- Japan›
- Nara›
- Tours›
- Art, Culture, & Historical›
- Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
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
Yoshihisa T.
Meeting Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Kohfukuji Temple and its national treasure museum
Nara Park ( You can enjoy feeding rice-bran crackers to deer.)
Isuien Garden, a strolling-style landscape garden with two different types of gardens built in different ages.
Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall, Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokke-do Hall )
Kasuga Grand Shrine ( Strolling in the cedar forest is very cool and refreshing. )
Local sake tasting at a sake brewery in Nara Machi
Ending Point
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
What to Expect
This tour is designed for those who are interested in the sightseeing of famous spots in Nara and peeping into the world of Buddhist statuary. The itinerary includes Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure museum）, Isuien Garden, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine and strolling in Nara Machi ( an ancient quarter of Nara).
Nara, an ancient capital of Japan, boasts both the quality and quantity of Buddhist statues throughout Japan. Among many temples in Nara, Kohfukuji and Todaiji Temples are ranked top two in housing Buddhist images, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. You can also enjoy visiting Kasuga Grand Shrine located in the midst of natural forests. The vermilion color of the shrine buildings contrast strikingly with the greenery of the surrounding area.
On the last corner of the tour you can appreciate the local sake at a sake brewery in Nara Machi. ( If you cannot drink alcoholic beverage, you can drink tea or coffee at a cafe nearby.) Last but not least, why does the statue of Ashura look so sad though he was a deity of wars in an ancient Indian religion? The answer is given during the tour.
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee ( ￥2400) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall and Hokke-do Hall ) and local sake tasting (￥500) at the sake brewery.
Important Information
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.
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
Reviews
Aidan C.
“ A wonderful 1 day tour of Kyoto! ”
Yoshi was an amazingly patient and kind guide. He brought us a map of Kyoto, helped us plan a trip to Nara (gave us a map of Nara highlighting the nest sites to see) and helped us plan our subsequent days. This one day tour was packed with many of the key sites in Kyoto (including Golden Pavilion, rock garden, bamboo forest and 10000 Tori Gates). He very much looked after our group. He had a fantastic suggestion for lunch and it was delicious but reasonably priced. Our family of 6 ranged in age from 6 to 70. We all enjoyed the day. I would highly recommend Yoshi to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Aidan. I really appreciate your wonderful comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am pleased to learn that you and your family enjoyed my golden route tour a lot. I hope you have returned home safely with lots of nice memory of Japan. I wish you all good health and best of luck. Yoshie
Priyanka C.
“ Excellent Day Trip ”
Yoshi-San was an excellent tour guide! We had a very enjoyable day seeing the sights on his Golden Tour of Kyoto. He showed us some of the most well-known temples as well as some that were “hidden gems”. He shared entertaining stories, poems and anecdotes about each of the stops. We had a wonderful day!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Priyanka. Thank you so much for your quick and excellent review for my tour today. I also enjoyed myself guiding and talking with you two since you were listening to my explanation and asked me proper questions in each site. I hope your husband will have a good sleep tonight and continue a pleasant trip during your stay in Japan. Best wishes. Yoshie
Natalie N.
“ Great experience seeing Kyoto ”
Yoshi is amazing! I am not sure I have enough space to describe how great our time and tour was, but I am going to try! He picked us up at Kyoto station and proceeded to spend the day with us showing us the famous temples of Kyoto. Along the way we ate awesome food and learned so much about the beautiful area. Yoshi speaks great English and is so knowledgeable. At the end of our tour, he took us to this amazing Yakitori spot in the station; it was literally some of the best food we ate in our time in Japan. I am so thankful for his kindness, he really set the tone for our time in Japan and we loved the day we spent with him. He is also really great at photos, so make sure you ask him to capture memories for you! Thank you, Yoshi!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Natalie. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased to learn that you loved the photos I took and the dishes of Yakitori restaurant. I hope our paths will cross again in the near future. I wish you good health and happiness. Yoshie
Natasha C.
“ Combination of history, wits and story telling ”
Yoshihisa was an excellent guide. His 'My Favorite Golden Route' was a perfect way to see Kyoto and understand it's history. Our day was meaningful history, interesting stories, magnificent scenery, Japanese puns, and even poetry. Yoshihsha showed us few hidden gems of Kyoto and his enthusiasm and energy is palpable. I would highly recommend hiring him as a tour guide.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Natasha. Thank you so much for your wonderful review for my tour in Kyoto. I also had a pleasant time, guiding and talking with you three. I hope you will return home safely with lots of good memories of Japan. Ichigo Ichie The best of luck! Yoshie