Nara Early Morning Tour: Temples, Deer & Lanterns from Kyoto

Summary

Walk quiet temple paths feed bowing deer and catch Nara before the crowds

You’ll start your day before most travelers even arrive in Nara—walking quiet temple grounds, feeding bowing deer in Nara Park, and standing beneath Kasuga Shrine’s ancient lanterns with only soft footsteps around you. With a local guide leading the way and train pickup from Kyoto or Osaka included, you’ll see a side of Nara most people miss—and probably remember it longer than any photo.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d feel so awake at sunrise, but stepping off the train in Nara with the air still cool and a little damp was something else. Our guide—Yuki, who had this gentle way of explaining things—waved us over like we were old friends. The streets were mostly empty except for a few locals on bikes and sleepy shopkeepers rolling up shutters. We started at Kofuku-ji Temple, where the five-story pagoda looked kind of mysterious in the soft morning light. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice. Sometimes you just have to stand there and let your brain remember it instead.

By the time we got to Nara Park, the famous deer were already wandering around, nosing at people for snacks. Feeding them is hilarious—they actually bow (or maybe they’re just really good at getting crackers out of tourists). One nibbled my sleeve and Yuki laughed, saying it’s good luck if they pick you. I still had crumbs on my hands when we headed toward Todaiji Temple. Walking through that giant wooden gate felt like stepping into another world; inside, the Great Buddha sits so quietly that everyone whispers without thinking about it. There was this faint smell of incense mixed with old wood—hard to describe but somehow calming.

Kasuga Grand Shrine was my favorite part, though I didn’t expect it. Thousands of stone lanterns lined the path under tall cedar trees, moss growing thick on every surface. A local woman passed by and nodded politely—she had a little bell tied to her bag that jingled softly as she walked away. It all felt peaceful in a way I can’t quite explain; maybe because there weren’t crowds yet or maybe just because mornings in Nara are different from anywhere else I’ve been.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning tour of Nara's main sites

• Travel from Kyoto or Osaka to Nara by train
• Visit Kofuku-ji Temple at sunrise
• Explore Kasuga Grand Shrine and lanterns
• Walk through Nara Park and feed deer
• See Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple

Top questions

How long is the early morning Nara tour?

The tour lasts 4.5 hours if departing from Kyoto or Osaka Station, or 3.5 hours if meeting at Kintetsu Nara Station.

Is transportation from Kyoto or Osaka included?

The train fare from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara is included if you select that option; return fare is not included.

How many steps will we walk during the tour?

You’ll walk about 10,000 steps including stairs and hills during this tour.

What temples and shrines do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple (with the Great Buddha), Kasuga Grand Shrine, and walk through Nara Park.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 6 years old cannot join this tour.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No hotel pickup; meeting points are at Kyoto/Osaka stations or Kintetsu Nara Station depending on your booking.

What is included in the price of the early morning Nara tour?

The price includes an English-speaking guide and one-way train fare from Kyoto/Osaka to Nara if selected.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking guide who meets you at Kyoto or Osaka station (if chosen), covers your train fare to Nara Station for a smooth start, then leads you through all main sites—Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji’s Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Grand Shrine’s lantern paths, plus time with the deer in Nara Park before returning on your own schedule.