Overview
Tiered Pricing 71,000 JPY per person — Group of 4 79,000 JPY per person — Group of 3 96,000 JPY per person — Group of 2 148,000 JPY per person — Solo traveler (1 person) 28,000 JPY per child (ages 6–11) Only have one day to spare but want to explore Japan’s ancient capitals, Nara and Kyoto from Tokyo??? Many say it’s impossible—but with our licensed English-speaking guide, it’s absolutely doable! Start with an early bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, then a limited express to Nara. Enjoy a peaceful walk through Nara Park with over 1,000 friendly deer, and visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the massive Great Buddha statue. After an optional lunch, head back to Kyoto to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Japan’s most iconic Shinto shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Though fast-paced, this tour offers a deep dive into Japan’s rich history and culture—experiences you won’t find in Tokyo. Return to your hotel by 6:30 PM, full of unforgettable memories!
What's included
- ✓Certified English-speaking guide
- ✓Todai-ji Buddhist Temple
- ✓Round trip tickets from and to your hotel to Tokyo Station
- ✓Bullet Train Tickets (Round Trip / Non-Reserved Seat Class)
- ✓Local Transportation in Nara and Kyoto (Including Limited Express Train)
- ✕Gratuity
- ✕Lunch
What you'll do
- 1
The tour guide will pick you up from most hotels in central Tokyo. If your hotel isn’t on the designated list, just let us know — we might still be able to arrange a pick-up for you! Once you've been picked up, we’ll hop on a subway or local train to Tokyo Station. From there, get ready for an exciting ride on Japan’s world-famous high-speed train — the Shinkansen, also known as the Bullet Train! The distance between Tokyo and Kyoto is approximately 514 km (320 miles), but the super express train covers it in just 2 hours and 10 minutes! If the weather’s clear, keep an eye out — you might be treated to a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji from your window. It’s a truly unforgettable way to travel!
⏱ 2h 40m - 2
After a comfortable 2-hour ride on the Bullet Train, we’ll arrive at Kyoto Station. From there, we’ll transfer to a local limited express train bound for Nara — our first destination! Nara was once the capital of Japan back in the 8th century and is rich in history and culture. Sit back, relax, and enjoy another short but scenic ride on one of Japan’s amazing trains!
⏱ 50 min - 3
From the station, we’ll enjoy a pleasant walk to Nara’s iconic attraction — Nara Park, where over 1,000 friendly deer roam freely and peacefully coexist with the locals.
⏱ 40 min - 4
Tōdai-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and impressive Buddhist temples. It’s best known for housing one of the largest wooden structures in the world, which shelters the awe-inspiring Great Buddha — a massive bronze statue that truly takes your breath away. And don’t worry — you won’t miss a thing! This tour is led by a certified English-speaking guide with deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, and much more. Your guide will share fascinating stories and insights about the temple, the Great Buddha, and of course, the friendly deer of Nara.
Availability & pricing
Operates on
Price from (per person)
$391
$169
Pick your exact date & check live availability on the booking page.
Good to know
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A subway or local JR train will be used after picking you up at your hotel, and the same applies for the drop-off service.
- For those who choose the Japan Rail Pass Holder option, a Bullet Train ticket must be purchased on your own if the Japan Rail Pass is expired or invalid.
- Please prepare rain gear, such as umbrella or a raincoat, in case of bad weather.
- If your hotel is situated outside our designated pick-up range and alternative transportation, such as a subway, is not feasible, guests are responsible for covering the fare. This includes the cost for both the guide's transportation to the first destination and from the last destination back to your hotel.
- Due to weather condition or other operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change or certain visits may be omitted or substituted. Even in such circumstances, the tour may not be canceled, and the tour fare will not be refunded.
- The tour involves a good amount of walking outdoors. We suggest wearing sneakers or comfortable shoes.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tour details & pricing provided by Viator. Bookings are completed on Viator.com.
