Enjoy the Adventure
Are you looking for an adventure of a lifetime? Join us on an unforgettable journey through Nara, Japan's ancient capital where sacred deer roam freely among historic temples. This charming city offers magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 1,000 friendly deer in Nara Park, tranquil gardens, and Japan's most important cultural treasures. Our expertly curated tours immerse you in this captivating destination, with opportunities to visit the massive Todai-ji Temple housing Japan's largest bronze Buddha, feed bowing deer crackers, explore thousands of stone lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and walk through serene gardens. Experience the contrast between sacred spirituality and playful deer interactions, savor local specialties like kakinoha-zushi, and discover why Nara represents the heart of classical Japanese culture. A range of activities are available suited to every traveler, from cultural exploration and temple visits to deer encounters, garden walks, traditional experiences, and day trip combinations with Kyoto. Guide services, when available, can be added as optional enhancements to your package. Sacred Deer of Nara Park, Todai-ji Great Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are all within easy reach. Our experienced guides will lead you through each destination, sharing their passion for Nara's most incredible heritage. We offer a range of activities suited to every traveler, from cultural exploration and lakeside leisure to mountain adventures and heritage visits.
We offer a range of accommodationoptions in Nara to suit your preferences and budget. Hotel selection, amenities, and specific features depend on your chosen package and booking preferences. For detailed information about specific properties, facilities, and services available during your stay, please contact us to customize your accommodation based on your requirements. Join us on a journey of discovery and exploration through one of Japan's most historically significant and charming cities.
What's Included & Optional Add-ons
To help you plan your trip, here's what's included in your base package and the optional add-ons available to enhance your experience.
Included in Base Package:
- Return flights from UK airports (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh)
- 5 nights accommodation in selected hotels
Optional Add-ons to Enhance Your Experience:
- Airport transfers from Kansai/Osaka Airport to Nara
- Board basis options: Room Only, Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board
- Todai-ji Temple entrance and Great Buddha Hall
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine and lantern path
- Nara Park deer feeding experience
- Kofuku-ji Temple five-story pagoda
- Isuien Garden traditional landscape viewing
- Naramachi preserved merchant district tour
- Horyu-ji Temple (world's oldest wooden structures)
- Yoshikien Garden entrance
- Traditional Nara kaiseki dinner
- Tea ceremony experience
- Nara National Museum
- Mt. Wakakusa hiking
- Kyoto combination day trip
- Sake brewery tour
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
Itinerary Guide
This comprehensive itinerary is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences in Nara.
Arrive in Nara via train from Kansai Airport (90 minutes) or Kyoto (45 minutes). After settling into your hotel, head to Nara Park where over 1,000 sacred sika deer roam freely. Purchase deer crackers (shika-senbei) and watch the deer bow politely before accepting treats. Walk through the park’s beautiful landscapes dotted with historic buildings. Visit nearby Kofuku-ji Temple with its iconic five-story pagoda reflected in Sarusawa Pond. Enjoy dinner in Naramachi with local specialties.
Visit the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a 15-meter bronze statue weighing 500 tons in the world’s largest wooden building. Try passing through the pillar with a hole said to grant enlightenment. Walk through the deer-filled grounds to Kasuga Taisha Shrine featuring thousands of stone and bronze lanterns lining the approach and hanging in corridors. The vermillion shrine buildings nestled in primeval forest create mystical atmosphere.
Explore beautiful Japanese gardens starting with Isuien Garden, a traditional strolling garden using borrowed scenery of Todai-ji and mountains. Visit Yoshikien Garden featuring three distinct styles: pond, tea ceremony, and moss gardens. Wander through Naramachi, the preserved merchant district with traditional machiya houses, some converted into cafes, shops, and museums. Learn about Edo-period life at the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie traditional residence. Participate in a tea ceremony learning Japanese cultural etiquette.
Take a short journey to Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures dating from 607 AD. The temple complex showcases priceless Buddhist art and architecture spanning 1,400 years. Visit the nearby Yakushi-ji Temple with its distinctive architecture. Return to Nara for evening exploration, perhaps hiking Mt. Wakakusa for sunset views over the city, temples, and deer-filled park (March-December when open).
Take a 45-minute train to Kyoto for a day exploring the former imperial capital’s temples, bamboo groves, and geisha districts, easily combining two ancient capitals. Alternatively, stay in Nara visiting the National Museum housing important Buddhist art, touring a local sake brewery, shopping for traditional crafts and deer-themed souvenirs, or spending peaceful time in temple gardens and with the deer you’ve grown to love.
