Time: 9:00 - 15:00 / 10:00 - 16:00 (6 hours approx.)

Meeting place: JR Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station, or your hotel (additional travel time and guide fee)

Style: Walking tour

Highlight

• Walk through the impressive and historical Kofukuji Temple
• Take in the nature and scenery at Isuien or Yoshikien Japanese Garden
• Visit the grand Todaiji Temple and view the renowned Great Buddha Statue
• Feed and play with the deer in Nara Park
• Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine
• If time allows, rest your feet at Ukimido Gazebo while gazing out over the pond, and do some souvenir shopping on Sanjo Dori

Schedule

Rate (tax included)

Description

Meet your guide at the station (or at your hotel in Kyoto or Osaka for small additional guide fee) and take a short walk to Kofukuji Temple, one of Nara's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kofukuji has a long history going back to the time that Nara (then known as Heijo-kyo) was as the capital of Japan. It was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Japan and now is the head of the Hosso sect of Buddhism. Several of the shrine buildings are designated National Treasures. Around here is where you’ll start seeing the famous deer wandering around or laying under trees.

Then you'll visit one of two Japanese Gardens neighboring Kofukuji, Yoshikien or Isuien. Despite being in a relatively populated area, these gardens are a peaceful oasis to refresh the mind on a busy day.

After the gardens you will visit Todaiji Temple, arguably the most famous site on today's tour. Founded in 728 and opened in 752, this temple has long been a major Buddhist temple in Japan and is another of Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Daibutsu-den, one of the temple buildings and the largest wooden structure in the world, houses the largest of Japan’s three Great Buddha Statues and the largest bronze Buddha status in the world. At 15 meters (49 feet) tall, this statue is an incredible sight to see.

At lunchtime you can choose a local restaurant in the area to have a bite to eat and walk through Nara Park, the central roaming area for Nara's famous deer. You can buy special crackers to feed the deer from stands scattered around the park.

Finally, you will visit Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine, known not only for its historical and cultural importance but for its photogenic architecture and setting. It was built in 768, and is another of Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The numerous lanterns lining the shrine’s paths, which number in the thousands, are lit all at once twice a year; once in February for the last day of winter, or Setsubun, and once in August for the Obon Festival.

If there is time on the way back to the station, you will pass through Ukimido Gazebo to enjoy the views of Sagiike Pond--with any luck and depending on the time and season of your tour, you may find yourself here at sunset for the best experience. Alternatively, you can take some time on Sanjo Dori to look at some souvenir shops. Finish your tour at the station or at your hotel.  

Included

• Guide fee and guide transportation cost

Not Included

• Entrance fees (Isuien or Yoshikien Garden, Todaiji)
• All transportation costs
• Meals, snacks, and drinks

Cancellation policy

• 2 days before - 70% refund
• 1 day before - 50% refund
• no show or on the day cancellation - 0% refund