Buy Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park Tickets on FunEx

View all Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park photos

Get your discount tickets for the Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park, save up to 9% !

Select your ticket

9% OFF Refundable

Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park

FROM

$93.32

REG. $102.41

Overview

I’ll guide you up a sacred mountain, through ancient forests, and to Nara’s Great Buddha. As a specialist in Buddhist art, I offer a private, slow-paced tour that blends history, nature, and spiritual insight—ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Exit the ticket gates and I’ll be waiting outside with a sign that says “Metta Guide Japan” (or your name, if preferred). Whether you’re coming via the Kintetsu Nara Line or Osaka Metro Chūō Line, follow the signs for the main (north) exit.

End Point

End point

The tour ends at Kintetsu Nara Station (or JR Nara Station if more convenient for your travel plans). Your guide will help you get oriented and set up for your next destination—whether it's Kyoto, Osaka, or beyond.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car

We'll start our adventure by riding the charming cat and dog cable cars—Mi-ke and Bull—up scenic Mount Ikoma.

Duration: 15 mins

2. Hozan-ji Temple

I will guide you to Hōzanji Temple, which sits on the forested slopes of Mt. Ikoma—a sacred place that has been visited for prayer for over a thousand years. Hōzanji was established in 1678 and features many beautiful halls and statues. As you walk up the stone steps, you’ll pass rows of moss-covered Buddhist figures leading to a breathtaking view of Nara.

Duration: 60 mins

3. Kofuku-ji Temple

We'll walk through the grounds of Kōfuku-ji, an important temple that played a major role in the early development of Buddhism in Japan. I’ll explain its history as the head temple of the Hossō school and how it influenced Buddhist thought in Nara. We’ll view the main halls from outside and take time to enjoy the atmosphere, but we won’t enter the paid areas unless requested.

Duration: 20 mins

4. Nara Park

We’ll walk through Nara Park, where hundreds of free-roaming deer wander among the temples and trees. I’ll explain the history behind these sacred animals and how they’ve been protected here for over a thousand years. You’ll have the chance to feed them and take photos as we explore the park. We may also stop by Ukimidō, a quiet hexagonal pavilion that floats on a pond—perfect for a short rest and scenic views.

Duration: 45 mins

5. Todai-ji Temple

We’ll visit Tōdai-ji, one of Japan’s most important temples and home to the Great Buddha of Nara. Inside the massive wooden hall sits a 15-meter bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha, surrounded by guardian figures and bodhisattvas. As a specialist in Buddhist art, I’ll guide you through the meaning and symbolism of these statues and how they reflect the temple’s role in the spread of Buddhism since the 8th century. After that, you’ll have time to walk around, take photos, or just soak in the atmosphere. If you’re up for a short uphill walk after Tōdai-ji, we can visit Nigatsu-dō for sweeping views over Nara and a quieter temple experience.

Duration: 60 mins

6. Kasuga Grand Shrine

If you have energy, we can take a peaceful detour into the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a sacred woodland that has been protected for over 1,000 years. The trail leads to Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most important Shinto shrine, passing thousands of moss-covered stone lanterns and a large red torii gate. Deer often wander along the path. Entry to the shrine grounds is optional.

Duration: 30 mins

Inclusion

Admission fees

Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)

Guide to Japanese Buddhism booklet

English-speaking guide with expertise in Buddhist art

Exclusion

Lunch

Snacks

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for young children and people who cannot walk long distances.

Supplied by Metta Guide Japan (John)

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Based on 4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park Discount Tickets

Select your ticket

Overview

Meeting and Pickup

End Point

Language Offered

Itinerary

1. Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car

2. Hozan-ji Temple

3. Kofuku-ji Temple

4. Nara Park

5. Todai-ji Temple

6. Kasuga Grand Shrine

Inclusion

Exclusion

Cancellation Policy

Additional Info

Reviews

5.0

Explore other options

Rome Hop-on Hop-off Tour with Vatican Ticket

3-Hours Artisanal Shopping Tour in Rome

Borghese Gallery Hosted Entry Ticket with Audio Guide

Private Half-Day Rome Food Tour from Fiumicino Airport

Unlock Vatican: Private Guided Tour of Museums & Sistine Chapel

Rome Street GastronomicTour

4 Days Tour to Discover the Molise Region

Transfer from Rome to Valmontone Outlet

Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum with Guided Tour

Colosseum Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Access in Rome

HR Representatives

Follow Us on