or Osaka. Expect about 10,000 steps, historic sites, lanterns, deer, and the Great Buddha.

“This tour was great, Nana took us round Nara and explained all the important historical events that had happened to the key buildings in the area. Feeding the deer was an experience, even the little deer know how to bow for food”

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Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji and the famous Golden Pavilion
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Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto

6.Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 445 reviews · from $194

Spend 10 to 11 hours touring Kyoto and Nara by air-conditioned bus. Visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, the Imperial Palace, Todai-ji, Kasuga Shrine, and Nara Park. Guides such as KC, Momo, Yuki, and Etsuko are known for clear English, humor, and strong historical insight.

“This was an absolutely great tour. Our guide, Momo, had the perfect personality, was very engaging and entertaining and was very skilled at keeping everyone on time in a kind, gentle but firm way. Sites visited were awesome, lunch (italian) was a pleasant surprise and the bus very comfortable. Great Job!!!”

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Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka by Van - Gion for old streets, lunch, and a short wander
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Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka by Van

7.Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka by Van

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 420 reviews · from $106

Travel from Osaka to Kyoto and Nara in an air-conditioned van for up to 11 people. Visit Fushimi Inari, Gion, Nara Park, and Todai-ji with an English-speaking guide such as Taka, Woody, or Jin. The $106.12 price includes transport, WiFi, water, taxes, and Todai-ji admission.

“Very good tour. Our tour guide Taka was very kind, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. He actually lived in New York for a couple of years which made conversation much easier. Kyoto was nice. I can’t really speak about Gion because I didn’t walk around. We sat to eat at Rigoberto Smoke Grill and Bar and the food was delicious. The highlight for us was definitely Nara Deer Park and the Todai-Ji Temple. The temple is breathtaking and feeding the deers outside of the temple was a fun experience. Highly recommend.”

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Nara Afternoon Tour from Kyoto or Osaka - The Kyoto meeting point and ride to Nara
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Nara Afternoon Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

8.Nara Afternoon Tour from Kyoto or Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 390 reviews · from $102

Travel from Kyoto, or connect from Osaka, for a five-hour Nara tour with an English guide. Visit Todai-ji, see its giant bronze Buddha, walk through Nara Park among deer, and explore Kasuga Shrine’s lanterns. Guides such as Yuki, KC, and Mo Mo are noted for clear history and friendly pacing.

“Don’t waste your money. Very rushed tour. Almost a mile of walking to get from the bus to the temple. Then you are given only 45 minutes to enjoy the temple, deer and get back to the bus including the walk back. Then of course some people were very late so we got even less time at the 2nd site. Guide did not speak English very well and did not provide the level of information that was described as part of the tour.”

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From Kyoto: Nara Guided Morning Tour - Meeting the bus beside Kyoto Avanti
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From Kyoto: Nara Guided Morning Tour

9.Nara Guided Morning Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 335 reviews · 4 hours · from $77

Leave Kyoto at 8:00 AM for Nara with an English-speaking guide such as Ciel, Tommy, Den, or Nanami. Visit Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, and Todaiji Temple, including the Great Buddha. You get an air-conditioned coach to Nara, Wi-Fi, and multilingual audio support, but arrange your own return to Kyoto.

“Yusuke aka Tomy - a local from Tokyo - was so friendly. He easily bonded with the group with is kind and warmhearted spirit. He provided us with sufficient information. The tour was really relaxing. There was enough „free time“ to stroll around the area. The organization missed to place the information that for the 4 hours tour the transportation only from Kyoto to Nara but not the way back is provided. (The 4 hours tour has been part of a whole day tour.) Besides that the program was exactly as announced.”

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Ancient Capital Tour: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka - Kinkaku-ji: the Golden Pavilion in a compact visit
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Ancient Capital Tour: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka

10.Ancient Capital Tour: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 332 reviews · from $90

Spend about nine hours visiting Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nara Park by air-conditioned bus from Kyoto or Osaka. Guides such as Yuki, Maria, Haru, and Hama have helped make the day engaging, while lunch and temple admission vary by package.

“Nara deer's in a semi wildlife environment were great to watch and interface. Also the tour was well organised apart from the meeting point. They should be more specific about the pick up point, that is which side of in front of the Avanti building ie right or left as it is a wide building. Also Indicate that guides will be in yellow. Few people had issues with this.”

