Nara Private Tour by Car

Discover ancient temples, lantern-lined paths and traditional streets on a Nara private tour with Tokyo Grand Tours. Travel in a luxury vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur and convenient hotel pickup. Along the way, see the Great Buddha and enjoy time among the deer of Nara Park.

Your private tour by car combines Horyuji Temple with five highlights in and around central Nara. Because the itinerary is flexible, we can shape the day around your interests and preferred pace.

Horyuji Temple

Start at Horyuji Temple in Ikaruga, home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings. Explore the Western Precinct, with its ancient pagoda and Main Hall. This visit offers a closer look at the early history of Japanese Buddhism. Temple admission costs extra.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Next, follow the wooded approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its stone and hanging lanterns. Explore the grounds, then enter the inner cloister for a closer look if you wish. The inner cloister requires a separate admission ticket.

Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha

Then step inside Todaiji Temple’s Great Buddha Hall to see the immense seated Buddha. Take time to appreciate the statue and the scale of the timber hall. Afterwards, explore more of the surrounding temple grounds. Great Buddha Hall admission costs extra.

Nara Park

Nearby, walk through Nara Park, where wild deer roam among the trees and open spaces. Enjoy the scenery and look out for deer as you follow the paths. The park also connects several of the day’s temple and shrine visits.

Kofukuji Temple

Continue to Kofukuji Temple and explore its grounds near Nara Park. You can also visit the Central Golden Hall or National Treasure Hall, with admission payable separately. The five-story pagoda is currently undergoing restoration, which affects views of this part of the temple.

Naramachi

Finally, explore Naramachi, Nara’s historic merchant district, where traditional townhouses line the narrow streets. Browse craft shops, discover local sweets or pause at a cafe. You can also enjoy lunch in the area, with the timing arranged around your route.

A Flexible Nara Sightseeing Tour

Horyuji is in Ikaruga, outside central Nara, so the schedule allows for travel between the two areas. Several central sights connect on foot, while your chauffeur handles the drives between locations. As a result, the day combines comfortable vehicle journeys with time to explore on foot.

The six stops form a suggested itinerary, and their order may change for your pickup location and priorities. Traffic, queues and opening hours affect time at each sight. For example, longer temple visits may leave less time for shopping in Naramachi.

Tell us your must-see places, so we can balance sightseeing, walking and meal breaks. Please also share any mobility needs, as temple approaches and grounds can involve steps and uneven paths.

Your English-Speaking Chauffeur

Our Nara private tours provide a vehicle and chauffeur exclusively for your group. Your driver shares commentary in the vehicle between sights, then you explore each destination independently. Alternatively, add an accompanying walking guide for a fully guided experience at an additional fee.

Pickup and What Is Included

• Tour format: Full-day private sightseeing with a customizable itinerary.
• Pickup: Your hotel or another agreed location. Please provide your pickup city and full address when booking.
• Included: Private luxury vehicle, English-speaking chauffeur, fuel, highway tolls and parking.
• Extra costs: Admission tickets, lunch, drinks, optional activities and any accompanying walking guide.

Admission charges apply at Horyuji, Todaiji’s Great Buddha Hall and selected areas at Kasuga Taisha and Kofukuji. We will confirm your pickup arrangements and timings for the agreed route.

For Great Buddha Hall ticket details, see the official Todaiji visitor information before your visit.

Cancellation Policy

• 8 days or more before the tour: No cancellation charge.
• 3 to 7 days before the tour: 50% cancellation charge.
• 2 days before the tour or later: 100% cancellation charge; no refund.

All refunds are subject to a 5% payment processing fee.

Plan Your Nara Private Day Tour

Book your Nara private tour and share your preferred sights, pickup address and any special requests. We will help you plan a day around the temples, scenery and local experiences that interest you most.

For more destinations, explore our other private tours in Japan when planning the rest of your visit.