TOshodaji/ Yakushiji
Half-Day tour

Forget the bustle of everyday life and soak yourself in the 8th-century religious world.
Historical, refreshing and fascinating!

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Converse with centuries-old statues

Tour Description

In this tour, you visit less touristy and quiet Nishinokyo area. It is the place that attracts people with its unique fascinations. Inviting you are the 8th-century original architectures and Buddhist statues. They silently convey people’s firm religious beliefs in a setting of serene atmosphere gently wrapping the compounds with their long history. Our guides know how to close their mouths for you so you can converse with centuries-old masterpiece statues or take a moment of peace or pictures.

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Standing in the compound of Yakushiji Temple, coming into view are the twin pagodas – the 8th-century original pagoda in centuries-old faded colors and the 20th century reconstructed pagoda in bright red and green colors. Compare the twin pagodas and you will gain deep insight into architectural history and Japanese aesthetic sensibility. For a sculpture fan, the 7th-century statues in elegant postures must be a perfect fascination. Walking 10 minutes along the historical path, you will jump into a completely different world where ancient structures and nature harmoniously create the world of monochrome. Its peaceful and solemn compound surrounded by lush greenery will surely present you with the refreshing and relaxing pastime. This tour is recommended for all -sculpture lovers, architectural lovers, and quietness lovers.

The tour takes approx. 3 hours. Past guests have said they like these temples better than major temples crowded with tourists. Visit them before you are “templed out”.

Tour Schedule

March 1 – July 31,

Sept. 1 – Nov. 30

Offered EVERY DAY!

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Advance Reservation Required

*Minimum 2 adults

Please reserve your spot in advance. We can accept your reservation until 6 p.m., two days before the tour date.

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For tours in August, Dec., Jan., and Feb.

Please book a private tour.

Meet

At 1:30 p.m.

In front of the Tourist Information Center in Kintetsu Nara Station

Find a NaraWalk guide with a white flag!

*Information center is on the ground floor of the station building. Kintetsu Nara Station’s ticket gates are on the B1 floor.

Duration

3 hours

Cost

Adults

¥10000

Children 6-12

¥1500

Children 0-5

¥0

Includes:

Admission to Yakushiji Temple
Admission to Toshodaiji Temple
Train fare from the meeting place to the destination (one-way)

You will see…

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Toshodaiji Temple

– holds the original 8th-century building and statues / World Heritage Site

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Yakushiji Temple

– enshrines the masterpiece 7th-century statues / World Heritage Site

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Heijokyo Palace Site

– the imperial residence and the administrative center / World Heritage Site
*From a train window only

After the tour food experience:

We stop at Yamato-Saidaiji station for a transfer. Inside the station you can find popular Japanese fast food such as Taiyaki and Takoyaki, ready-made traditional Japanese food, Nara’s local food such as Kakinoha-sushi and Nara pickles, and even a Sake bar run by a local brewery in Nara. After the tour is over, you will transfer here again, so you may enjoy the food experience on your own. The Sake bar opens at 16:00 just about time when we finish the tour.

A few more things

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attire / footwear

Please, dress appropriately for the weather. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

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weather policy

Tours take place rain or shine. Tours may be cancelled if weather is dangerous.

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payment policy

We send you a Paypal invoice. After the payment is confimed, we introduce your guide.

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children policy

Children of 5 years old and younger with their parents are free of charge.

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meals and drinks

Meals and Drinks are NOT included in any of our tours.

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insurance policy

No insurance.
No responsibility for accidents.