Nara Day Tour: Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha & Sacred Deer Walk

This tour is designed to go beyond a standard checklist of Nara’s famous sites by combining its most iconic landmarks with quieter, lesser-known locations. Alongside highlights such as Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, you’ll visit hidden spots like Himuro Shrine and Yoshikien Garden, offering a more complete and balanced experience of the city. The route has been carefully designed to flow naturally through Nara’s historic and scenic areas, avoiding unnecessary backtracking while creating a journey that builds from quiet cultural spaces to grand landmarks and open landscapes. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the experience focuses on storytelling and context—bringing Nara’s temples, shrines, and traditions to life in a way that goes beyond what you would experience exploring alone.

1. 1

   Yoshikien

   30 min

   Leaving the station behind, step into the tranquil grounds of Yoshikien Garden. Stroll through three distinct garden styles—pond, moss, and tea garden—while learning how each reflects different elements of Japanese design and aesthetics. This peaceful setting offers a calm and refined introduction to Nara.

2. 2

   Himuro Shrine

   30 min

   We continue to Himuro Shrine, a small but historically unique shrine dedicated to the preservation of ice. In ancient times, ice was harvested in winter and stored for use by the imperial court during the summer months, making it a symbol of wealth and control over natural resources. This lesser-known stop offers insight into daily life and innovation in early Japan.

3. 3

   Todai-ji Temple

   1 hour

   There are many deer on our way to Todaiji Temple. If you wish, you can stop for a moment to feed them. You may be wondering why there are so many deer in Nara. The deity enshrined here is Takemikajichi-no-Mikoto, who is said to have travelled to Nara riding on a sacred deer from Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture. Because of this legend, deer are considered sacred animals, messengers of the gods, and have been carefully protected for many years. Our destination is Todaiji Temple. It was founded in 738 AD, but did not open until 752 AD. Since then, the temple has undergone several reconstructions, but the most important one (the reconstruction of the Great Buddha Hall) took place in 1709. The world’s largest bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall.

4. 4

   Nigatsu-do Temple

   30 min

   In the afternoon, you’ll make your way to Nigatsudo Hall, where a wooden terrace offers sweeping views across the city. This historic hall is also home to the Omizutori ceremony, a ritual that has continued uninterrupted for over 1,250 years.

5. 5

   Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine

   30 min

   A quieter stop at Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine reveals the close relationship between Shinto and Buddhism—two belief systems that have long shaped Japanese spiritual life.

6. 6

   Mt. Wakakusa

   30 min

   We continue toward Mount Wakakusa, an open hillside that offers a refreshing contrast to the dense temple complexes. Known for its annual grass-burning festival, this area provides wide views and a chance to experience the natural landscape that surrounds Nara.

7. 7

   Kasuga Grand Shrine

   1 hour

   Our next destination is Kasuga-taisha. It is a shrine founded in 768 AD and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The interior is notable for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that follow the shrine.

8. 8

   Ukimido

   30 min

   We conclude the main portion of the tour at Ukimido Pavilion, a serene structure set over a quiet pond. This final stop offers a moment to relax and reflect on the day in a peaceful natural setting.

9. 9

   Harushika Brewery

   30 min

   Optional: For those interested, the day can end with a visit to Harushika Brewery, a long-established brewery offering sake tastings(not included in tour price). Nara has deep connections to the development of sake brewing, particularly through temple traditions, making this a fitting conclusion to the day.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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