Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony





Description
This is a WALKING TOUR. On this tour, you will explore the best of what Nara has to offer, including the most famous sites, such as Nara Park, and Todaiji Temple, but also some "Off the beaten path" places, such as the original shop of the former Katana maker and actual famous Knifemaker "Kikuichi", and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Continue with cultural activities, including an introduction to Origami, the "Deer Challenge", and Calligraphy. If time allows it, you can wear a Kimono and/or a variety of costumes/outfits and go for a memorable photoshoot. Explore the site of the oldest temple in Japan, Gangoji Temple, and listen to the scary origin story of the demon of Gangoji. Finally, go to a traditional Japanese cafe to experience a true Tea Ceremony led by a certified Tea Master, away from the crowded and overpriced tourist traps, with freshly made matcha green tea, right in front of you, and a traditional handmade "Wagashi", a Japanese sweet for Tea.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Admire the Great Southern Gate, the symbol of the Todaiji Temple domain. Admire the two fierce guardians of the gate and enjoy the beauty of its unique architecture.
Explore the Todaiji Temple on your own, providing free time inside for a more personal exploration, and learn about its history. Visit the temple where is located the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the country, the "Daibutsuden", and get a chance to go through the Buddha's nostril.
Visit the original shop of the prestigious knife maker company Kikuichi. Receive an introduction to Japanese cutlery, as well as advice on Japanese knives, if needed. Former Katana maker, there is no better place to get Japanese knives, directly from the manufacturer.
Midway through the tour, enjoy a relaxed lunch stop near Mikasa-ya Main Store, a long-established local favorite in Nara. Away from the busiest areas, this spot offers a genuine taste of everyday cuisine, with simple, seasonal dishes prepared in a traditional, home-style manner. Your guide will help you navigate the menu and introduce regional specialties, making the experience accessible and engaging. More than just a meal, this stop provides a moment to slow down, observe local life, and connect with Nara’s culinary culture before continuing the afternoon exploration.
Visit the ancient Shrine "Kasuga Taisha" and learn about its spirit, the spirit of Kasuga, which can be described as the spirit of Nature, but also a general introduction to Shinto. Admire the beautiful Lantern path, and get the opportunity to make a wish at the Shinto shrine and connect with the spirit.
Walk through the park of Nara and witness the harmony between the city and the deer, following your local guide to get the best route possible.
Step into the atmospheric backstreets of Naramachi, where time seems to slow and everyday life unfolds much as it has for generations. This guided exploration invites you beyond the main tourist routes into one of Nara’s most authentic and quietly preserved neighborhoods—an area still largely untouched by mass tourism. Wandering through narrow lanes lined with traditional wooden townhouses (machiya), you’ll gain insight into the architectural ingenuity and lifestyle of merchant families who once thrived here. But this experience goes far beyond observation. Carefully paced and thoughtfully curated, the tour creates natural opportunities to connect with the people who keep Naramachi alive today. You may find yourself stepping into a small, family-run shop where the owner shares stories of their craft, or exchanging a few words with a local artisan restoring antique goods.
Explore Gangoji Temple, one of the 5 World Heritage Sites in Nara, and one of Nara's seven great temples. Being technically the oldest temple in Japan still standing, learn about its history, and listen to the very unusual and scary story of the Demon of Gangoji. Go inside for a preset time and explore the site freely before meeting your guide back outside.
Visit a traditional cafe, welcomed by a tea master and her husband. Get away from the crowded tourist spots, and experience a true matcha green tea ceremony led by a certified tea master, with a traditional handmade "Wagashi" included (Japanese sweet).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(4)
Amazing Tour !! Highly recommended. We had such a nice tour with the local guide.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a nice time on the tour with your local guide. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and your guide was also very happy to read your message! Thank you again for your recommendation — we hope to welcome you back again on your next visit to Japan ⛩️ Warmest regards from all of us, Ayumi / Japan Tour Adventure Team
Our guide was very friendly and extremely informative about the religions/stories and everything around them. A great experience and will definitely not be our last time choosing TripAdvisor. The man knows what he is doing and was able to teach us everything in perfect German in the bamboo garden and the various shrines. Thanks for the great day!
Vielen herzlichen Dank für Ihre wunderbare Rückmeldung! Es freut uns sehr zu hören, dass Sie den Tag als so bereichernd erlebt haben und die Erklärungen zu Religion, Geschichte und den verschiedenen Orten für Sie interessant und verständlich waren. Besonders schön ist es zu wissen, dass die Führung auf Deutsch Ihren Besuch im Bambusgarten und den Schreinen noch angenehmer gemacht hat. Vielen Dank auch für Ihr Vertrauen und Ihre lieben Worte. Wir freuen uns sehr, wenn dies nicht Ihr letzter Besuch mit uns war, und hoffen, Sie bald wieder auf einer weiteren Reise begrüßen zu dürfen! Herzliche Grüße ⛩️ Ayumi / JTA Team
After our tour in Osaka , the next day very beautiful day in Bicycle in NARA: the Park, its deer, the temple of Todaiji, visit of a knife manufacturer and purchases, introduction to the traditional art of calligraphy .... Remi knew how to walk us but shared his passion for Japan and its history. For information, we booked 4 private tours via the Japan tour adventure website, our exchanges were simple, pleasant and professional. Thanks to their support everything went as planned and were able to fully enjoy our discoveries in Japan. We highly recommend their services to future travelers: serious, responsive and attentive.
Merci infiniment pour ce si beau retour. Nous sommes profondément touchés par vos mots et ravis de savoir que ces journées à Osaka et à Nara ont été pour vous des moments riches en découvertes et en émotions 🚲🦌⛰️🍁 Savoir que Remi a pu partager avec vous sa passion pour le Japon et ses traditions nous donne le sourire 😊 Nous sommes également ravis que l’organisation ait contribué à un voyage fluide et serein ⛩️ Merci du fond du cœur pour votre confiance et pour votre chaleureuse recommandation. Nous espérons que ces souvenirs vous accompagneront longtemps et continueront de vous apporter de belles émotions au fil du temps 🍁 Au plaisir de vous revoir un jour au Japon ⛩️ Très chaleureusement, Ayumi, J.T.A Team
-were a small group led by the very likeable Harry -from Kyoto railway station we took the bus to Nara to visit a Kasuga Taisha shrine near the Hirsch Park - next stop was feeding deer at your own risk - then came Todaiji Temple with the 15 m high Buddha statue - Lunch in Uji - Visit to the Byodo-in Temple, which is minted on the 10 yen coin - finally an introduction to the Matcha tea ceremony then back to Kyoto Station
Thank you so much for your fabulous 5-star review and sharing your experience! We are happy to know you enjoyed the tour with Harry! Your kind words made our day!! Warm regards, Ayumi / J.T.A Team



