Nara is often overlooked in favor of cities like Kyoto and Osaka, but it’s a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Once Japan’s capital, Nara is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offers a rich mix of ancient temples, palaces, and unique traditions.
Kasuga also enshrines the powerful deities ‘Ame-no-koyane’, ‘Himegami’ and ‘Futsunushi-no-mikoto’ and much-like the Grand Shrine of Ise – Japan’s most important Shinto site – sections of the Kasuga Taisha complex are deconstructed and then reconstructed every twenty years in order that the knowledge and skill required to maintain and build such shrines is retained. Famous for the hundreds of bronze lanterns that hang from buildings within the shrine, Kasuga is highly photogenic and a colourful contrast to the more austere exterior of nearby Todai-ji.
On our one-day tour, you’ll explore the Nara Palace Site Historical Park, the former imperial residence during Japan's Nara period. After a local lunch, you'll get hands-on experience making Nara Sumi (traditional ink), a centuries-old craft still made in the city. We’ll also visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine, known for its iconic lanterns, and spot the sacred deer roaming freely. The day ends at Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of the Great Buddha.
Join us to uncover the charm of Nara in just one day—an unforgettable journey through Japan’s past.
Best Tours in Nara
From the iconic Todai-ji Temple and the friendly deer of Nara Park to the sacred mountains of Yoshino, the ancient halls of Horyu-ji Temple, the peaceful forests of Muroji Temple, and the hidden cliffside sanctuary of Hozanji Temple on Mount Ikoma, Nara is a destination filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, discovering Japan's oldest temples, or venturing beyond the city into its tranquil countryside, our guided tours reveal both Nara's famous landmarks and its best-kept secrets.
Browse our tours below to discover the history, culture, nature, and spiritual heritage that have made Nara one of Japan's most remarkable destinations.
