15 Best Temple and Shrine Tours in Nara

Todai-ji’s Daibutsuden, the hall holding the bronze Great Buddha, is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, and the current one is about a third smaller than the original. Kasuga Taisha, through the woods to the east, is the other half, with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.

1.Kyoto Nara Day Trip | Kiyomizu-dera Temple + Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine + Nara Park (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

Compare Kyoto’s temple lanes, Fushimi Inari’s torii gates and Nara’s deer on one bus day, with practical advice on timing, costs and the Osaka return.

Most Popular★ 4.7

“Our day tour with guide Oh Seok-bong 😍 made our trip to Kyoto and Nara so special and enjoyable! 🥰 Thanks to his kind and entertaining explanations, we couldn't stop smiling throughout the entire trip. Thank you so much for taking such good care of…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

2.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Nara Park Deer & Fushimi Inari Shrine Torii Gate Day Tour (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

See Arashiyama, Nara’s deer and Fushimi Inari in one day, with transport from Osaka or Kyoto and time to explore each stop.

★ 4.6

“Our tour guide Nimo shared a lot of information about our itinerary. However, we were a bit of a rush due to the crowd and traffic. Overall it was a good time.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

3.Kyoto Nara Arashiyama Day Trip | Nara Park Deer Feeding & Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Thousand Torii Gates & Arashiyama Scenic Railway & Bamboo Forest Path | Kyoto or Osaka Drop-off

Visit Nara’s deer, Fushimi Inari’s red gates and Arashiyama in one day, with transport from Osaka and flexible Kyoto or Osaka drop-off.

★ 4.8

“it was good that we saved time and hassle from travelling on our own. managed to go Nara Park, Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama. Honestly just the norm of a trip, nothing much special. the places itself speak wonders. guide just led us to the places.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

4.Nara & Uji Day Trip: Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple & Uji & Genji no Yu Onsen | Depart from Osaka

Compare Nara’s deer and temples with Uji’s matcha streets on a day trip from Osaka, with an optional natural hot spring stop.

★ 4.5

“Today was our second time joining a day tour in Japan, and we were honored to have Yurika as our guide. The entire trip was wonderful and enjoyable. This itinerary had only two destinations, and the schedule was well-arranged without feeling too rushed. At each…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

5.E-Bike Nara Highlights – Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine

Discover the enchanting wonders of Nara on an e-bike! From majestic Todaiji to adorable deer, immerse yourself in this captivating journey. Click now!

★ 4.8

“Great way to cover the area. It was hot so we were glad we opted for this tour rather than walk around all day. Beautiful area and a friendly knowledgeable guide. I told myself I wouldn’t buy anything from the knife store but folded. I…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

6.Kyoto and Nara Small Group 1-Day Tour: Nara Park Cute Deer, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha (Optional Hotel Pickup/Private Charter)

Visit Nara’s deer and Kyoto’s great temples in one day, with small-group transport, flexible free time, and a long but efficient route.

★ 4.9

“The tour guide speaks Chinese and provides detailed explanations of the attractions, making this tour perfect for those who want to visit temples without the hassle of transferring between different modes of transportation.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

8.Kyoto Nara Classic Day Trip: Katsuoji Temple Daruma Wall & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Nara Park (Departing from Osaka)

Visit Katsuoji’s Daruma-filled grounds, Arashiyama’s bamboo path and Nara Park in one Osaka day trip, with transport and a guide included.

★ 4.9

“The tour guide was professional and enthusiastic. We were very satisfied with the itinerary. The time management was also good.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

9.Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine Senbon Torii & Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Togetsukyo Bridge & Nara Park Todai-ji Temple One-Day Tour [Can upgrade to A5 Wagyu “Kobe Beef” (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)]

See Arashiyama, Nara Park and Fushimi Inari in one day by bus, with self-guided stops, optional Kobe beef lunch and English or Chinese guidance.

★ 4.6

“the trip was awesome, it has great value for money. kobe beef was superb. Our tour guide Gary was very kind, respectfull and accomodating. He always see to it that we are well informed about the places we are going and ensures our safety. He…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

10.Kyoto, Arashiyama, Nara: Optional Sagano Scenic Railway, Monkey Park, Nara Deer, Fushimi Inari Shrine One-Day Tour (Departing from Osaka)

Compare Nara’s deer, Fushimi Inari’s red gates, and Arashiyama’s bamboo on a guided day trip from Osaka, with an optional scenic train and free time.

