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

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

5.0(5)Nara6 hours
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
+5 photos
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony
Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony

At a glance

Duration
6 hours
Price from
$110 / person
Location
Nara, Japan
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews
Languages
PT, EN, FR, ES
Group
Small group, up to 12
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Japan Tour Adventure
Meeting point
Meet at the 7-11 Convenience Store across the street from the Kintetsu Nara Station Fountain, next to the Kintetsu Nara Train Station, Exit 1.

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.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Fri, Sat, and Sun
Start times
9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
Next available
Sat, Nov 7
Adult (ages 20+)
$110
Youth (ages 6–19)
$84
Infant (ages 0–5)
Free

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 28.

Tour Options

English Speaking Guide

Itinerary

30 min

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.

Todai-ji Temple
Admission included50 min

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.

30 min

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.

Admission not included45 min

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.

40 min

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.

Nara Park
30 min

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.

Naramachi
30 min

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.

Gango-ji Temple
Admission included45 min

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.

Admission included60 min

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).

What's included

Included
Bilingual Local guide
Deer Cookies to share
Introduction to Japanese Cutlery history
Tea Ceremony Fee (Matcha & Wagashi Included)
Gangoji Temple Entrance Fee
Todaiji Temple Entrance Fee
Not included
Food and Drinks
Lunch
Shopping & Souvenirs

Traveller Ratings

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

5.0
5 reviews
5
5
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

How it compares in Nara

  • No. 29 by number of reviews among 125 tours in Nara
  • Starting price $110 is close to the typical $110 for tours of similar length in Nara
  • Price over the last 26 days: $110–$111

Excurgo comparison of 125 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

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

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $110 per person for this Nara experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does this tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Meet at the 7-11 Convenience Store across the street from the Kintetsu Nara Station Fountain, next to the Kintetsu Nara Train Station, Exit 1. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in PT, EN, FR, ES.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

Is this tour worth it?

Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 5 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Japan Tour Adventure.

Reviews(5)

Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

$110/ person
5.0(5)
Duration6 hours
LanguagesPT, EN, FR
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

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