Bus Tours in Nara: Choosing Between 5

1.Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,275 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $52Our pick

This 9 to 10-hour bus tour links Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Arashiyama from Osaka or Kyoto. English and Chinese-speaking guides such as Amy, Willa, Fiona, and Christine lead the day, with free time for deer crackers, shrine walks, bamboo, temples, food, and photos. Expect an efficient schedule, long sightseeing day, and plenty of walking.

“It was a comfortable way of going around Kyoto and Nara. It saves you from the hassle of navigating by yourself.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

2.Nara & Traditional Matcha Experience Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 185 reviews · 8h 30m · from $122

Spend 510 minutes traveling from Kyoto to Nara and Uji with an English-speaking guide such as Nanami, Mai, At-Chan, or Tsubasa. See Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, and Byodoin Temple, then make matcha from scratch in Uji. Lunch is optional, and the air-conditioned coach includes free Wi-Fi.

“Rina was amazing. The trip was well organised , stress-free and fun!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

3.From Osaka or Kyoto: Kyoto and Nara 1-Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 141 reviews · from $64

This 9 to 10-hour bus tour links Nara Park, Todaiji, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari from Kyoto or Osaka. You get an English or Chinese guide, air-conditioned transport, and Kinkakuji admission. Guides such as Mike, Garry, Harry, Nick, and Eric have earned strong praise, but the schedule can feel rushed and Arashiyama may be removed.

“We had high hopes for this tour. We arrived at the VIP Lounge on time and were given no information from the women at the desk other than to wait for Bus #2. Very disorganized. The bus was late so we already lost 30 minutes from the tour. Several days prior to the tour I received an email that due to government restrictions on how long bus drivers can work, the tour was cutting out one of the stops (the bamboo forest). This was extremely disappointing as it was a major highlight that we wanted to see. The tour was very rushed and we had little time to spend at…”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

4.Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 114 reviews · 6 hours · from $77

Travel from Kyoto to Nara by air-conditioned bus, train, or both, then visit Kasuga Taisha, Todaiji Temple, and Nara Park with an English-speaking guide. Guides such as Yuko, Tammy, Emiko, and Aki have led highly praised tours. A Japanese-style lunch and Todaiji entrance are included, while drinks and large luggage are not.

“The guide and the driver were excellent. The trip was so worth the money!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

5.Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $78Top rated

Leave Kyoto at 7:45 am for a five-and-a-half-hour guided visit to Nara. You’ll see the 15-meter Great Buddha at Todaiji, feed deer in Nara Park, visit Kasuga Taisha, and enjoy a Japanese-style lunch. English guides may include Tammie, Mana, or Shelley. Transport can be by bus, train, or both.

“We had a lovely time! It was amazing to see all of the deer and the stunning temples and shrines. Our brilliant tour guide, Mana made the experience great too! :)”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →