Nara Trip Overview
Nara was the capital of Japan in the 8th century prior to Kyoto and is located within an hour’s train ride from Osaka or Kyoto. Though it’s not so popular and busy comparing to Kyoto, there are several things you can’t miss while you are in Japan such as friendly wild deer, huge Buddha and a shrine with thousands of lanterns. In addition, as Nara is a home of present-day sake, you can try variety of Japanese sake with nibbles.
Additional Info
Duration: 7 hours
Starts: Nara, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Nara Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Nara, Nara, Japan
Nara was the capital of Japan in the 8th century prior to Kyoto and is located within an hour’s train ride from Osaka or Kyoto. Though it’s not so popular and busy comparing to Kyoto, there are several things you can’t miss while you are in Japan such as friendly wild deer, huge Buddha and a shrine with thousands of lanterns. In addition, as Nara is a home of present-day sake, you can try variety of Japanese sake with nibbles.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kasuga Grand Shrine, 160 Kasuganocho, Nara 630-8212 Nara Prefecture
This shrine was founded in the 8th century by the Fujiwara clan which was the most powerful aristocratic family in Japanese history. Even today the head priest of Kasuga Grand Shrine is a descendent from that family.
The deity enshrined here was invited from Ibaragi, some 500km away and came all the way riding on the back of a deer. That’s why the deer in Nara are regarded as the messengers of the deity and have been treated very well.
You will be impressed by the number of stone and hanging lanterns offered by worshippers.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Todai-ji Temple, 406-1 Zoushi-cho, Nara 630-8587 Nara Prefecture
This temple, founded by Emperor Shomu more than 1,300 years ago, is designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Built beneath Mt. Wakakusa, in its huge precincts, it holds many historical buildings some of which are national treasures.
The main hall housing gigantic Buddha statues is the world’s largest wooden building.
You can imagine the passion of the emperor who built this temple wishing for the stability and prosperity of his nation.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Yoshikien, 60-1 Noboriojicho, Nara 630-8213 Nara Prefecture
A few minutes walk from Todai-ji Temple, you will visit Yoshikien Garden whose houses and gardens were constructed about 100 years ago. The grounds include three types of gardens, the Pond Garden, the Moss Garden and the Tea ceremony Flower Garden, so that you will enjoy and learn Japanese aesthic consciousness.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mochiidono Center Gai, 12 Mochiidonocho, Nara 630-8222 Nara Prefecture
Nara is said to be the birth place of present sake. You will taste sake produced in nara and other national brands with nibbles at 2 Izakayas(Japanese style restaurant bar) loved and frequented by locals. Enjoy!
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
