• Nara Palace Site Historical Park - The journey begins at 09:15, with a meeting point at JR Nara Station (not Kintetsu Nara station). The first destination is Nara Palace Site Historical Park, a national park situated on the grounds of Heijo Palace. This palace was the imperial residence of Japan’s capital, Heijo-kyo (present-day Nara), during much of the Nara period, serving as both the imperial residence and administrative center.

After exploring this historical park and gaining insights into its history, the group will head back to the city center for lunch. Nara boasts a variety of unique local gourmet foods that are a must-try, many of which can be found in the city center. For those who prefer not to dine in a restaurant, there are numerous food stalls around the city center offering diverse options.

• 錦光園(きんこうえん） - After enjoying a delightful meal, the afternoon will commence with a traditional Japanese art experience – crafting Nara Sumi (Nara Inkstick). The origins of ink trace back approximately 2,200 years to the Han Dynasty in China, and it was introduced to Japan around the same time. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own inkstick, which can be taken home as a souvenir or used personally.
• Kasuga Grand Shrine - Following the Nara Sumi making, the next stop is Kasuga-taisha, a shrine established in 768 AD and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries. The interior is renowned for its numerous bronze lanterns, complemented by many stone lanterns lining the shrine.
• Todai-ji Temple - On the way to Todaiji Temple, visitors will encounter many deer. There is an option to pause and feed them. The presence of numerous deer in Nara is linked to the legend of Takemikajichi-no-Mikoto, the deity enshrined here, who is said to have arrived in Nara riding a sacred deer from Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture. Due to this legend, deer are revered as sacred animals, messengers of the gods, and have been carefully protected over the years.

As the day concludes, the final stop is Todaiji Temple. Founded in 738 AD, it officially opened in 752 AD. The temple has undergone several reconstructions, with the most significant being the reconstruction of the Great Buddha Hall in 1709. The Great Buddha Hall houses the world’s largest bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai.

The group will return to JR Nara Station together to bid farewell.

• Guided tour with an English speaking guide
• Bus tickets required for the tour
• Nara Sumi experience fee
• Entrance fees for each spot during the tour

• Food and drinks

Historically, Nara served as Japan’s capital and the Emperor’s residence during the Nara period from 710 to 794, before the capital was relocated to Kyoto. This ancient city boasts three World Heritage Sites: “Historical Properties of Ancient Nara,” “Buddhist Monuments around Horyuji Temple,” and “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Culturally, the technique of ink-making was introduced to Japan in 610 and subsequently flourished in Nara. Today, over 90% of Japan’s ink is produced here, branded as “Nara Sumi.”

Nara is a unique destination where you can immerse yourself in Japan’s ancient history and culture, surrounded by museums showcasing art and historical artifacts, including world heritage sites, national treasures, and significant cultural properties. Explore this city with us and experience its allure firsthand.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.