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Tour of the Great Buddha of Nara
(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.
FROM$102/ per group
Nara, the oldest capital in Japan, Walking tour
We'll visit Todaiji temple, one of the largest wooden structures in the world, Kasugataisha shrine whose god is believed to have come to Nara riding on a white deer, popular Japanese gardens if you like. We can enjoy pretty plum trees from late February to early March and cherry blossoms in spring. 1300 wild deer are roaming around in Nara park, where you can feed them deer crackers. In June Rokuen, the deer protection center, is open to the public, where mother deer feed their cute newborns.
FROM$134/ per group
Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~
We will visit Nara Park, where historic monuments and nature create calm and peaceful atmosphere. You'll see wild deer roaming hear and there. Walking in Nara-machi district will give us a chance to see an old merchants' townscape.
FROM$137/ per group
Asuka Walking or Cycling Tour
Asuka is the place where first unified state was established. It was a capital of Japan from 538 to 710. There are a lot of view point including ruins of the Imperial palace, ancient tombs, uniquely shaped stone structures throughout the area. You can enjoy the historical atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
FROM$117/ per group
Walking along historical trail of Nara(1):Samurai road
Walking along historical trail between Nara and Yagyu where was used to be the mecca of swordsmanship "Kenjyutu" during Edo era. As Yagyu family was a leader of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, one of the stile of Japanese swordsmanships, many samurais visited Yagu to learn the skill through the trail. You can enjoy such old trail thinking about samurai who were eager to improve the skill of swordsmanship.
FROM$267/ per group
Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage
- Yakushi-ji Temple is located about five kilometer south west of JR Nara station.
- Two major UNESCO World Heritage temples(Yakushi-ji & Toushodai-ji) are located here.
- After meeting at Nishinokyo station, we walk through Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji Temple.
- As an optional tour, we can visit Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, next to Toushoudai-ji Temple.
FROM$110/ per group
Tour for the East end of Silk Road, Nara
Nara has a long history including the site of the first and large scale capital of Japan in 7 century. However, Japan had reached at the status of national unity before 7 century and had started official envoy to Sui Dynasty of China in AD600. Therefore various new technology and culture had been transferred from China through anciant Korea.Tour will therefore explore the sign of influence of China, Persia or even from Greece transferred through the ancient Silk Road.
FROM$268/ per group
One day trip of Horyu-ji Temple
-Horyu-ji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607(Asuka period).
-The location is about 16 km(10 miles) southwest of Nara city
-The temple structures are the oldest wooden buildings in the world.
-The temple was the first place in Japan to be designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
-It would take three hours minimum to see the major areas of the temple.
FROM$88/ per group
Walking along historical trail of Nara (4)
Second part of the "Yamanobe no michi"..The trip is a walking the trail between Sakurai and Yanagimoto JR stations. As the old palace of emperor "Makimuku" ( Some researchers believe that the site might be the old capital of Japan in 3 to 6 century with active trades and communication with Wei Dynasty of ancient China (A.D. 3rd century) , you can enjoy older historical spots along the trail.
FROM$267/ per group
Walking along historical trail of Nara(3)
Yamanobe no Michi, "Old trail along the foot of the mountain" from Miwa shrine to Kasuga shrine, has been shown in the Kojiki," Records of Ancient Matters" the Japanese oldest history book ( beginning of 8 century ). The trip is a walking about the half of the trail between Tenri and Yanagimoto JR stations visiting historical spots including shrines and ancient tombs before 6 centuries
FROM$267/ per group
Uji-tea plantation visit
We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
FROM$134/ per group
Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):
Nara area used to be a Capital of Japan for 80 years (Heijyoukyou;A.D.708-810).After transferring the Capital to Kyoto, Nara was remained as a center of Buddhism. Although many temples remained such as Todaiji and Kohukuji, many other temples have been established but abolished in its long history, then only stone Buddha images are remained as an evident of the history.
FROM$267/ per group
Organic farm experience in Asuka, Nara
Asuka was the ancient political center of Japan about 1400 years ago. Unlike other parts of Japan, there are neither high-rise buildings nor large commercial complex. Instead, historical remains, rice paddy field, traditional village houses, mountains and streams welcome us as they used to be. You will visit an organic farm and enjoy seasonal activities. This will be happy experience not only for adults but also kids.
FROM$74/ per group
Indigo dyeing experience and Yakushi-ji temple visit
Ai-zome, or indigo dyeing used to be very familiar with ordinary Japanese people, especially in Edo Period(16C to 19C). The beauty of the color is highly valued as "Japan Blue". You will experience at a studio called "Konya", the fine renovation of an old merchant's house in Yamato-koriyama city, a castle town.
After that you will visit Yakushiji Temple.
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FROM$94/ per person
A traditional handcraft tour ~India ink stick~
The production of India ink stick started at a monastery in Nara in 14C. Today 95% of India ink sticks are made here in Nara. In this tour, you will experience Japanese calligraphy and enjoy making your own ink stick with the guidance of a traditional craftsman. Then you will walk up one of the main streets called Sanjo street and look around other handcraft shops unique to Nara.
FROM$75/ per group
Demi-journée de Visite à Nara
Ce tour vous amène au temple du Todaiji où reste la grande image de Bouddha depuis le 8ème siècle, au sanctuaire de Kasuga où le vermillon attire l’oeil de beaucoup de gens, au temple du Kohukuji et au Parc de Nara où les touristes se promènent avec des cerfs.
FROM$268/ per group
More Private Tours in Nara