NARA - Journey into Shinto and Buddhism
The ancient city of Nara hosts 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with breathtaking architectural examples of the 8th century.
This tour covers the historical sites in the journey of better understanding Buddhism and Shinto, interacting with some of the hundreds of deer in Nara Park, and enjoying walks in old forests.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or at the train station.
- The guide will meet you at your hotel (for accommodations in Kyoto or in Nara) or at JR Nara Station/ Kintetsu-Nara Station.
Fushimi-Inari Shrine -1000-torii gate passage (South-East of Kyoto)
Famous for its beautiful vermillion torii gate passages on Mt. Inari, Fushimi-Inari Shrine will be our first stop on the itinerary and the only one in Kyoto before leaving for Nara. The grounds of the shrine on the sacred mountain are best to be enjoyed before rush hour.
Kasuga Shrine
The journey in Nara will start with visiting Kasuga Shrine, located in old forests and guarded by deer. We will walk in hinoki forests (Japanese cypress) and interact with the local deer considered messengers of God.
Nara Park
This 660-hectare park is renowned for its free-roaming deer and world-famous temples. Feeding the deer with special crackers is an attraction in itself.
Lunch break on Higashimuki Street
*bookings for lunch will be made in advance based on the tour participants' number and food restrictions.
Todai-ji - The Great Eastern Temple
One of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, Todai-ji hosts Japan's tallest Buddha statue. The Main Hall is the world's largest standing wooden structure and represents the peak of 8th-century architecture.
End of Tour
We will say our goodbyes at the station of your choice: JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station.
Ending Point
JR Nara Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guidance Fee
Entrance Tickets (guide + guests): 800 yen/person @Todaiji
Transportation meet up and during the tour (guide + guests): approx. 2700 yen/person with departure from Kyoto.
Meals
Tour Important Information
This tour involves walking and using public transportation.
Please bring appropriate walking shoes ( parts of the paths are cobblestones that can get slippery on rainy days)
If you wish to customize the tour ( e.g. drop the visit to Fushimi-Inari Shrine) please contact me in advance.
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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
About Tour Guide Ana I.
Hello everyone!
My name is Ana. I am an experienced tour conductor who guides clients throughout Japan. I am Romanian and have been living in Japan for over 10 years.
I am versed in creating customized on-the-budget one-day and half-day tours for solo travelers, families, or groups.
Please allow me to show you the natural beauty, traditions, history and amazing food of KYOTO and NARA.
Feel free to contact me for a standard package OR a customized trip. I will put my best effort into meeting your needs and creating an amazing journey.
WELCOME TO JAPAN!
Reviews
Divine L.
“Exceptional Guide! ”
Excellent guide, thank you so much, Ana!
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Ana I.
Thank you for your time and patience!
Divine L.
“Exceptional Guide! ”
Excellent guide, thank you so much, Ana!
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Ana I.
Thank you Divine for the amazing day in Nara!
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Joanna F.
“Thank you Ana for the wonderful tour of Kyoto,”
Ana is an excellent tour guide, she speaks English very well, and her deep knowledge of Japanese history and culture is incredible. She navigates the Kyoto transportation system with great efficiency and is fluent in Japanese. Her organization skills let us visit all attractions on our itinerary, we never felt rushed and she even stayed with us a little longer to help us catch a train back to Osaka. We highly recommend Ana as your tour guide. Jonna & Peter
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Ana I.
Dear Joanna and Peter, thank you very much for your time and trust in my services. I had a great time with you both; I loved all our chats. It was my absolute pleasure to show you Kyoto and talk about Japan. I wish you both much health and a great summer!
$192/ per group
More tours by Ana I.
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For 8 hours, we will explore Kyoto's symbolic places and marvel at its over 1100-year-old history, culture, traditions, and food. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience this wonderful former capital of Japan with only a day or two to spare for traveling in the region.
Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
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Kyoto - 5-hour tour of the historic Higashiyama District!
This 5-hour tour is created for those who wish to learn about the historic district of Kyoto but do not have the time to explore in-depth. Everyone is welcome to participate as the tour has a mixture of history, nature, architecture and experiences ( shopping or souvenir browsing, introduction to Japanese sweets and food/drinks, meditative walk).
Kyoto - 5-hour tour of the historic Higashiyama District!
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Postcards of Kyoto (East Version)
We will explore the East of Kyoto: rich in history, culture, and traditional architecture. This tour will cover some of the most famous sites of the ancient city — symbols of Kyoto that appear in the postcards.
Postcards of Kyoto (East Version)
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Rise&Shine, walk in historic Higashiyama District at SUNRISE
As a unique experience, let me guide you through Kyoto's protected Higashiyama District at sunrise. Away from the crowds of tourists, this short trip offers the chance for those interested in Japanese culture and history to experience the area at a peaceful and meditative pace.
Rise&Shine, walk in historic Higashiyama District at SUNRISE
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Nara
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Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destination, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, Todaiji - Temple, kasura shrine. And local Conners !
Nara historical walking Tours(half day)
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One day tour in Nara
Highlights of the tour are feeding deers in Nara Park and overwhelmed by the great Budha, Daibutu. Tour also visits several historcal sites. As all historical sites are located in the Nara park, we will mainly walk through the park ( 5~8km ) The tour also can customized in line with the customer's interest, historical sites, cultural sites or shopping.
One day tour in Nara
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Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
Nara is the most ancient city in Japan. You can see one of the most biggest images of Buddha in Japan called"Daibutu-san", and You also see many deer roaming freely around in Nara park. We visit Kasuga-Taisya Shrine ,founded to protect the Heijyokyo, which is also the deity of Fujiwara family is enshrined.
Let's enjoy walking around the ancient city called Heijyokyo or Nara established in 710.
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Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
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