Discover Nara Tours

Explore Nara’s historical tours, UNESCO sites, and ancient capitals.

Discover Nara specializes in guided tours of the Asuka and Fujiwara regions—the birthplace of ancient Japan—while also offering experiences in Nara City, Ikaruga, Sakurai, and other historic destinations throughout Nara Prefecture. From half-day excursions to full-day journeys, our tours explore temples, palace ruins, kofun burial mounds, and traditional townscapes at a relaxed pace. Whether you're seeking famous landmarks or hidden local treasures, our tours offer an authentic way to discover the history, culture, and beauty of Japan's ancient heartland.

Regular tours

  • Traditional Japanese temple with wooden doors, decorative lanterns, and a gravel courtyard, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.

    #1. Asuka Highlights Half-Day Tour

    Short on time?
    Explore the highlights of Asuka in just a few hours, visiting ancient temples and iconic burial mounds that mark the birthplace of Japan’s early history.

    Perfect for travelers short on time who still want a deep cultural experience.

    3.5 hour CAR tour
    3 stops at

    1. Asuka-dera Temple
    2. Oka-dera Temple
    3. Ishibutai Tumulus

    Best for
    First-time visitors to Asuka, short stays, travelers with limited time

    View details
  • Traditional Japanese temple with colorful banners, surrounded by visitors, under a clear blue sky.

    #2. Asuka & Fujiwara Historical Full-Day Tour

    Want the full experience?
    Spend a full day exploring Asuka and Fujiwara, where Japan’s first capitals once stood amid quiet countryside and ancient ruins.

    Ideal for history lovers seeking a slower, deeper journey into early Japan.

    8 hour CAR tour
    7 stops at

    1. kashihara-jingu Shrine
    2. Kitora Tumulus and Mural Experiential Museum
    3. Ishibutai Tumulus (+Lunch)
    4. Oka-dera Temple
    5. Asuka-dera Temple
    6. Imai-cho Town

    Best for
    History enthusiasts, slow travelers, visitors seeking a deeper understanding of ancient Japan

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  • A traditional Japanese shrine with a wooden structure, curved roof, and steps leading to the entrance, surrounded by greenery and trees under a blue sky.

    #3. Asuka & Fujiwara World Heritage Tour

    Curious about World Heritage Sites?
    Visit multiple World Heritage sites scattered across Asuka and Fujiwara, from ritual stone remains to royal burial mounds.

    A rare opportunity to experience places shaping Japan’s ancient identity.

    8 hour CAR tour
    12 stops at

    1. Sakafuneishi Ritual Site
    2. Asuka Palace Site
    3. Asuka Pond Garden Site
    4. Asuka-dera Temple
    5. Ishibutai Mounded Tomb
    6. Tachibana-dera Temple
    7. Mounded Tomb of Emperor Temmu and Empress Jito
    8. Kengoshizuka Mounded Tomb
    9. Hinokuma-dera Temple Site
    10. Kitora Mounded Tomb and Museum
    11. Takamatsuzuka Mounded Tomb and Museum
    12. Nakaoyama Mounded Tomb

    Best for
    World heritage fans, archaeology lovers, travelers interested in Japan’s ancient origins

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  • A large white statue of a standing Buddhist figure surrounded by blooming cherry blossom trees and green forested hills under a clear blue sky.

    #4. Asuka Four Temples Full-Day Tour

    Love temples and sacred places?
    Visit four remarkable temples in and around Asuka, including the region’s three most beloved temples and the mountain sanctuary of Tsubosaka-dera.

    A rich full-day journey through Buddhist heritage, seasonal beauty, and the spiritual heart of southern Nara.

    7-7.5 hour CAR tour
    4 stops at

    1. Oka-dera Temple
    2. Asuka-dera Temple
    3. Tachibana-dera Temple
    Lunch
    4. Tsubosaka-dera Temple

    Best for
    Temple lovers, Buddhist heritage travelers, visitors seeking sacred sites and seasonal beauty

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  • Traditional Japanese temple with a curved roof surrounded by lush green trees and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    #5. Kashihara Historical Cultural Tour

    Want to experience the birthplace of Japan?
    Visit sacred sites in Kashihara, including Kashihara Jingu and Emperor Jimmu’s mausoleum, then stroll through the beautifully preserved Edo streets of Imai-cho.

    A meaningful journey through Japan’s legendary beginnings and the quiet charm of a historic merchant town.

