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Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Meeting Point
TBD (at your hotel)
Nara Park
This park, which includes Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga-taisha Shrine, is home to 1,300 deer that are considered to be sacred, and is world-famous as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
Kohuku-ji Temple
Kofuku-ji Temple was originally built in 669 and moved to its current location in 710. In the 9th century, it became the most influential religious power in Japan, and since then it had been worshiped along with in Kasuga-taisha shrine under the Shintoism-Buddhism Unity Theory until they were separated by law in the 19th century. Standing on the premise are beautiful Buddhism halls and pagodas.
lunch
Kasuga-taisha Shrine
Built in 768, this Shinto shrine has a legend which says that the deity descended here on the back of a white deer. That is why deer are considered to be sacred here and why there a so many deer in Nara. The four main halls are designated to national treasure, and there are many other important cultural property buildings on the premise.
Todai-ji Temple and the Big Buddha
Todai-ji Temple which is well known as a temple of the Big Buddha was constructed as a protective temple of Japan in the 8th century. Standing on the premise are the Daibutsuden which houses the Big Buddha, and other national treasure buildings and statues.
Ending Point
TBD (at your hotel)
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch (you and guide),
Transportation fare 1,140 JPY per person,
Admission fee of about 1,000 yen per person for viewing inside the buildings,
Ask for details
Tour Important Information
As this is aTRAIN and WALKING tour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch for guests and guide are NOT included.
Transportation fee approx. JPY2,000, entarance fee ;JPY1,700.Ask for details.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Nara Tour Reviews
Christina R.
Mt. Koya, Kumano and Kumano Kodo Three Days with car
“A Perfect Private Tour”
Hiro is a wonderful, thoughtful, and considerate guide. I requested a custom 3-day tour starting on Mt Koyasan and concluding in Wakayama. Hiro rented a car and promptly picked me up at the temple I was staying at and we were off on our adventure. Hiro was a cautious and careful driver and I always felt safe. We headed to my first requested destination- a marvelous boat ride at Dorokyo Gorge. Next, Hiro arranged the perfect accommodation for me at an onsen resort in a room with a stunning view of the river. The following day we walked a portion of the Kumano Kodo trail and I very much appreciated that Hiro let me walk at my pace and enjoy the time on the path. Hiro also took me to several shrines, was knowledgeable about them all, and answered all my questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible ocean view of my second accommodation. It was awesome! On our final day, we started to walk the final part of the Kumano Kodo leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the falls but the heat and humidity were just too much for me and I could not go any further. Hiro said, "It's okay, I have an escape." We were able to stop after just a few more stairs and he went back to the parking area, got the car, picked me up, and drove to the final shrine and falls. I was so grateful! After a beautiful visit to the falls, Hiro drove me back to Wakayama, walked me into the train station, helped me purchase my ticket, and ensured I headed to the correct platform to get me back to Osaka. Hiro is a great guide and I would not hesitate to hire him again!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to visit sacred site Kumano with you. It's always nice to travel with a person who understands the value of Japanese culture and pay respect to our religions. Please come back to Japan someday, there are a lot more to see and to experience. And thank you very much for protecting me from a snake!
“Great Day Out with Hiro”
We had a great day touring Osaka with Hiro! The weather was hot and humid, and Hiro adjusted the schedule as we went in order to minimise the impact on us, which was greatly appreciated. We visited a Shinto Shrine, watched a group briefly lift and carry a movable shrine (very impressive!), then headed off to sample savoury Japanese pancakes, cooked right at your table. That was a new and exciting experience. We visited Osaka Castle - Hiro is extremely knowledgeable in the history of the castle and of Japan/Osaka. From there we made our way to a lovely and serene traditional Japanese garden and some beautiful temples. And we saw hundreds of turtles! Hiro speaks excellent English, and as mentioned is expert in Japanese history and culture. He was very kind to us, and helped us make the most of the difficult weather. We can recommend Hiro without reservation, and he will make your Osaka experience so much better. Thank you Hiro - it was a pleasure meeting you and having you guide us!
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was very nice meeting you yesterday. Yes, it was really hot and humid. I am used to this kind of weather, but it was a little tough even for me. I was glad that we all survived. The rainy season is about to end, after this comes very hot summer. It will be tougher for me. I know I have to take care of myself, and you too take good care of yourself. Thank you very much once again.
“Translation & tour”
Hiro is a very knowledgeable, patient, flexible & kind person. It was great having him around. We were lucky to have chose him.
Hiroyuki T.
(115 reviews)It was really nice visiting Sakai with you yesterday. Knife sharpening was new to me and I found it very interesting. I am going to add this to my tours. Thank you very much. I hope you could found 1000 sharpening stones today at the Kitchen Ware Street.