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Osaka: Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring - Feeding the deer beneath Nara’s maple trees
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Osaka: Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

11.Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 302 reviews · 10 hours · from $57

Travel from Osaka to Nara and Uji by air-conditioned coach with an English, Japanese, or Traditional Chinese-speaking guide. Feed deer, visit Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, explore matcha-lined Uji, then bathe at Genji no Yu. Guides such as Etta, Ethan, and Lucia are known for lively, helpful commentary.

“Thank you so much for trip. Very good tour guy Liao. He explained very clear and easy to communicated.”

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Kyoto/Osaka: Kinkakuji, Bamboo Forest, and Nara Deer Park - Arashiyama’s bamboo path and Togetsukyo Bridge
Nara Day Trips, Nara Day Trips in Nara, Nara Tours, Tour Reviews

Kyoto/Osaka: Kinkakuji, Bamboo Forest, and Nara Deer Park

12.Kyoto/Osaka: Kinkakuji, Bamboo Forest, and Nara Deer Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 265 reviews · from $69

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Kyoto or Osaka to Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nara Park. Guides such as Eiko, Yuki, Jewel, and Maki lead the day in English. Optional lunch and temple tickets make this a practical first look at western Japan.

“Eiko was a fantastic guide! So lovely and very knowledgable! Even offered to take photos of us at certain places. Great tour and a really great experience!”

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Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Customized Private Guided Tour - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Kyoto’s famous first impression
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Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Customized Private Guided Tour

13.Kyoto/Osaka: Kyoto and Nara Customized Private Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 258 reviews · 10 hours

Plan a 10-hour private Kyoto and Nara day with pickup in Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara. Your driver-guide, including guides such as Abdullah, Usama, or Talha, helps shape the route, handles the driving, and gives you time to explore temples, shrines, markets, and deer park at your own pace.

“Our guide Usama was excellent. He helped up plan and execute our day trip with precision. No time wasted but we didn’t feel rushed. I would thoroughly recommend”

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Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - Nara Park and its famous deer
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Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

14.Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $155

Spend about six hours with a government-licensed English-speaking guide in Nara. Meet at Nara Station, then choose three or four sights from a broad list. Junichi, Ken, Toshi, Rie, Hiro, Haru, and Yoshii are among the guides assigned to past tours, with strong praise for history, culture, food tips, and flexible planning.

“Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained the history of the sites on our tour. He even prepared a book that helped explain the historical significance of each site we visited. He was really fantastic, funny and engaging and connected with every member (young and old) in our group. We all learned a lot! Thank u Haru!”

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E-Bike Nara Highlights - Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine - Cruising through Nara Park
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E-Bike Nara Highlights – Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

15.E-Bike Nara Highlights – Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 186 reviews · 3h 30m · from $90

Ride an e-bike from near Kintetsu Nara Station through Nara Park with a local English or French-speaking guide. Visit Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha, feed the deer, stop at a historic knife shop, and pause at Ukimido. Guides including Chris, Remi, Robert, and Melody are known for clear explanations and friendly help.

“My guide Jean-Yves was great, very informative and helpful with taking pics etc. It was a wonderful E-bike tour of Nara, would definitely recommend!”

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New in Nara Day Trips

★ 5.0Private Nara Tour from Osaka – Meet at Your Hotel22 reviews
★ 4.3Osaka/Kyoto: Private Kyoto and Nara Day Trip49 reviews
★ 3.9Osaka & Nara: Private Tour with English speaking guide15 reviews
★ 4.6Kyoto and Nara Private Day Trip15 reviews
★ 4.7Kyoto & Nara & Uji Historical and Scenic One-Day TourFrom $5621 reviews
★ 4.3Private Walking Tour with a LocalFrom $8236 reviews
★ 5.05 Type of Tea Tasting & Mindful Tea CeremonyFrom $6128 reviews
★ 5.0Todai-ji y parque de Nara (Spanish Guide)From $8516 reviews
★ 5.0Nara：Authentic Tea Ceremony(Max 5 ppl) -Master Matcha MakingFrom $46119 reviews
★ 4.8Private Tour with Private GuideFrom $15166 reviews
★ 5.0Essential Private Tour with Deer Park and TemplesFrom $12624 reviews
★ 5.0Bike Tour in Ancient Capital UNESCO World HeritageFrom $2243 reviews
★ 4.8Great Buddha, Kasuga Shrine & Deer Park TourFrom $7762 reviews
★ 4.9City Highlights Shared Group or Private Bike TourFrom $7034 reviews
★ 4.7Kyoto Private Car Tour with Japanese Navigator (+Nara) T5From $12819 reviews

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