    5.5 hour CAR tour
    3 stops at

    1. Kashihara Jingu Shrine
    2. Emperor Jimmu’s Mausoleum
    3. Imai-cho Town (+Lunch)

    Best for
    History lovers, cultural travelers, visitors interested in Japan’s origins and Edo-period townscapes

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  • A large traditional Japanese temple with multiple tiers and ornate roofing, surrounded by visitors, under a partly cloudy blue sky

    #6. Nara Park World Heritage Tour

    Want to see the best of Nara in one go?
    Explore four UNESCO World Heritage Sites around Nara Park, including grand temples, sacred shrines, and historic monastic grounds.
    Along the way, enjoy encounters with Nara’s famous free-roaming deer.

    4.5 hour WALKING tour
    4 stops at

    1. Kofuku-ji Temple
    2. Todaio-ji Temple
    (+Todai-ji Temple Bell House)
    3. Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    (+Tobihino and Ukimi-do)
    4. Naramachi

    Best for
    First-time visitors to Nara, UNESCO World Heritage seekers, deer lovers

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  • Traditional Japanese temple with a pagoda tower, red and white structures, surrounded by a blue sky with clouds.

    #7. Nara & Ikaruga World Heritage Full-Day Tour

    Interested in Japan’s ancient roots?
    Journey through Nara City and Ikaruga, home to some of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, including early wooden architecture.
    A must for travelers interested in classical Japanese history and religion.

    8 hour CAR tour
    4 stops at

    1. Yakushi-ji Temple
    2. Toshodai-ji Temple
    Lunch
    3. Horyu-ji Temple
    4. Chugu-ji Temple

    Best for
    Classical Buddhism enthusiasts, architecture lovers, travelers interested in early Japanese temples

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  • Traditional Japanese garden courtyard with a wooden deck, a large pine tree, stone pathway, and lush greenery.

    #8. Naramachi Cultural Walking Tour with Gangoji

    Love hidden gems?
    Start at Gangoji Temple, then stroll through Naramachi’s narrow lanes lined with traditional townhouses, local shops, sake merchants, and small museums.
    Experience everyday life and craftsmanship in historic Nara.

    4 hour WALKING tour
    Flexible stops (choose from selected locations)


    【Important】
     Please choose as many places you would like to visit within the 4-hour timeframe. However, when creating your plan, if you are unable to visit all of the places within the time limit, we will contact you so you can reduce the number of visits.

    Best for
    Walking tour fans, traditional townscape lovers, shoppers and food explorers

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  • Traditional Japanese building with white walls and wooden accents, featuring a small entrance, a display window, and decorative elements including a paper lantern and a large sake barrel outside.

    #9. Naramachi Sake Tasting Tour

    Want to taste Nara like a local?
    Wander through Naramachi’s historic lanes as you visit three top sake spots chosen by Discover NARA . Experience a fun, flavorful intro to the city’s sake culture!

    3.5 WALKING hour tour
    3 stops of the five listed below

    1. Harushika
    2. Kyokan Nakai Saketen
    3. Nara Izumi Yusai
    4. Ogawa Matabei
    5. Naramachi Brewery (Craft Beer)

    Best for
    Sake lovers!

    View details
  • A sunset with orange and yellow sky visible through the silhouette of red and orange maple tree branches and leaves.

    #10. Private Custom Tours in Nara – Asuka, Fujiwara & Beyond

    Looking for something different?
    Create your own personalized itinerary across Nara Prefecture, from Asuka and Fujiwara to lesser-known local sites.

    Perfect for travelers seeking flexibility, privacy, and deeper exploration.

    Best for
    Families, small groups, repeat visitors, travelers seeking a fully personalized experience

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Tours FAQ

  • Each tour is designed for a different travel style.
    If you’re short on time, our half-day tours focus on key highlights. If you want a deeper understanding of Japan’s origins, our full-day Asuka and Fujiwara tours are ideal. For maximum flexibility, we also offer private custom tours tailored to your interests.

  • Yes. All tours include full English support, including assistance with tickets, site rules, schedules, and communication at each location. You can enjoy the experience comfortably even if you do not speak Japanese.

  • No. We do not operate tours during July, August, and the first half of September.

    Summer in Japan can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures that are often far more intense than many international visitors expect. Because prolonged sightseeing outdoors may pose health risks, we have chosen not to operate tours during this period to help ensure the safety and well-being of our guests.

    Our tours resume once the weather becomes more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy Nara's historical sites in a safer and more pleasant environment.

  • Yes, tours generally operate even in the rain. However, for safety reasons, itineraries may be adjusted or, in rare cases, suspended if weather or road conditions are deemed unsafe. We always prioritize guest safety.

  • Absolutely. We offer private and fully customized tours across Nara Prefecture, including Asuka, Fujiwara, Nara City, and surrounding areas. Please contact us with your preferred destinations, dates, and schedule, and we will propose the best possible itinerary.

  • For detailed questions about accessibility, payments, cancellations, health conditions, and other important matters, please visit our full FAQ page.
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Walk gently—this is a land where history still breathes.