Relax in Nara: Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple and Merchants' Town

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From $123.62 per person Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

You can select up to 5 travelers in total.

Adult (15-80) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 5

Book online or call: +1 437 966 9023

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

Starting from JR Nara station

2 Adults x $200.76

$401.52

Approx Total

$401.52

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Bus fares in Nara city, entrance fee to Todaiji Temple, Shaved Ice Dessert or Sake Tasting

Lunch

Overview

Nara city is rapidly gaining popularity as a tourist destination. As the capital of Japan in the 8th century, it can offer a variety of old temples and shrines, but also the charm of its former merchants’ quarter with quaint old houses serving as shops or restaurants. In this tour we will visit the biggest and most famous temple and shrine dating back to the 8th century as well as the old townscape.

Meeting points

Nara Station
1 Sanjohonmachi, Nara, 630-8122, Japan

Open in Google Maps

Just outside the ticket gates

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Kasuga Grand Shrine

The large and peaceful forest around Kasuga Grand Shrine is very relaxing, and it is fun observing the deer peeking from behind the many stone lanterns. The vermillion of the shrine pillars and the green of the surrounding forest make a great combination. The numerous lanterns hanging from the shrine eaves are a great spot to take a picture.

45 minutes
Nara Park

Although they can be seen anywhere in Nara, the area around Todaiji Temple is where you can definitely meet with the famous Nara deer. They can be fed with special deer crackers, but don't forget that these are semi-wild animals. Your guide can also tell you why there are so many free-roaming deer in Nara.

30 minutes
Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a must when in Nara. The long approach to the main hall with the 800-year-old Southern Gate and the deer waiting to be fed can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Once inside the temple walls, the huge main hall comes into view. Its sheer size is awe inspiring, although it’s said to be only two thirds of the original building. The Great Buddha flanked by two attendants has also enormous dimensions and almost bankrupted the state when it was made.

1 hour
Naramachi

In the hot summer days the nobles used to eat shaved ice to cool down as far back as the 8th century! There is even a shrine dedicated to the deity of ice in Nara city. The shaved ice desserts are a feast. Of course there also other delicious sweets, and for those preferring to taste some local sake, there is a great sake brewery in the old part of town.

45 minutes
Naramachi Koshino Ie

Situated in Naramachi, a historic district within Nara, is this merchant’s house. Built in the traditional Japanese style it gives you an idea of what daily life was like back then. Besides the gorgeous tatami mat rooms you can also have a look at the earthen cooking stoves and the bath.

30 minutes
Harushika Brewery

Enjoy some sake tasting or a traditional Japanese sweet while taking in the sights of the old merchant town.

45 minutes

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Free Cancellation

October 27100% refund

October 28No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

4 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 4 reviews with 5 stars

Fun Family Activity

Published on Jan, 2025

Enjoyed Nara deer park in the early morning before all the visitors arrived. Around 10am on our visit there were a lot of visitors arriving. Easy to walk amongst and feed the many roaming deer. Some get rather aggressive if they see you have food. I recommend discreetly feeding to smaller sized groups. Other than small monetary fee for deer food, the park and walking around the deer is free. The Buddha statue was on the edge of the park and worth the moderate admission fee. Very large Buddha on the well maintained site.

Great Day

Published on Feb, 2024

Our tour guide was very informative and we loved the deer park and all the temples. The whole experience was well worth the time and money.

Great Day

Published on Feb, 2024

Our tour guide was very informative and we loved the deer park and all the temples. The whole experience was well worth the time and money.

Love Nara Deer Park

Published on Jul, 2023

Nara Deer Park is a must do experience in Japan. Simply lovely to see the beautiful deer roaming around freely in the park and streets.

Love Nara Deer Park

Published on Jul, 2023

Nara Deer Park is a must do experience in Japan. Simply lovely to see the beautiful deer roaming around freely in the park and streets.

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