Assembly Point
The tour begins at JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, both easily accessible by train from Kyoto and Osaka. The exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking.
Before starting, the guide will give a brief introduction about the history of Nara. As this is a private tour, the itinerary will be tailored to the pace, interests, and needs of your group.
Itinerary
We'll start by visiting the Tōdai-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. In its Great Buddha Hall, we'll see the impressive bronze statue of the Great Buddha and learn about the historical importance of Nara as the ancient capital of Japan.
Afterwards, we'll stroll through Nara Park, where sika deer live in the wild and are part of the city's cultural landscape. It will be an ideal time to take photos, enjoy the natural surroundings, and get up close to these highly symbolic animals.
Next, we'll visit the exterior of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. We'll walk through its sacred forest, surrounded by stone and bronze lanterns, while the guide explains the spiritual and historical importance of this place.
Finally, we'll head to the historic Naramachi district. There, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant if you wish. Afterwards, we'll stroll through its traditional alleys, where old merchant houses, small shops, and the charm of a bygone Japan are preserved.