★ 4.8

“Our child fell ill on the day of departure, and both the platform and the supplier were willing to help us change the date. Highly recommended!”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

12.Nara: 3-Hour Guided Tour with Deer, Great Buddha & Shrines

Discover Nara’s highlights on a 3-hour guided tour, from deer-filled parks to the iconic Great Buddha—perfect for history lovers and culture seekers.

★ 4.8

“This tour went through all the highlights of Nara in a nice tempo and with small adjustments (like smaller routes, nice shops and more quiet spots). Eri is full of enthousiasme and is really well informed (with her own insights as a local). We would…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

13.One-Day Tour of Three Ancient Capitals in Kansai, Japan: World Heritage Sites Todai-ji Temple & Byodo-in Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Thousand Torii Gates & Adorable Deer in Nara Park & Uji Matcha Gourmet Street (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

Visit Nara, Uji and Fushimi Inari in one day, with deer, the Great Buddha, matcha stops and transport from Osaka or Kyoto.

★ 4.8

“Both the tour guide and the driver were great, but the schedule was just too rushed.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

14.Kyoto & Nara Historical and Cultural Scenic Day Tour: Arashiyama Scenic Railway & Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine Senbon Torii & Nara Park & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Grove Path & Kimono Forest (Departing from Osaka or Kyoto)

Compare this Kyoto and Nara day tour, with deer, Fushimi Inari’s torii gates and Arashiyama, plus practical advice on the scenic train.

★ 5.0

“a pleasant trip with Tina !”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

15.Arashiyama & Yasaka Shrine & Nara & Todaiji Day Trip From Osaka

Discover the enchanting beauty of Arashiyama, the sacred Yasaka Shrine, and the historic wonders of Nara & Todaiji on an unforgettable day trip from Osaka.

★ 4.0

“This is a great tour if you like to explore by yourself. You get dropped off at the sites advertised and are given between 1 - 2 hours to roam freely. It’s best to research the sites beforehand so you know exactly what to look…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

4.5E-Bike Nara Highlights – Todaiji, Knives, Deer, Shrine, and Gems$92.24 4.9Nara: Half Day Local Guide– Big Buddha, Deer, Shrine, Forest4 hours$83 4.5Kyoto & Nara Day Trip: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nara Park (Departure from Osaka/Kyoto)9.5 hours$44.89 4.8Nara Park & Kinkakuji Temple Heritage Tour with Tea Ceremony$60.69 5.0Nara: Essential Private Tour with Deer Park and Temples3 hours$126 4.7Kyoto & Nara tour – Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nara Park$44.89 4.7Depart at noon Arashiyama Moon Lantern Festival Limited | Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nara Park Day Trip (Small Group with Driver-Guide, Optional Hotel Pickup)$55.65 4.3Mount Ikoma & Nara Fun Trip | Sky Cycle + Nara Park Deer Feeding + Todai-ji Temple + Wakakusa Mountain Overlook Day Trip | Depart from Osaka (Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park or Hirakata Park Optional)$56.09 4.7Osaka Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nara Park Day Trip$44.89 4.9Kyoto: Nara, Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha Shrine Private Full Day8 hours$183 4.0Nara and Uji Day Trip: Byodoin Temple, The Tale of Genji Museum, Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji no Yu, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine2 hours$56.09 4.1From Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Shrine Tour10 hours$51 4.6Kyoto Nara Day Trip [with Fried Chicken Set Meal] – Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple Day Trip (Pick-up available in Osaka and Kyoto)$44.79 5.0Kyoto & Nara: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine & Nara Park Day Trip$44.79 5.0Nara: Only in Nara Goshuin-Style calligraphy workshop1.5 hours$30 4.2One-Day Uji Nara Onsen Tour: Nara Park with Deer Crackers + Todai-ji Temple + Uji Byodo-in Temple + Genji no Yu Onsen (Round Trip from Osaka)15 min$46.85 5.0Nara Heritage Walkabout From Nara Park to Todaji-Ji Temple4 hours$102 4.8Nara City Tour | Explore Temples, Park & Local Highlights5 hours$83 5.0Full Day Nara Deer, Temple, Shrine, Activities & Tea Ceremony$110.55 5.0Departing from Osaka: Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Senbon Torii, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Tsubosaka-dera Temple’s Hidden Gem / Yoshino Mountain Autumn Leaves One-Day Tour$44.79 5.0Nara: 1.5 Hour Private Kasuga Taisha Shrine Tour – World Heritage$109.01 5.0Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park$104.66 5.0Nara Half Day Tour Discover Ancient Temples and Friendly Deer$141.58 Kyoto Arashiyama Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Nara Park Tour$105.00