From Kyoto: Nara Guided Morning Tour

Travelers seeking to explore the cultural wonders of Nara can’t go wrong with the "From Kyoto: Nara Guided Morning Tour." This half-day excursion whisks visitors away from Kyoto at 8 AM, delivering them to Nara’s top attractions. With an expert guide leading the way, you will encounter the Great Buddha, wander through Nara Park, and visit the iconic Kasuga Taisha Shrine. At just $77.69 per person, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience that’s hard to beat. But what makes this guided journey truly special?

Key Points

• This 4-hour guided tour departs from Tully’s Coffee in Kyoto at 8:00 AM and takes visitors to the highlights of Nara, including Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Tour includes a 40-minute guided visit to Todaiji Temple to see the Great Buddha and 40 minutes of free time in Nara Park for interacting with the wild deer.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking expert guide who provides live commentary and multilingual audio guides are available in several languages.
• Participants are recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, hats, and bring cameras and water, as the tour involves moderate walking.
• Interacting with the friendly and docile deer in Nara Park is a unique cultural experience, with tips provided on how to respectfully engage with the wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Nara Guided Morning Tour from Kyoto is priced from $77.69 per person and lasts 4 hours.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve now and pay later.

The tour departs at 8:00 AM from Tully’s Coffee, Kyoto Avanti Shop.

Key highlights include the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, interacting with over 1,400 wild deer in Nara Park, and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.

Itinerary and Highlights

The Nara Guided Morning Tour starts at 8:00 AM from Tully’s Coffee, Kyoto Avanti Shop. The tour first takes visitors to Todaiji Temple for a 40-minute guided tour to see the Great Buddha. Next, they’ll have 40 minutes of free time in Nara Park to interact with the friendly deer. The final stop is a 1-hour guided tour of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guests are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, hats, cameras, and water. The tour is conducted by a live English-speaking guide, with multilingual audio guides available.

Key Stops	Highlights
Todaiji Temple	Great Buddha
Nara Park	Interact with 1,400+ deer
Kasuga Taisha Shrine	UNESCO World Heritage site

Guided Experience and Language Support

The tour is guided by an English-speaking expert who provides live commentary throughout the experience.

Multilingual audio guides are also available in several languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Ukrainian.

This ensures that visitors from diverse backgrounds can fully engage with and understand the rich history and cultural significance of the sites visited.

The guide’s expertise, combined with the language support, allows participants to enjoy the tour and gain a deeper appreciation for the ancient wonders of Nara.

Preparing for the Tour

When planning for the Nara Guided Morning Tour, travelers should ensure they’ve all the necessary items to make the most of their experience.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour involves moderate activity. A hat, sunscreen, and water will also come in handy to stay protected from the elements.

Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning sights, including the famous wild deer in Nara Park.

Smoking, intoxication, bikes, flash photography, littering, and explosive substances aren’t permitted during the tour, so it’s best to leave those items at home.

Prepare for an unforgettable day in Nara.

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Interacting With Deer in Nara Park

One of the highlights of the Nara Guided Morning Tour is the opportunity to interact with the over 1,400 wild deer that roam freely in Nara Park.

Visitors can purchase special deer crackers to feed the deer, which are known for their friendly and docile nature.

Here are three key things to keep in mind when interacting with the deer:

1. Avoid direct eye contact, which the deer may interpret as a challenge.
2. Bow slightly when approaching the deer as a sign of respect.
3. Don’t chase or provoke the deer, as they can become defensive when threatened.

Exploring Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visitors on the Nara Guided Morning Tour will first explore the impressive Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Spanning over 15 meters in height, the Great Buddha leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.

The tour then moves on to the iconic Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its hundreds of distinctive stone lanterns. Adorned with intricate carvings, the shrine provides a glimpse into Japan’s rich religious heritage.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide offers insights into the history and significance of these remarkable sites.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The tour departs at 8:00 AM from the meeting point, which is in front of the Kyoto Avanti building at the Tully’s Coffee side.

Participants should arrive 10 minutes early. The air-conditioned bus includes free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey.

Key points:

1. Meeting point: Tully’s Coffee, Kyoto Avanti Shop (arrive at 7:50 AM)
2. Departure time: 8:00 AM sharp
3. Transportation: Air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring any necessary personal items like water and sunscreen.

The tour follows a punctual schedule, so late arrivals can’t be accommodated.

Important Notes and Customer Feedback

Although moderate walking is involved, participants should prepare for the weather conditions. A hat, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

No smoking, intoxication, bikes, flash photography, littering, or explosive substances are allowed. Feeding the deer can be done with special crackers sold in the park.

Late arrivals or changes within 24 hours won’t receive refunds. However, full refunds are available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

Customer reviews praise the friendly deer interaction, giving the tour a 5/5 rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Available to Answer Other Questions During the Tour?

The tour guide is available to answer other questions during the tour. They provide live English-language guidance and are knowledgeable about the key sights and activities covered in the itinerary.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks to Feed the Deer?

You can’t bring your own snacks to feed the deer. The tour provides special deer crackers that are safe for the animals. Bringing your own food is not allowed as it could harm the deer.

How Often Do the Buses Depart From the Meeting Point?

The buses depart once in the morning at 8:00 AM from the meeting point. The tour has a fixed departure time, and there’s no option for participants to choose different departure times.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour itinerary is fixed at 4 hours. There’s no option to extend the duration. However, visitors can choose to explore Nara Park further on their own after the guided portion of the tour ends.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Stops?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the tour stops. The itinerary includes time at Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where there are shops selling local crafts, snacks, and other Japanese souvenirs.

The Sum Up

The "From Kyoto: Nara Guided Morning Tour" is a convenient and enriching way to experience Nara’s cultural highlights. Priced at $77.69, the 4-hour tour departs from Kyoto and provides an expert-guided exploration of Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. With English-speaking support, travelers can explore Nara’s history and interact with the park’s friendly deer, making this a must-do excursion for visitors to the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: