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Kasuga-taisha

Kasuga-taisha: Our most recommended tours and activities

Nara: Half-Day UNESCO Heritage & Local Culture Walking Tour

1. Nara: Half-Day UNESCO Heritage & Local Culture Walking Tour

Meet your knowledgeable guide at the meeting point and begin your cultural half-day walking tour of Japan's first historical capital. As you walk by the shopping arcade, explore a Japanese old town extremely different from a metropolis like Tokyo. Walk between the historical buildings, and go inside a traditional merchant's house to see how people around here live in the past. Next, take a break from walking to observe the mysterious pyramid-shaped structure in the middle of the quiet town. Admire the view of the city of Nara from the hill, then visit Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Learn about the distinct Japanese religious culture as you see a huge temple with a great Buddha statue, then explore a beautiful shrine housing hundreds of lanterns. In this area, meet and feed the wild deer living in Nara Park. For over 1,200 years, locals have believed that deer are sacred divine messengers. Interact with them and see how polite they are. At the end of the tour, savor a delicious Japanese lunch dish made only using local Nara vegetables and fresh meat.

Nara: City Highlights Shared Group or Private Bike Tour

2. Nara: City Highlights Shared Group or Private Bike Tour

Embark on a guided cycling tour around the city of Nara. Discover some of its significant landmarks including Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Tōdai-ji, and the Oshikien Garden. Meet your guide in Nara and after a short introduction and safety briefing, you will be ready to set off. Put your helmet on, jump on your bike and head off to discover the beauty of the city.  Admire the beautiful scenery of Nara Park as you ride along at a relaxed pace. See the friendly deer who roam freely within the park and take in the views of the beautifully maintained surroundings. Stop at the Todai-ji Temple and learn more about Buddhism and Shinto culture with your guide. Stroll through its grounds and gaze in awe at the 15-meter-tall giant Buddha statue. Next, head to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine to see its thousand lanterns. Then, continue to the Kikuichi store, a high-end Japanese cooking knife retailer, before heading back to the starting point.

From Osaka: 10-hour Private Customized Tour to Nara

3. From Osaka: 10-hour Private Customized Tour to Nara

Our 10-hour customizable private car tour is the best way to visit the charming and culturally enriching city of Nara. Visit the world's largest bronze Buddha statue and greet wild deer in Nara Park, the home of around 1,200 wild deer. Wander in the Nara Town Historic District, where you can get lost in ancient buildings, gardens, and temples to immerse yourselves in the most authentic Nara culture. Learn more about Nara's history and culture in Toshodai-ji Temple. With our private car and professional driver, you won't have to worry about transportation, navigation, or language barriers. Our private car tour is perfect for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups. We can pick you up and drop you off at your preferred location in Osaka, whether it's your hotel, airport, or train station. The English-speaking tour guide is optional. Our guide will provide local insights and stories about each destination, making your tour informative and engaging. Itinerary Example: 8:00 AM - The chartered driver will pick you up at your designated location. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Departure from Osaka to Nara (journey about 1 hour). 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit Nara Park, including the main attractions of Nara Park, such as Todai-ji and Daibutsu-den, and admire the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the Nara Town Historic District, stroll through traditional streets, and admire ancient buildings, gardens, and temples such as Kasuga Taisha and Horyu-ji Temple. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant or snack bar. Please note that lunch fare is not included in the package. 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Visit other attractions in Nara, such as the Nara National Museum and Toshodai-ji Temple, to learn more about Nara's history and culture. 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit Nara's Hankaku Bookstore and street shops for souvenirs and specialty items. 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to Osaka, the driver will take you back to the designated location to end the trip. Please note that the above schedule is for reference only, and the actual itinerary may change due to factors such as traffic, passenger flow and visit time. When confirming the itinerary with the charter driver, you can discuss and adjust it according to the specific situation.

From Kyoto: Nara Guided Half Day Bus Tour

4. From Kyoto: Nara Guided Half Day Bus Tour

Embark on a delightful tour of the traditional areas in Nara that are brimming with cultural and historical significance, including the magnificent Todaiji temple, the picturesque Nara park, and the renowned Kasuga Taisha Shrine. While touring the Todaiji temple, marvel at the colossal 15-meter Great Buddha statue, which is housed in the largest wooden structure in the world, and soak in the fascinating historical significance of this landmark. As you explore the scenic Nara park, don't miss out on the chance to observe and interact with the adorable and friendly deer, which have become an iconic part of the park's charm. Finally, at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, take in the spiritual ambiance of the main sanctuary and offer your prayers and wishes to the gods. Overall, this tour promises to be an enchanting and fulfilling experience that offers a glimpse into the rich and vibrant history and culture of Nara.

