Below is a sample itinerary of our One-Day Nara Tour in the summer season (10h). Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is home to some of the country’s most significant temples, UNESCO sites, and friendly deer roaming freely through its parks. In summer, the city is filled with vibrant greenery and seasonal charm. We’ll customize your tour based on your interests, so please let us know your preferences!
●8:00 Leaving from Hotel (Osaka or Kyoto area)
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Osaka or Kyoto. The evening before your tour, we’ll confirm pickup details via WhatsApp. Please ensure the app is installed for smooth communication.
● 9:15 Todai-ji Temple
Start the day at Todai-ji, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. The wooden temple that houses it is a breathtaking structure. In summer, the temple grounds are surrounded by green forests and lotus-filled ponds.
●10:30 Nara Deer Park
Right outside Todai-ji is Nara Park, home to over 1,000 freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods, these deer are tame and can be fed special deer crackers. Strolling through the shady park is especially pleasant in summer.
●11:30 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
A short walk from Nara Park leads to Kasuga Taisha, known for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns. The path leading to the shrine is lined with ancient forest and moss-covered stones, offering a cool and spiritual summer retreat.
●12:30 Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy lunch at a traditional local eatery. Summer specialties in Nara include chilled somen noodles, grilled river fish, or yuba (tofu skin) dishes. We recommend a lunch spot with garden views for a peaceful break from the summer sun.
●14:00 Isuien Garden & Nara National Museum (Optional)
Explore Isuien Garden, a stunning example of traditional Japanese landscaping, with views that incorporate nearby mountains and temples. Nearby, the Nara National Museum offers Buddhist art in a cool, air-conditioned setting—perfect for mid-summer afternoons.
●15:30 Yakushi-ji Temple or Horyu-ji Temple (Optional)
In the afternoon, head to one of Nara’s ancient temples. Yakushi-ji, with its twin pagodas, is known for its symmetry and sacred statues. Or visit Horyu-ji, the world’s oldest wooden structure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in early Japanese Buddhist architecture.
●17:00 Local Shopping Street (Higashimuki or Mochiidono Shotengai)
End your tour with a stroll through one of Nara’s covered shopping arcades. Here you can find handmade crafts, seasonal treats, local sake, or traditional sweets like kuzu mochi—a cool and chewy dessert perfect for summer.
●18:00 Return to Your Hotel
Your driver will safely take you back to your accommodation after a day immersed in nature, history, and Nara’s unique culture.
Q&A
Q. When does the tour start and end?
– A. The tours start and end when the driver picks you up from your accommodation in Tokyo and drops you off at the end of the day. In the case of your accommodation being outside of Tokyo 23 Wards, your tour will start and end when the driver departs and arrives in Tokyo at the end of the day.
Q. What if there are several pickup/drop-off points?
– A. That’s no problem as long as the tour finishes on time.
Q. Can we cancel the tour when it rains for free?
– A. You can cancel the tour without a cancellation fee by the day before. We also check the weather forecast everyday and may suggest rescheduling the tour if the forecast isn’t good enough.
Q. Are there any extra fees if the pickup/finish time is late at night/ early morning?
– A. There will be no extra fee depending on the pickup/finishing time of the tour.
Q. Can our pets also join the tour?
– A. Sure, but please keep them in carrier bags/ travel crates.
Q. What does the price include?
– A. The price include toll fees, gas, parking lot fees, tax, etc. It doesn’t include fees for such as: lunch/food/beverage, entrance fee of tourist spots, fee of boats/cable cars, etc.
Q. What would the price be if we want to extend the tour?
– A. The extension fee is 5,000 yen/30 minutes.
Q. Will there be a refund if we finish the tour earlier than booked?
– A. There will be no refunds in case the tour finishes early. If the tour will finish earlier due to accidents, natural disasters, sudden sickness, etc., please contact us and we can discuss about it.
