Day trip to Nara
Meet your English Speaking Guide in the hotel lobby and transfer by private car to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan in the 8th Century.
Area
Kyoto & Around
Start from Nara Park, a large pleasant park in the center of Nara. Commonly known as “Deer Park,” it is home to hundreds of freely roaming deers, a symbol of the city and regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto Religion. The Nara Park houses several famous sights.
Then followed by Kasugataisha Shrine, originally established in 768A.D. as the shrine of the powerful Fujiwara Family. See the magnificent interior famous for its numerous bronze hanging lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up to the shrine.
Move on to the gigantic Todaiji temple, reputedly the largest historical wooden building in the world and one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples to be overwhelmed by the giant statue of Buddha Vairocana.
Finish your Nara tour in Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara, which was not affected by bombings during the Second World War. Explore the quaint streets and traditional shops of this well preserved district.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationHOTEL THE MITSUI
Combining Kyoto’s cultural heritage with contemporary design, this serene hotel stands on the site of the former Mitsui family residence. With a strolling garden, tranquil ceremonial room and thermal spa, this is where old Japan meets modern elegance.
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View AccommodationHotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
Lean into the quiet luxury of this heritage hotel, a former school in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district, full of modern minimalism and Japanese serenity, with dining by Ducasse Paris, private bathing, and an atmospheric rooftop bar.
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View AccommodationShuisui Hotel
Nara's finest luxury hotel occupies a meticulously restored 1920s Governor's residence at the edge of sacred Nara Park. Where Kengo Kuma's contemporary vision meets Taisho-era heritage, private onsen baths and World Heritage temples await at your doorstep
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View AccommodationThe Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
The property has an excellent location on the Kamogawa River, close to Kyoto’s downtown areas including Gion and Kawaramachi-dori and is one of the city's most desired abodes. Guest rooms offer stunning views of the river and the Higashiyama Mountains.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Hotel Kyoto
A luxurious addition to Kyoto, the Four Seasons Kyoto offers spacious, contemporary accommodation with a Japanese flare in the historical heart of Kyoto. Enjoy the sites of this former Imperial city during the day before returning to this Japanese haven.
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View AccommodationHyatt Regency Kyoto
Located close to the centre of Kyoto, a pleasant walk from the famous Geisha Gion district and opposite the Kyoto National Museum, the luxury Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a great base from which to explore the cultural heart of Japan.
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View AccommodationAman Kyoto
Inspired by the traditional ryokan and onsen it has been thoughtfully designed making it one of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Osaka
Opened in August 2024, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka unveils the city’s first contemporary ryokan experience on its exclusive GENSUI floor. Set in the vibrant Dojima district, it offers effortless access to key landmarks, letting you immerse yourself in Osaka.
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View AccommodationDusit Thani Kyoto
Discover the epitome of elegance at Dusit Thani Kyoto, an exquisite sanctuary nestled in Japan's cultural heart
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceArashiyama Backroads Tour
This half day walk introduces a number of quiet locations set amidst tranquil scenery and is perfect for travellers looking to escape the city for a few hours of walking through nature.
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View ExperienceFushimi Inari's Endless Gates
Wander the endless vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari. Thousands of gates tunnel through the mountain, each one donated, each one sacred.
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View ExperiencePrivate Tea Ceremony & Kimono in a Machiya
Immerse yourself in Japan's heritage with a private tea ceremony in a historic Kyoto townhouse. Adorned in a beautiful kimono, learn the art of sado from a master. Experience the preparation of matcha and enjoy wagashi sweets in a tranquil atmosphere.
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View ExperienceNara City Tour
Be charmed by the ancient capital on this Nara day trip. Explore famous landmarks such as the 8th-century Todai-ji Temple and quiet back roads brimming with atmosphere, for a glimpse of Japan’s incredible heritage.
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View ExperienceKyoto Family Adventure
This tour is perfect for families, as kids will enjoy spotting the holy fox statues, learning about Shinto fortune telling, and leaving their wishes on a traditional wooden prayer board in a creative manner.
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View ExperienceNishiki Market and Sushi Making
Shop like a local at Nishiki Market, then craft delicious sushi in a historic machiya townhouse. Hands-on, delicious, authentically Kyoto.
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View ExperienceTea with a Maiko
Discover the essence of Kyoto’s main geisha district, the neighbourhood of Gion, where the captivating sight of a geisha adorned in vibrant kimonos can still be witnessed gracefully darting through the narrow streets on their errands.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning