6 hours
E-voucher
English
Overview
Nara city is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. As the capital of Japan in the 8th century, it can offer a variety of old temples and shrines, but also the charm of its former merchants’ quarter with quaint old houses serving as shops or restaurants. In this tour we will visit the biggest and most famous temple and shrine dating back to the 8th century as well as the old townscape.
Operated by
KAMNAVI Tours
Ratings & Reviews
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5 traveller ratings
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Fun Family Activity
NFca, Jan 2025
Enjoyed Nara deer park in the early morning before all the visitors arrived. Around 10am on our visit there were a lot of visitors arriving. Easy to walk amongst and feed the many roaming deer. Some get rather aggressive if they see you have food. I recommend discreetly feeding to smaller sized groups. Other than small monetary fee for deer food, the park and walking around the deer is free. The Buddha statue was on the edge of the park and worth the moderate admission fee. Very large Buddha on the well maintained site.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! You're absolutely right about the deer, they are wild animals after all and it's better to be careful, especially with small children. Great to hear that you were able to enjoy the sites before the crowds arrived.
Great Day
Alyssa_H, Feb 2024
Our tour guide was very informative and we loved the deer park and all the temples. The whole experience was well worth the time and money.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review! We are happy to know that you enjoyed Nara, the deer and the tour!
Love Nara Deer Park
TravelBlogAR, Jul 2023
Nara Deer Park is a must do experience in Japan. Simply lovely to see the beautiful deer roaming around freely in the park and streets.
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review! We are thrilled that you enjoyed the deer in Nara so much. They are cute, aren't they?
Nara
lydhanus, May 2023
Our tour of Nara was as promised. Relaxing pace with beautiful sights to see. Our guide was great. She was very engaging and provided a lot of information at each location. Of course, feeding the deer was fun.
Response from Host, May 2023
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review! We are thrilled to know that your guide was informative and that you enjoyed feeding the famous Nara deer.
Itinerary
Kasuga Grand Shrine
The large and peaceful forest around Kasuga Grand Shrine is very relaxing, and it is fun observing the deer peeking from behind the many stone lanterns. The vermillion of the shrine pillars and the green of the surrounding forest make a great combination. The numerous lanterns hanging from the shrine eaves are a great spot to take a picture.
45 minutesNara Park
Although they can be seen anywhere in Nara, the area around Todaiji Temple is where you can definitely meet with the famous Nara deer. They can be fed with special deer crackers, but don't forget that these are semi-wild animals.
Your guide can also tell you why there are so many free-roaming deer in Nara.
30 minutesTodai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple is a must when in Nara. The long approach to the main hall with the 800-year-old Southern Gate and the deer waiting to be fed can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Once inside the temple walls, the huge main hall comes into view. Its sheer size is awe inspiring, although it’s said to be only two thirds of the original building. The Great Buddha flanked by two attendants has also enormous dimensions and almost bankrupted the state when it was made.
1 hourAdmission IncludedNaramachi
In the hot summer days the nobles used to eat shaved ice to cool down as far back as the 8th century! There is even a shrine dedicated to the deity of ice in Nara city. The shaved ice desserts are a feast. Of course there also other delicious sweets, and for those preferring to taste some local sake, there is a great sake brewery in the old part of town.
45 minutesNaramachi Koshino Ie
Situated in Naramachi, a historic district within Nara, is this merchant’s house. Built in the traditional Japanese style it gives you an idea of what daily life was like back then. Besides the gorgeous tatami mat rooms you can also have a look at the earthen cooking stoves and the bath.
30 minutesHarushika Brewery
Enjoy some sake tasting or a traditional Japanese sweet while taking in the sights of the old merchant town.
45 minutesAdmission Included
Experience
Inclusions
- Bus fares in Nara city, entrance fee to Todaiji Temple, Shaved Ice Dessert or Sake Tasting
Exclusions
- Lunch
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.