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Offered languages
- English
Nara Highlights with Licensed Guide-Driver
Explore Nara’s icons in one seamless, great-value day—guided and driven by a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter operating legally as both guide and driver under Japan’s new system. Meet the deer in Nara Park, marvel at Tōdai-ji’s Great Buddha, feel the hush of Kasuga Taisha, step back at the Heijō Palace Site, and admire Yakushi-ji.
Sample route: Heijō Palace Site → Nara Park → Tōdai-ji Great Buddha Hall → Kasuga Taisha → Yakushi-ji
Why this tour?
Better value for price: vehicle cost bundled into the guide fee—often far less than standard hire cars.
Licensed expertise: engaging commentary, UNESCO history brought to life.
Door-to-door ease: Kyoto pickup/drop-off on request.
Flexible: pacing, lunch stops, and extra photo spots.
Good to know
Full-day (6.5h) private tour in a comfortable vehicle; itinerary tailored to season, crowd levels, and your interests.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Guide will pick you up at the meeting point. Let us know at least one day before the tour date to make sure we can surely pick you up, thank you!
Itinerary
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1
Step into Japan’s first great capital. Founded in 710, Heijō-kyō shaped the nation’s politics, culture, and city design. Stroll the grand axis from Suzaku Gate to the restored Daigokuden Hall and picture the emperor’s court in the Inner Palace. Wide lawns, museum treasures, and open skies let you breathe in 1,300 years of history—without the crowds.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Nara Park is home to 1,000+ free-roaming deer, revered as “messengers of the gods.” Friendly and curious, they’ll even bow when you offer shika-senbei (deer crackers) sold in the park—perfect for unforgettable photos.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Tōdai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall, raised in the 8th century, remains one of the world’s largest wooden buildings—home to the 15-meter Great Buddha. Though fires led to smaller rebuilds, its scale still stuns. At Nandaimon Gate, colossal Niō guardians by Unkei and Kaikei (13th c.) stand watch in dynamic detail.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
4
Kasuga Taisha, founded about 1,300 years ago as Heijō-kyō’s guardian, prayed for the peace of the imperial house and served as the Fujiwara clan’s tutelary shrine. Stroll avenues of stone and bronze lanterns and feel the shrine’s solemn beauty. Nara Park’s deer are revered here as divine messengers.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
5
Yakushi-ji, founded in the 7th century, is one of Japan’s oldest temples. Its East Five-Storied Pagoda miraculously survived fires that claimed most other buildings and is a treasured cultural icon. With careful restorations, the precinct now revives the original temple layout you can walk and admire.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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