We introduce the most popular itineraries amongst our customers who choose tours on GoWithGuide. We hope it helps you to plan your perfect itinerary during your trip to Japan. In our twelfth post of the series, we focus on the best full day tour of Nara.
Experience the highlights of Nara with this 8 hour itinerary, which aims to visit the most popular sites in the ancient capital, including some of the best World Heritage sites. Enjoy the Great Buddha, old streets left behind from the Edo era, the biggest temple in Japan, and two styles of traditional Japanese garden.
1. Kasuga Taisha
With over one thousand events throughout the year at Kasuga Taisha, this World Heritage shrine nestled in a vast primeval forest of Nara Park, can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The nearby botanical gardens, the changing seasons, the sand-scraping wisteria, these can all be enjoyed at Kasuga Taisha, along with the mysticism of the shrine itself.
2. Todaiji
One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Nara, Todaiji houses a wealth of significant items designated as National Treasures. The reason for its popularity though, is the opportunity to see the Great Buddha, which is housed in Japan's largest temple, an impressive World Heritage site built in 752.
3. Isuien Park
Since Nara was the former ancient capital of Japan, it is great place to experience the changes between both Edo era Japan and Meiji era. Luckily, there's a garden for that. At Isuien Park, you can enjoy the difference between two separate traditional Japanese gardens, each respectively representing the two different era's.
4. Naramachi
Travel back in time at Naramachi. The old streets of Nara, left behind from the years of the Edo era can make a great place to explore. Recently, old wooden buildings have been converted to restaurants and souvenir shops, but that doesn't detract from the atmosphere here. Cross through narrow winding streets of ancient buildings, in an area that isn't just silently retaining character, but is surrounded by temples of World Heritage status.
5. Kofuku-ji
With a 1300 year old history, the World Heritage site of Kofuku-ji is the head temple of the Hosso sect. A five-storey pagoda stands proud and is a representation of a time when Nara was the ancient capital, an array of Buddhist sculptures and other treasures can be found inside the National Treasure Museum, and a wealth of Nara history can be attained here.
