Viator Rating : 5 (667 reviews)
Nara
Nara Early Morning Tour: Beat the Crowds!
270
Overview
The Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto Departure Option Available) lets visitors see Nara's best spots before it gets too busy. Nara is a popular place, and it can be hard to get good pictures when there are lots of people.
This tour takes guests to Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine early in the day. This way, everyone can enjoy these places without the crowds. Todaiji Temple is famous for its big bronze Buddha statue, and Nara Park is known for its friendly deer. Kasuga Grand Shrine is beautiful with its many lanterns, and Kofuku-ji Temple has a rich history. This tour is a great way to see the best of Nara in a calm and relaxed way.
The tour includes transportation from Kyoto to Nara if the Kyoto Station Departure Option is selected. An English-speaking guide will also be with the group. Food, drinks, and the return trip from Nara to Kyoto are not included. This is a walking tour with about 10,000 steps, including some stairs and hills. The tour group will have up to 12 guests. Please note that the 4-hour tour duration applies only to the Kyoto Station Departure Option. For the Kintetsu Nara Station Meet-up, it is 3 hours. 
Highlights
See Nara's best spots before the crowds: Enjoy Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Grand Shrine with fewer people around.
Travel from Kyoto included: If you choose the Kyoto Station Departure, your train ride to Nara is covered.
Learn from an English-speaking guide: Get interesting facts and stories about Nara's history and culture.
Meet friendly wild deer: Get up close with the famous deer roaming freely in Nara Park.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests really liked seeing the deer in Nara Park and getting to feed them.
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Many people enjoyed the guide's knowledge and stories about the temples and shrines.
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Customers felt the early start was worth it to avoid the crowds.
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The tour was a good way to see Nara's main attractions.
Some people thought there was a lot of walking involved.
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A few guests wished they had more time at each location.
The Journey
Kofuku-ji Temple
Established in 710 AD, coinciding with Nara's rise as the capital, Kofuku-ji Temple is renowned for its magnificent five-storied pagoda. Ascending to a height just shy of Kyoto's Toji Temple pagoda, it stands as the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. Witnessing the sunrise paint this iconic structure is an unforgettable spiritual experience, offering a glimpse into Nara's rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.
Kasuga Grand Shrine
Kasuga Grand Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an enchanting spectacle of thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, donated by devoted worshippers over centuries. These glowing symbols illuminate the shrine's path, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Revered as the sacred grounds that inspired the roaming deer of Nara Park, Kasuga offers a serene and historically significant journey into Shinto traditions and artistic expressions. It is a place where history, nature, and spiritual devotion converge.
Nara Park
Nara Park is an enchanting landscape home to thousands of freely roaming wild sika deer. Revered as messengers of the gods, these gentle creatures are a symbol of Nara. Experience the unique joy of offering 'shika senbei' (deer crackers) to them and witnessing their charming bows in return. This delightful interaction is a quintessential Nara experience, offering an unforgettable connection with nature and local folklore.
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple is a breathtaking testament to Buddhist architecture and spiritual devotion, famed for housing the Daibutsu, the Great Buddha—one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues. The temple's Daibutsuden Hall, while no longer the world's largest wooden building, remains an awe-inspiring structure that showcases the incredible craftsmanship of the time. Exploring Todaiji reveals not only the sheer scale of the statue and hall but also offers a deeper understanding of the historical context and spiritual significance behind its construction, making it an essential visit for any traveler to Nara.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes transportation from Kyoto to Nara if the Kyoto Station Departure Option is selected. An English-speaking guide will also be with the group to provide insights and answer questions. Food and drinks are not included, and guests are responsible for their transportation back to Kyoto. Entrance fees to attractions are also excluded. Please be at the meeting spot 10 minutes early. This tour has up to 12 guests and involves about 10,000 steps of walking. The 4-hour tour duration applies only to the Kyoto Station Departure Option. For the Kintetsu Nara Station Meet-up, it is 3 hours.
Hot Tip
Many travelers suggest bringing snacks and drinks since they are not included in the tour. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must because you will be doing a lot of walking. Also, be aware that the deer in Nara Park are wild animals, so it's best to keep food items secure and follow the guide's instructions.
Review Summary
Customers generally say this early morning tour is highly enjoyable for its small group setting and knowledgeable, friendly guides who provide rich cultural and historical insights. Most travelers appreciate starting early to beat the crowds, especially at Todaiji Temple and Nara Park, allowing for better photo opportunities and interactions with the deer. Positive reviews frequently mention the courteous and attentive guides and a smoothly organized itinerary. Some minor negatives include the physical demands of walking a lot and the need to be punctual as late arrivals are not accommodated. Overall, it is recommended as a well-paced and rewarding experience for first-time visitors to Nara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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