Enjoy the afternoon visiting Nara. Due to its past as the first permanent capital of Japan, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. On this tour visit the Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine.

Highlights

  • Travel by return JR rail from Osaka to Nara
  • Enjoy the afternoon touring the sights of Nara
  • Visit Todaiji Temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples
  • See over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park
  • Explore Kasuga Shrine, featuring some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns
  • Plenty of photo opportunities
  • Includes hotel pickup from selected Osaka hotels
  • Informative and friendly guide

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Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Depart Osaka and travel by rail to Kyoto where you'll join your tour oNara, located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Visit the Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. One of Japan's best-known temples, it enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A wonder of religious architecture.

See over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand. Special deer food is available for sale in the park grounds.

Tour concludes with a visit to Kasuga Shrine, the most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.

Travel by return rail to Osaka.

Schedule Details

Nara Afternoon Tour of Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Osaka

Deer Park, Nara

Departs:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

Tour departs from selected Osaka hotels

Departure Time:

2011 Hotel pickup times:

  • Granvia Osaka: 12.40pm
  • Hilton Osaka: 12.20pm
  • Nikko Osaka: 12.10pm
2012 Hotel pickup times:
  • Granvia Osaka: 12:40pm
  • Hilton Osaka: 12:30pm
  • Swissotel Nankai Osaka: 12:10pm

Passengers commencing the tour from central departure point (Last Tour pick up point - Hotel Granvia Osaka) will need to be there by 12.30pm at the latest in order to check in for the tour.

Duration:

5 hours (approx.)

Return details:

Tour concludes upon arrival at Kintestu Namba Station (in Osaka) at approximately 6.00pm.

Tour and Pricing Options

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Additional Information

Inclusions:
    • Hotel pickup (from selected Osaka hotels only)
    • Guided tour of Nara
    • Motorcoach transportation
    • JR rail one-way from Osaka to Kyoto
    • JR rail one-way from Nara to Osaka
    • Admission Fees
    • English speaking guide
    • Tax
Exclusions:
  • Entering Treasures Hall
  • Entering Manyo Botanical Gardens at Kasuga Shrine
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel drop off
  • Gratuities (optional)
Additional Info:

  • Confirmation for this tour will be received at time of booking, unless you are booking within 7 days of your tour date. In this case, confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
  • Wheelchair Access: This tour is wheechair accessible, however passengers who require assistance must provide their own carer.
  • Please note that the train journey from Osaka to Kyoto and vice versa are non-reserved local trains. Some parts of pathway on this tour is gravel.
  • Pick up service from Kyoto Hotel Okura is not available during the Gion Festival (July 17) or the Jidai Festival (October 22) due to traffic restrictions.
  • At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the tour does not include entrance to areas requiring admission.
  • During the Gion Festival (July 14-16), drop off service to Karasuma Kyoto Hotel and Hotel Monterey Kyoto is unavailable due to traffic regulations.
  • The tour may not visit Nara Nagomikan if it is closed or due to traffic conditions.
Terms and Conditions:

If you cancel at least 8 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
If you cancel between 3 and 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 per cent cancellation fee.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 per cent cancellation fee.

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Reviews from other travelers
5 star rating: Highly Recommended

I would like to do this tour again during a different season to see the different colours of the ...  Read more ›

 

Alain P, November 2010

4 star rating: Recommended

Interesting guide and the Todaiji Temple is beautiful

 Read more ›

 

BETTY G, July 2011

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