What to do and see in Nara Prefecture, Kinki: The Best Tours

June 4, 2021 Janette Largent

Nara Prefecture (奈良県, Nara-ken) is a prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. The capital is the city of Nara. Nara Prefecture has the distinction of having more UNESCO World Heritage Listings than any other prefecture.
Restaurants in Nara Prefecture

1. Yamato-Koriyama Castle and Goldfish Small-Group Tour from Nara

Kintetsu-Kōriyama Station, Japan, 〒639-1007 Nara, Yamatokoriyama, Minamikōriyamachō, 大和郡山市南郡山町232 OMAKASE
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Yamato-Koriyama is located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture and flourished as a castle town since ancient times. Nowadays, it is a city rich in historic vibe and also known as one of the best producers of goldfish in Japan. Here we offer a walking tour which shows you the spots unique to Yamato-Koriyama including the symbolic Koriyama Castle, the"K Coffee" featuring an one-of-a-kind fish tank converted from a phone booth, a goldfish production facility "Kingyoda", and the Goldfish Museum.

Inclusions: Local guide, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By lenorer9950

Tomomi, our tour guide was so well informed. Plus gave us great tips on other things to do & places to visit - great bonus!

2. Nara Half-day Private Tour Osaka/Kyoto departure with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore Nara with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a half-day walking tour of Nara and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city. Nara's proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, and its rich collection of traditional sites, make it an ideal destination for a day trip from either of its larger neighbors. Your private guide can help you efficiently enjoy a half-day walking tour of this ancient Japanese city. You can start your day at your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Private Vehicle, Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

3. Private Nara Deer and Sake Adventure - Easy Day Trip from Kyoto or Osaka!

Lawson, 3 Higashimuki Nakamachi, Nara, 630-8215, Japan Mardi Robinson
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore Nara's scenic beauty and sake on this all inclusive, private tour. A convenient day trip from either Kyoto or Osaka, Nara is a must see on any traveler's list. From the numerous wild deer that roam free in the streets to multiple UNESCO world heritage sites like the giant Buddha at Todaiji, explore both the famous sites and the places that lie just a little off the beaten path. End your day with a one of a kind Japanese sake rice wine brewery tour and tasting in Nara's old town merchant quarters surrounded by medieval townhouses and storefronts. All entrance fees, the sake tasting, and a snack are included in the price so no need to fret about any hidden fees.

Inclusions: Temple admission fees, Sake brewery admittance and sake tasting, Your very own entertaining, private guide who is fluent in English and Japanese, A small snack or sweet

Exclusions: Taxis and train fare, Food and drink outside of the sake tasting and snack

Reviewed By djboote

We had a lovely, informative walking tour and sampled food at two standup bar/restaurants and at a couple of street shops. We had a great evening and learned a lot!

4. The Essence of Nara Cultural Tour: Big Buddha, Bambi and Backstreets

Kintetsu-Nara Station, Japan, 〒630-8215 Nara, Nishimikadochō, 東向中町29 Kyoto Urban Adventures
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Explore the ancient capital of Japan with us and discover a peaceful city, brimming with dazzling temples, shrines, imperial tombs and machiya houses built in the traditional style. We’ll meet divine deer roaming the streets, grab some tasty street food, chat with locals about living and working here and show you our favourite hidden gems in the alleys of the old city. All this at your own pace, without the hassle or the crowds of a typical day in Kyoto. What are you waiting for?!

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, Entrance fees for all the sites mentioned, Local snacks

Exclusions: Additional food and drink, Gratuities for your guide

Reviewed By Ebayasianf

I booked a virtual tour of Kyoto's traditional Higashiyama neighborhood from Amazon Explore. We had the pleasure and good fortune to have Akemi as our tour guide. She spoke good English and was very accommodating to our requests for pictures, shopping, and information. We truly felt the Japan experience and enjoyed it so much, we want to do more travel explore segments. We had been to Japan but somehow missed this beautiful neighborhood. Akemi engaged the local people and introduced them to us and they would take the time to say hello! We saw geishas and couples getting married. Then Akemi helped us look for souvenirs, which we have already received back in the U.S.! The best part was Akemi writing on a monkey wish souvenir and hanging it at the temple. We are planning a trip to Japan and were so impressed with Akemi, we definitely will try to contact her for tour services and thank her in person for such a wonderful experience.

5. Kimono rental in Nara Park ( Deer Park) On the town course

花魁スタジオ&着物レンタル わぷらすJR奈良店, Japan, 〒630-8246 Nara, Aburasaka Jikatachō, 6−4 京ろまんビル 2F Waplus Nara
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Kimono Rental Leisurely Stroll in Nara in Kimono. Kimono rental service. You can rent Kimono and take a leisurely stroll in Nara. Please come as you are , there is no preparation necessary.  

