Would you like to enjoy the Deer Park and the Big Buddha Hall with less tourists?
In the peaceful hours of the morning, before the crowds arrive, the timeless beauty of Nara reveals itself in full.
Before Tokyo and Kyoto, Nara was the first capital of Japan, and still retains its quiet elegance and the sacred aura of ancient Japan.
In Nara, history is not only contemplated: it is felt, breathed and lived with all the senses. And if it is away from the hordes of tourists, so much the better!
Discover a deep, gentle and eternal Japan with this morning tour.
Start:
7AM at Kintetsu Namba Station (Osaka)
or
8AM at Kintetsu Nara Station (Nara)
*Check the details about the Meeting points at the Itinerary below.
End:
11:30AM at Kintetsu Nara Station (Nara)
or
12:30PM at Kintetsu Namba Station (Osaka)
Language: English
Price: USD 64
Season: February, March, May and December
- 7 AM We will meet in front of the Souvenir Shop called "Goto-chi" at the East ticket gate, in the B2 level of the Kintetsu Namba Station in Osaka.
There are east and west ticket gates at Kintetsu Namba Station. Please be sure to be on the east side.
- 8:30 AM If you are already in Nara you can meet us in front of Gyoki Bosatsu Statue near Exit 2 or East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station (in Nara)
The famous Nara Deer Park. We are going to stroll through 1,630 acres of Nara Park, the home to over 1,000 wild deers of Nara. Legend has it that the deers arrived in Nara more than 1,000 years ago.
Near the deer park we find this elegant eight-sided structure originally built in 813. It houses important Buddhist statues and serves as a stop on the Kansai Kannon Pilgrimage.
A real hidden gem inside the deer park that many people do not know about. This construction seems to float above the waters of Sagi Pond.
This shrine has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its path with more than 2,000 stone lamps, which have been offered by Shinto followers through centuries. The deer who live in Nara are considered the messengers of the Gods of this shrine.
Our last stop before the Big Buddha Hall. Part of the Tōdai-ji temple complex, is perched on a hillside with sweeping views over Nara. It’s famed for its annual Omizutori ceremony, a sacred fire and water ritual held since the 8th century.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Big Buddha Hall was built more than 1,300 years ago. Inside is the largest Buddha figure in the world.
A national treasure, is the largest gate in Japan with 25 meters tall. It houses the statues of the guardian kings, also designated national treasures, that are said to have been sculpted by the most famous master sculptors.
Of course, lots of deers will be waiting for us here as well.
- 11:30 Ends at Nara Station of Kintetsu Railway (or you may return to Osaka with your guide)
- 12:30 Ends at Namba Station of Kintetsu Railway in Osaka
- English, Japanese and Spanish speaking guide.
- Entrance to Todaiji Temple and Big Buddha Hall (JPY 800)
- Entrance fee to Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Deer Shrine) special area (JPY 700)
- Meals, drinks or other personal items
- Train ticket from Osaka to Nara and vice versa (approx. $5 USD each way)
(1) This tour route may not be fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
(2) This tour is not recommended for pregnant women.
(3) Participants should be in moderate physical condition.
(4) Pets are not allowed.
(5) We depart at the scheduled time, so please arrive punctually.
(6) Please note that the tour may end slightly earlier or later than scheduled. If you have plans immediately afterward, please allow sufficient time between the tour and your next commitment.
(7) The order of stops may vary depending on route conditions or congestion at destinations.
(8) If any locations are closed, we will visit an alternative location instead. No refunds will be provided in this case.
(9) Since this is a guided walking tour, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
(10) Japanese summers are very hot and humid, so we recommend bringing water and wearing a hat to prevent heat stroke.
(11) The tour will continue in light rain, so please bring rain jackets and/or umbrellas.
(12) If a weather warning is issued, the tour may be cancelled or suspended, and we will provide a full refund.
