Nara City Tour
Be charmed by the ancient capital on this Nara day trip. Explore famous landmarks such as the 8th-century Todai-ji Temple and quiet back roads brimming with atmosphere, for a glimpse of Japan’s incredible heritage.
Area
Kyoto & Around
Type
Art & Architecture
Community & Culture
Grade
Luxurious
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
1-2 Hours
Set off from the hotel with a local guide, hitting the streets of this charming city in the morning to make the most of the day. Start with a visit to Isui Garden, one of Nara’s most beautiful gardens. Stroll around the immaculate grounds, admiring views of Mt. Wakakusayama in the background while hearing about the city’s history. Relax and enjoy a cup of tea and some local sweets at a teahouse set amid the garden.
Then walk onwards to Todaiji Temple, Nara’s landmark. The guide will explain the history of this 8th century monument which was built to serve as the country’s head Buddhist temple. Walk through the temple compound to enter Daibutsu-den building, the largest wooden building in the world, and admire the 15-metre tall Buddha image found inside.
Continue to Nara Park, where friendly deer casually graze, followed by a stroll through Nara’s backstreets. Pass local shops and traditional houses, gaining a better appreciation for the blend of old and new that defines so many towns in Japan.
Arrive at Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most sacred Shinto shrine. See the shrine’s famous bronze and stone lanterns that hang from the roof, donated to the shrine by its devotees. Although only lit during lantern festivals in February and August, they are still an impressive site.
Before departing Nara, take a walk through the Naramachi district. The streets of this former merchant neighbourhood are filled with restaurants, cafes, boutique stores and traditional inns. Many of the shopfronts are built in the traditional machiya style, which helps provide the district its unique atmosphere.
Wrap up the Nara day trip with a transfer to the train station, hopping on board for the return journey to Osaka or Kyoto.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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![COVA KAKUDA]()
View AccommodationCOVA KAKUDA
Rising from the foundations of a historic pearl farm on the Ise Peninsula, this sanctuary offers an intimate dialogue between architectural minimalism and the wild beauty of Ago Bay. A luxury owner-hosted escape with connection to the regions heritage.
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View AccommodationThe Thousand Kyoto
Experience the epitome of Kyoto hospitality with a warm welcome and personalised stay at The Thousand Kyoto, a bold new luxury hotel located in the heart of central Kyoto.
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View AccommodationAmanemu
Amanemu provides the ultimate luxury retreat in the heart of the Ise Shima National Park. Based on the ryokan tradition, Amanemu will offer its guests a unique sanctuary with stunning views over the Ago Bay.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A luxurious addition to Kyoto, the Four Seasons Kyoto offers spacious, contemporary accommodation with a Japanese flare in the historical heart of Kyoto. Enjoy the sites of this former Imperial city during the day before returning to this Japanese haven.
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View AccommodationHotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
The Celestine Kyoto offers guests a truly authentic experience showcasing the best of Japanese hospitality and unique experiences within the ancient city of Kyoto. The Celestine has a fantastic location facing Yasaka Doori avenue in the heart of Gion.
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View AccommodationThe Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
Lean into the quiet luxury of this heritage hotel, a former school in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, full of modern minimalism and Japanese serenity, with dining by Ducasse Paris, private bathing, and an atmospheric rooftop bar.
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![The Hotel]()
View AccommodationAmanohashidate Hotel
Enjoying a prime location overlooking the Amanohashidate Sandbar, one of Japan’s three most scenic views, this modern and comfortable hotel offers communal hot spring baths, superb Japanese cuisine, and choice of Japanese, Western or fusion-styled rooms.
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The property has an excellent location on the Kamogawa River, close to Kyoto’s downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori and is one of the city's most desired abodes. Guest rooms offer stunning views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.
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![Dining]()
View AccommodationHOTEL THE MITSUI
Combining Kyoto’s cultural heritage with contemporary design, this serene hotel stands on the site of the former Mitsui family residence. With a strolling garden, tranquil ceremonial room and thermal spa, this is where old Japan meets modern elegance.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceKyoto Family Adventure
This tour is perfect for families, as kids will enjoy spotting the holy fox statues, learning about Shinto fortune telling, and leaving their wishes on a traditional wooden prayer board in a creative manner.
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![Geisha in Kyoto]()
View ExperienceTea with a Maiko
Discover the essence of Kyoto’s main geisha district, the neighbourhood of Gion, where the captivating sight of a geisha adorned in vibrant kimonos can still be witnessed gracefully darting through the narrow streets on their errands.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning
