(Highlights)
The Great Buddha of Nara is a magnificent structure weighing some 500 tons. Originally built in 752 AD, the stature is 15.9 meters high excluding the pedestal and its face 4.8 meters long. Subsequently, it was damaged by natural disasasters, fires and wars and was repaired several times. It was completely rebuilt in the Edo period (1603-1867). You will be amazed at the splendid image of the Great Buddha calmly seated on the pedestal with the look of a perfect repose and passionless calm. His right hand shows mercy and left hand, the wisdom of the universe. The building housing this huge image, The Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, is the largest existing wooden structure in the world, having an area of 54 meters by 49 meters and a height of 45 meters. It was burned down by a fire twice, but was rebuilt in the Edo period.
(How to enjoy)
You will be amazed at how huge the Buddha image is. Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere it creates amid the odor of burning incense, wonder at the ancient technology and the wisdom and the devotion of people. After all, you will never end up not being deeply impressed with the aura the "Daibutsu-sama" Great Buddha emits. Everywhere around the Great Buddha Hall, in the meantime, you can enjoy mixing with tame deer which do you no harm but ask you for food, "shika-sembei", which is being sold at the nearby stalls for 150 yen a pack containing some 50 grams of the deer food. You will feel very happy feeding, stroking and hugging the cute animal whose number exceeds, perhaps, 100.
(Others)
The transportation fare between Kyoto and Nara on a Kintetsu train is 620 yen (plus 510 yen if you take a limited express train). The entrance fee to Todaiji temple is 600 yen.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
The Great Bhddha of Nara
Wakakusa-yama park. You can sit on the soft grasses and overlook the city below.
Ending Point
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Susanne U.
“Great day lovely experience”
What a great day and lovely experience we had in Kyoto. Hiro-san was very helpful and kind and showed us all sopts we wanted to see. He explained a lot about history and also brought some props with him to dress up for photos which our daughter loved. He was also very helpful guiding us through public transportation which helped us a lot during the rest of our stay in Kyoto. Thank you Hiro-san for this beautiful experience.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Susanne-san, Danke. Thank you very much for your favorable comment. There can be no greater honor for me as a guide than to have such a lavish praise. I wish you all a good health and happiness in the days ahead. Especially, a healthy growth for Heidi. Auf Wiedersehen. Regards, Hiro
Anangga P.
“Superb Guide in Amano-hashidate from Tatsuhiro-san”
I was so worried leaving my elderly mother and aunts alone touring Amano-hashidate, especially since one of my aunts has just got her knee operated so she needs to be in wheelchair. Thankfully Tatsuhiro-san is there and went well and beyond his task as a guide by also taking care my family while showing the beauty of one of Japanese's often missed scenic spot. Tatsuhiro-san also tried his best to show the elderly entourage the area albeit he himself is not from around it. Alas, the weather is not so favorable this time so we got our Ine-Bay boat trip cancelled by the organizer, but thanks to Tatsuhiro-san's effort and kindness, my mother and aunts came back to the hotel full of smiles. Thank you so much, Tatsuhiro-san!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Anannga-san, "Dou-itashimashite", meaning no problem at all. I am really glad the tour was completed safely and that your mom and aunts were in full smiles. I am just happy for it. I wish the earliest possible recovery from her knee operation for one of your aunts (sorry, I forgot her name) and the happy life in the days ahead for all of them. Thanks again for the wonderful souvenir and the full mark for me. Good luck. Regards, Hiro
David J.
“Kyoto tour tailored to our needs ”
Our cruise ship was docked in Kobe, and Hiro willingly adjusted his tour to fit in with our need to return to Kobe before the ship sailed away. He met us at Kyoto Station, and returned us there in good time for our return Shinskansen to Kobe. Despite having less time we still had plenty of time to enjoy Kyoto Castle and Kinkakuji Golden pavilion.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi David-san, Thank you very much for giving me the high grade. I am glad if you could have had a glimpse of our history in the turbulent years and of the beautiful structure. I wish you a happiness and a good health in the years ahead. Regards, Hiro
$105/ per group