Inclusions: kimono, obi ( kimono belt), tabi socks,zori sandal and kimono bag

Exclusions: Hair arrangement and makeup service, Tour Guide while strolling around the town, Gratuities, Transportation to/from the store

Reviewed By Shinnosuke88

Nice kimono experience, staff was really helpfull and polite. Very recommended kimono rental for tourist. ;)

6. 3-Day Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo

JP Tower, 2-chōme-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan JTB Sunrise Tours
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4.4 based on 136 reviews

Venture by bullet train from Tokyo to the historical sites of Nara, and enjoy 2 night stay in Kyoto – the heart of Japanese culture! On this three day trip, visit top attractions including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from Nara’s Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine to Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion Temple, Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple. Enjoy a morning and afternoon sightseeing tour of Kyoto with a professional guide, who will take you to the Imperial Palace and Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Accommodation in Kyoto, Professional English-speaking guide, Round-trip bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto

Exclusions: Baggage handling, Gratuities, Breakfast / Dinner, Hotel Pick up and Drop off

Reviewed By mm0711

The tour was just like a live stream. You will get on a rickshaw and your friendly driver will show you around in Kyoto. After the ride, your guide will walk with you and take you to the beautiful bamboo forest and Tenruji Temple. You will also meet monkeys at the park in Iwatayama! The only thing I was disappointed about was I couldn't taste the Shojin Ryori or Buddhist vegetarian meal that our guide Mickey-san showed and explained. I should be on the real tour!

7. 3-Day Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour from Tokyo

Keio Plaza Hotel, 2-chōme-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8330, Japan JTB Sunrise Tours
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4.4 based on 154 reviews

See the iconic highlights of Japan on a 3-day guided tour to Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara. Visit revered Mt Fuji, take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial tram ride up Mt Komagatake. Head to Kyoto on the bullet train and take in the beautiful city on a morning tour to the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Then see Nara’s famous sites including Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Nara Park (Deer Park). Stay two nights in Kyoto with optional return to Tokyo.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, 2 nights accommodation, Hotel pickup (select hotels only), Luggage delivery (1 piece, one-way tour option only), Bullet train ride(One-way or Round trip)

Exclusions: Baggage Handling (round-trip), Hotel drop off

Reviewed By mm0711

The tour was just like a live stream. You will get on a rickshaw and your friendly driver will show you around in Kyoto. After the ride, your guide will walk with you and take you to the beautiful bamboo forest and Tenruji Temple. You will also meet monkeys at the park in Iwatayama! The only thing I was disappointed about was I couldn't taste the Shojin Ryori or Buddhist vegetarian meal that our guide Mickey-san showed and explained. I should be on the real tour!

8. 2-Day Kyoto and Nara Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo

JP Tower, 2-chōme-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan JTB Sunrise Tours
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4.0 based on 22 reviews

Venture by bullet train from Tokyo to the historical sites of Nara, and enjoy an overnight stay in Kyoto – the heart of Japanese culture! On this two-day trip, visit top attractions including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from Nara’s Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine to Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion Temple, Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple. Enjoy a morning and afternoon sightseeing tour of Kyoto with a professional guide, who will take you to the Imperial Palace and Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, including daily lunch and a stop at the Deer Park.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Overnight accommodation, Professional English-speaking guide, Round-trip bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto

Exclusions: Baggage handling, Gratuities, Break fast / Dinner, Pick up and Drop off

Reviewed By mm0711

The tour was just like a live stream. You will get on a rickshaw and your friendly driver will show you around in Kyoto. After the ride, your guide will walk with you and take you to the beautiful bamboo forest and Tenruji Temple. You will also meet monkeys at the park in Iwatayama! The only thing I was disappointed about was I couldn't taste the Shojin Ryori or Buddhist vegetarian meal that our guide Mickey-san showed and explained. I should be on the real tour!

9. Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour

VIP Lounge Kyoto, Japan, 〒601-8417 Kyoto, Minami Ward, Nishikujō Toriiguchichō, 6−番地 1F VIP Japan Tours
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3.5 based on 27 reviews

This tour will take you to see the famous 1000 vermilion gates at Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama, UNESCO world heritage site Kinkaku-ji temple and Todaiji & Nara park. Enjoy an easy and relaxing bus ride, see famous sites in 2 cities in 1 day without the hassle of changing trains and getting lost. The best time to see the Autumn colors in Arashiyama starts from Nov 20th.

Inclusions: Live commentary in English or Chinese, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Roundtrip bus fare

Exclusions: Lunch (There are many restaurants in the area to choose from, including Halal and vegan), Entrance fee to Todaiji temple 500yen (optional)

Reviewed By flighty3

So much fun!!! Our guide had so much trivia to share with us each place we went. A perfect tour to see Fuji and some wonderful spots in the region.

10. Day Trip by Bus from Osaka/Kyoto to Kyoto and Nara

Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan LIMON Tour
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3.3 based on 8 reviews

This is an affordable yet culturally-enriching bus trip to Kyoto and Nara. The tour stops at Kyoto Arashiyama and Nara park. Scenic ride aboard the Randen tram to see local life. With several convenient pickup points at Kyoto Station or in Umeda, Nippombashi, Namba, this 9 hour tour will be a great addition to your trip to Japan.

Inclusions: Local taxes, Beef Shabu-Shabu or Buffet lunch (if meal is selected), Leaflet of detailed Itinerary and tour point description, Round-trip bus fare, Pickup at designated meeting points, Accompanied by English speaking tour guide, Randen Train Ticket, JR and Kintetsu Train tickets (Kyoto departure only), Drop-Off near Namba Station (Umeda, Nippombashi, Namba Ocat departures)

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Infant meals

Reviewed By adarosle

It was a pleasant experience (: Tour guide was very friendly and helpful in taking photos and explaining about the history of each place in detail. Would definitely recommend! However, i felt that it was a bit rushing perhaps the interval for each site could be extended a bit longer.

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