Nara
11 tours available
Why Visit Nara
Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, established in 710 AD, and its legacy endures in eight UNESCO World Heritage sites packed into a remarkably walkable area. The star attraction is Todai-ji, housing the world's largest bronze Buddha inside one of the world's largest wooden buildings — a sight that still overwhelms after 1,300 years.
Then there are the deer. Over 1,200 semi-wild sika deer roam freely through Nara Park, bowing for crackers and posing alongside temple gates. The atmosphere is gentler and less hurried than nearby Kyoto, making it an ideal complement. Most visitors come as a day trip, but staying overnight reveals a quieter side — lantern-lit paths, empty temples, and some of the region's best sake breweries.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late March – mid April) — Cherry blossoms at Nara Park and Mount Yoshino (nearby) create a stunning backdrop for the deer and temples.
Autumn (mid November – early December) — The maple trees along the path to Kasuga Taisha are spectacular, and deer photographs against red foliage are iconic.
January & August (Yamayaki) — The dramatic grass-burning ceremony on Mount Wakakusa in late January lights the hillside ablaze at night.
Insider Tips
- Buy deer crackers (shika-senbei, ¥200) from official vendors — the deer know the routine and will bow before you offer one.
- Kasuga Taisha's 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns are lit twice yearly (February 3 and August 14–15) — an unforgettable sight.
- Walk beyond the main park to Nigatsu-do Hall for a panoramic view over the city — it's free and rarely crowded.
- Try kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) — it's Nara's signature local delicacy found at stalls near Kintetsu Nara Station.
Tours Visiting Nara
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Standard
Explore Japan's hidden gems on this 12-day self-guided tour from Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Visit Ise Grand Shrine and pearl island paradise.
Japan Highlights ＆World Heritage
Golden Route Plus: Nara & Shirakawago Hotel Standard
12-day Golden Route through Japan's World Heritage: Tokyo, Takayama's Edo streets, thatched-roof Shirakawago, and Kyoto's ancient temples.
Spirit of Tradition: Shirakawago & Cultural Japan
Golden Route Plus: Shirakawago,Miyajima & Nara Hotel Standard
14-day journey: Tokyo through Hakone, Takayama, and Shirakawago's thatched villages. Experience Japan's spiritual traditions and mountain culture.
Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape Hotel Deluxe
12-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo to Kashikojima via Nagoya. Upgraded stays, Ise Grand Shrine, pearl island coast, and Shinkansen all included.
Japan Highlights ＆World Heritage – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Nara & Shirakawago Hotel Deluxe
Japan's Golden Route with deluxe hotels: 12-day Tokyo to Kyoto journey via Takayama and UNESCO Shirakawago. Premium accommodation throughout.
Spirit of Tradition: Shirakawago – Deluxe
Golden Route Plus: Shirakawago,Miyajima & Nara Hotel Deluxe
Shirakawago and cultural Japan with deluxe hotels: 14-day tour from Tokyo via Hakone and Takayama. Premium mountain stays included.
From Sacred Mountains to Coastal Calm
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan,Ise-Shima & Shirakawago Hotel Standard
Temple stay at Koyasan, Ise Grand Shrine visit, Ago Bay cruise, and Shirakawago's thatched villages. 15-day spiritual journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara.
From Sacred Mountains to Coastal Calm – Deluxe
Faith & Tradition: Koyasan,Ise-Shima & Shirakawago Hotel Deluxe
Koyasan temple stay with deluxe hotels: 15-day tour with Ise Grand Shrine, Ago Bay, and Shirakawago. Premium stays from Tokyo to Kyoto and Nara.
15 Days Through Japan & Universal City
Japan Highlights with an Osaka Theme Park Hotel Standard
15-day Japan tour: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Shirakawago, and 2 days at Osaka's theme park. Hotels, Shinkansen, and luggage delivery all included.
15 Days Through Japan & Universal City – Deluxe
Japan Highlights with an Osaka Theme Park Hotel Deluxe
15-day tour with deluxe hotels: Tokyo, Kyoto, Shirakawago, and Osaka's theme park. Upgraded accommodation with Shinkansen and luggage delivery.
SOLO/Hidden Gems of Japan: Ise-Shima Escape
Golden Route Plus: Ise-Shima Escape
12-day solo journey: Tokyo, Nagoya, Kashikojima. Travel independently with pre-booked hotels, trains, and 24/7 support.
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Kansai
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11 tours