Nara: Nara Park Private Family Bike Tour with Lunch

5. Nara: Nara Park Private Family Bike Tour with Lunch

Embark on a private cycling tour around Nara and have a fun day out with all the family. Explore Nara Park, pet and feed the deers cookies, and enjoy a delicious morning snack and lunch to keep your energy up while getting your daily dose of exercise. Meet your local guide at the meeting point in Nara and after a short introduction and safety briefing, you will be ready to set off. Put your helmet on, jump on your bike and head off to discover the beauty of Nara. Admire the beautiful scenery as you ride along at a relaxed pace. Your first stop is the Todai-ji Temple which you will explore with your guide. Stroll through its grounds and gaze in awe at the 15-meter-tall giant Buddha statue. Next, head to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine to see its thousand lanterns. You will also pause for a Western or Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant during your tour. Enjoy a private and relaxed experience throughout your tour which can be adjusted according to your preferences.

From Osaka or Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara 1 Day Bus Tour

6. From Osaka or Kyoto: Kyoto & Nara 1 Day Bus Tour

Explore the historic landmarks of the cities of Kyoto and Nara on this educational and adventurous full-day experience. Visit popular and famous temples, see historical monuments, discover sacred shrines, and meet the charming deer of Nara park. Choose to depart from either Osako or Kyoto, traveling with ease in a comfortable bus. During the tour you will visit the Todaiji Temple ─ its Great Buddha is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Nara. It is the largest wooden structure in the world and stands at around 15 meters in height. While in this city, you will also enjoy meeting the friendly and charming deer in Nara park and visiting the general worship area of Kasuga Taisha shrine. Be escorted by your driver and guide to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and discover its sprawling beautiful garden which spreads through the historical center of Kyoto. Then experience Kinkakuji Temple ─ one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto and a must-visit landmark. Then walk through the gorgeous natural scenery and bamboo grove of Kimono Forest of Arashiyama. Don't forget to take a picture for your memories!

From Kyoto or Osaka: Private Walking Tour through Nara

7. From Kyoto or Osaka: Private Walking Tour through Nara

Go on a private city walking tour through Nara and explore the fascinating history, culture, and food scene of this city. You'll be paired with like-minded local hosts who will suggest a bespoke itinerary to suit your needs and requests. Meet your guide in Kyoto or Osaka and take the train to Nara, the city where Shinto Buddhism was born. See some of Japan’s most significant temples and shrines. Marvel at art and architecture dating back to the 8th-century.   Walk down quiet streets and shaded paths lined with cherry blossom trees and be amazed by Nanto Shichi Daiji, the seven great Buddhist temples. Discover the magical, wood-built architecture overhung with thousands of lanterns at the fairytale Kasuga-Taisha Shrine. At the famous Nara Park, you can see the iconic tame deers that come close enough to greet you. If you are hungry this would be the perfect opportunity to check out the restaurants and cafes at Higashimuki Shopping Street. In this street, you will also find all sorts of souvenirs. 

From Osaka: 10-hour Private Custom Tour to Nara

8. From Osaka: 10-hour Private Custom Tour to Nara

Our 10-Hour customizable private car tour is the best way to visit the charming and culturally-enriching city Nara. Visit the world's largest bronze Buddha statue and greet wild deer in Nara Park, the home of around 1,200 wild deer. Wander in the Nara Town Historic District, where you can get lost in ancient buildings, gardens, and temples to immerse yourselves in the most authentic Nara culture. Learn more about Nara's history and culture in Toshodai-ji Temple. With our private car and professional driver, you won't have to worry about transportation, navigation, or language barriers. Our private car tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. We can pick you up and drop you off at your preferred location in Osaka, whether it's your hotel, airport, or train station. The English-speaking tour guide is optional. Our guide will provide local insights and stories about each destination, making your tour informative and engaging. Default Itinerary 8:00 AM - The chartered driver will pick you up at your designated location. 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Departure from Osaka to Nara (journey about 1 hour). 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Visit Nara Park, including the main attractions of Nara Park, such as Todai-ji and Daibutsu-den, and admire the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the Nara Town Historic District, stroll through traditional streets, and admire ancient buildings, gardens, and temples such as Kasuga Taisha and Horyu-ji Temple. 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant or snack bar. Please note that lunch fare is not included in the package. 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Visit other attractions in Nara, such as Nara National Museum and Toshodai-ji Temple, to learn more about Nara's history and culture. 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Visit Nara's Hankaku Bookstore and street shops for souvenirs and specialty items. 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Return to Osaka, the driver will take you back to the designated location to end the trip. Please note that the above schedule is for reference only, and the actual itinerary may change due to factors such as traffic, passenger flow and visit time. When confirming the itinerary with the charter driver, you can discuss and adjust it according to the specific situation.

Other Sightseeing Options in Kasuga-taisha

Want to discover all there is to do in Kasuga-taisha? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kasuga-taisha

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Great tour with personable guide. This bike tour is particularly recommended on hot days, as you can reach all the important sights quickly and easily. It also gets high quality bikes. A very nice idea was that the guide took pictures of the whole tour, which he then made available to me. Great tour, full recommendation!

We had an amazing time with Shin and Miki. They were so knowledgeable and took us to all the best places and even took us to lunch and a saki tasting! They were incredible and we had the best time.