Public Transportation Fare abt. 2,000 yen, Admission Fee 1,100 yen/p
Overview
Nara was the capital of Japan in the 8th century prior to Kyoto and is located within an hour’s train ride from Osaka or Kyoto. In this tour we will stroll around a 19th century town area in the morning, and then visit a solemn shrine hidden in the forest and a huge temple, both of which were founded in the 8th century. In addition to that, we will have interesting encounters with the wild but friendly deer roaming around Nara Park.
In this tour you will be able to appreciate the difference between Nara and Kyoto, the development of culture, architecture and lifestyles in these two periods in Japanese history.
We will pick you up at Osaka or Kyoto so there will be no problems with the transfer to Nara.
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
5-chōme-1-60 Namba5-chōme-1-60 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Kyoto StationHigashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
We will start our tour by visiting Naramachi area which was originally founded as temple town in the 8th century and turned into a merchant town. Traditional-style latticed houses 100 years old and more are preserved well here. We will actually enter one of them once owned by a wealthy merchant and explore its luxurious interior. It tells a tale of how Japanese people used to live a hundred years ago.
On the other hand, you can also find some new shops among the old houses operated by young, present-day merchants selling cute accessories.
Enjoy the combination of 19th and 21st century culture.
1 hour 30 minutes
Kasuga Grand Shrine
This shrine was founded in the 8th century by the Fujiwara clan which was the most powerful aristocratic family in Japanese history. Even today the head priest of Kasuga Grand Shrine is a descendent from that family.
The deity enshrined here was invited from Ibaragi, some 500km away and came all the way riding on the back of a deer. That’s why the deer in Nara are regarded as the messengers of the deity and have been treated very well.
1 hour
Todai-ji Temple
This temple, founded by Emperor Shomu more than 1,300 years ago, is designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Built beneath Mt. Wakakusa, in its huge precincts, it holds many historical buildings some of which are national treasures.
The main hall housing gigantic Buddha statues is the world’s largest wooden building.
You can imagine the passion of the emperor who built this temple wishing for the stability and prosperity of his nation.
1 hour
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Free Cancellation
June 10100% refund
June 11No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
14
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 14 reviews with 5 stars
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Excellent
Published on May, 2024
It has been a excellent and productive day and it’s all thanks to Tomoko who accompanied me from Kyoto station to Nara where I visited the amazing 8 th capital which was wonderful than to temple and shrines and thanks to Tomoko again who took time out to accompany to inari shrines which was mesmerising.
Tomoko is very knowledgeable and at every point she explained about the Japanese culture and deity’s and their significance. A great learning experience I must say.
I highly recommend Tomoko for this tours and definitely I’m coming back.
Thanks
Arigato gozaimashita
Excellent
Published on May, 2024
It has been a excellent and productive day and it’s all thanks to Tomoko who accompanied me from Kyoto station to Nara where I visited the amazing 8 th capital which was wonderful than to temple and shrines and thanks to Tomoko again who took time out to accompany to inari shrines which was mesmerising.
Tomoko is very knowledgeable and at every point she explained about the Japanese culture and deity’s and their significance. A great learning experience I must say.
I highly recommend Tomoko for this tours and definitely I’m coming back.
Thanks
Arigato gozaimashita
Great day and great tour
Published on May, 2024
This tour was amazing. Tomoko was very knowledgeable of Japanese history and she was very accommodating to my husband who has a bad knee. I guess our favorite part of the day was the Todai.Ji temple and all the deer. We also loved walking through the old town and learning more about the traditional architecture.
Fantastic tour
Published on May, 2024
This tour is a must do. Our guide Tomoko was very knowledgeable about Japan history. I much appreciated how accommodating she was for my husband who has a bad knee. There were so many great experiences, that it’s hard to pick a favorite.
Great day and great tour
Published on May, 2024
This tour was amazing. Tomoko was very knowledgeable of Japanese history and she was very accommodating to my husband who has a bad knee. I guess our favorite part of the day was the Todai.Ji temple and all the deer. We also loved walking through the old town and learning more about the traditional architecture.
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