Nara Afternoon Tour (Round-trip from Kyoto): Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit two World Heritage Sites in Nara—Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine—as well as Nara Park on this half-day afternoon course. This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. The intensity of Todai-ji Temple’s Great Buddha statue is absolutely stunning. Get to see wild deer up close, a rarity in Japan and elsewhere in the world, while walking through Nara Park.  The tour will also enter the Kasuga Taisha Shrine special visit area. The area has many attractions such as historical gates and structures as well as hanging lanterns in the corridor. Experience up closes the Kasugayama Primeval Forest which has remained untouched for over a thousand years.  Enjoy the view out the window from the suburbs of Kyoto to Nara.

Highlights

  • Explore Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine in one day!

  • Enjoy the view out the window from the suburbs of Kyoto to Nara!

  • Guided by English-Speaking Guide!

  • Duration

    5 hours 40 minutes

  • Offered in

    English

What is included

  • National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee

  • Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour

ITINERARY

Meeting / Pickup Point

Depart from the Sunrise Tours Desk in Kyoto Avanti B1F (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit)

Start time

1:20 pm

End point

Tour Ends in front of Kyoto Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit)

What To Expect

Explore Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine in one day! Begin your journey by soaking in the scenic view as you travel from the tranquil suburbs of Kyoto to Nara, where history and natural beauty await. First, marvel at the grandeur of Todai-ji Temple, home to the colossal Great Buddha statue, before wandering through the peaceful expanse of Nara Park, were friendly deer roam freely. Finally, visit the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with its iconic stone lanterns and lush surroundings, offering a perfect glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage. It's an unforgettable day of exploration!

Kasuga Taisha Shrine - Main Sanctuary Special Visit

This Nara Period shrine is designated as a World Heritage Site. The deer of Nara Park are thought to be the shrine messengers. From 2025, the Main Sanctuary special visit area will be newly added to the itinerary. Visitors can get closer to the Main Sanctuary and view the hanging lanterns in the corridor.

Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha) Nara Park

A World Heritage site. This is the symbol of the Nara Period and one of the world's largest wooden structures. Its huge main hall and bronze Great Buddha are impressive to behold.




















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  • The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations.

  • Participants will walk from the parking lot to Todai-ji Temple (about 25 min one-way). Thank you for your understanding. Please inform us at the time of booking if any person in your group is using crutches or a wheelchair, or has a chronic illness that makes it difficult to walk for long distances.

  • At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the tour will also enter the Main Sanctuary special visit area. However, in case the special visit area cannot be entered due to events or operational circumstances, the Kasuga Taisha Museum or Manyo Botanical Garden will be visited instead.

  • Seats may not be designated.

  • The tour drop-off location will only be in front of Kyoto Avanti (across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit).

  • Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats or lunch. If bus seats or lunch is required, please make a booking under the child rate.

  • [Important Notes/Supplements: Bus/Hired Car Company] In general, Teisan Kanko Bus will be used. If otherwise, it will be specified in the final itinerary. Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a large bus (mid-size bus, small bus), a hired car (van, minivan - MK Co., Ltd. or Yasaka Group), or a taxi. Standard transportation for approximate number of customers: - Large bus: around 26 people or more - Mid-size bus: around 11-25 people - Small bus: around 9-10 people - Van (hired car): around 5-8 people - Minivan (hired car): around 3-4 people - Taxi: around 1-2 people

  • Guide Language Support: English - The tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.

  • *Drivers do not work as guides.c

  • SUNRISE