Nara Tours from Kyoto

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Holy Place, Town / City

Nara, situated 26 miles (42 kilometers) outside of Kyoto in Japan's Kansai region, was the country's first permanent capital city. It's easily accessible from Kyoto by either train or bus (trains leave Kyoto twice an hour and the journey to Nara only takes 35 minutes) and it's well worth the effort. Nara has an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, but it's a small and compact place. A half-day or full-day tour is a neat way to absorb some of the great sights.

And oh what sights they are. Nara flourished under Buddhism so remarkable temples abound – including Todai-ji Temple, which was constructed in the 8th century and is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In its huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan, including the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall) which is one of the world's largest wooden buildings, and a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha – Japan's largest and a wonder of religious architecture.

For those with an interest in gardens, the Isui-en garden is the best in the city. Beautifully designed with lush greenery and a carp-filled pond, it's a serene place to stop for a cup of tea. Or for those of an artistic nature, the Nara National Museum is dedicated to Buddhist art.

Ancient, colorful Kasuga Shrine is a definite must-see. It shimmers with some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns – the interior is decorated with them and the path leading up to it (which passes through Deer Park) is lined with a thousand stone lanterns.

And speaking of Deer Park, this is a truly unique place – a gorgeous park where over 1,000 tame deer freely roam in 1,250 acres of peaceful greenery. The deer will gladly eat from your hand (you can buy special deer food in the park grounds).

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All Nara Tours from Kyoto Reviews

Reply by Viator, April 2013
Doing what: Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Kyoto including Nijo Castle

Kyoto and Nara are beautiful places, worth a visit. Nara , a peaceful park full of Deers and lovely gardens too. Lunch was also well served and delicious. We even had enough time to have a coffee and sweets. Well organised and excellent guide.

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Reply by Viator, March 2013
Doing what: Nara Afternoon Tour of Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Kyoto

Very nice tour and great guide!

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Reply by Viator, January 2013
Doing what: Nara Afternoon Tour of Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Kyoto

Very interesting and spectacular places. The guide was fantastic. His English name was Mitch and he went the extra mile with every single one of us. Very knowledgeable indeed, highly educated too, with one of the best English spoken in all Japan. A must do!

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