(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!
At your hotel
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.
Wilson W.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
“Great tour”
Hiro was a great guide and gentleman.
Tatsuhiro N.
(56 reviews)Hi Bill-san & LeAnn-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment, which encouraged and inspired me to do a better job as an entertainer for tourists from abroad. Your pleasure is mine. I am sure you are now settled in your home in the state of Arizona consisting largely of deserts. I wish you two an even greater happiness and better health. Regards, Hiro
“Fun Day in Nara”
Hiro-san (Tatsuhiro) was a thoughtful and interesting guide. He brought along home-made props to help us dress up and take pictures for this location. We are slow paced seniors so this 1/2 day travel by subway and walking tour to see the Great Buddha and the deers in Nara was an exhilarating day trip.
Tatsuhiro N.
(56 reviews)Hi Nina-san, Thank you very much for your favorable review. I am much encouraged reading it. Above all, I am glad the two-day tour was completed safely and that I saw your smiling faces all the way. I wish you all a good luck and happy days ahead. See you again sometime somewhere. Regards, Hiro
“Kind and knowledgeable guide for our day in Kyoto”
Hiro-san expertly guided my son and I on a day tour of Kyoto. Hiro met us promptly as promised and kindly provided a sun umbrella for the hot day. He expertly guided us around Kyoto using walking and public transportation, making us feel like locals. Hiro has a very kind manner and was very patient with us, allowing to make changes during the day as needed. He also brought along fun photo props for our day, and promptly sent us photos of us that he had taken. Kyoto is a beautiful city and we look forward to returning!
Tatsuhiro N.
(56 reviews)Hi Keith-san & Josh-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you enjoyed a tour in Kyoto and I was much encouraged by your words. I wish you could have another opportunity to visit the city in the near future. I wish you an even greater success in your business and a good luck for Josh-san in his study. Regards, Hiro
$101/ per group
Reserve