• Nara Park - Nara Park is a stunning location where Japan’s history and nature blend harmoniously, drawing numerous tourists. Covering about 660 hectares, the park is home to approximately 1,200 deer that roam freely, and visitors can feed them special deer crackers. The park boasts many historical structures, including the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, the five-story pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a rich array of sights to explore. Additionally, the park’s seasonal natural beauty is mesmerizing, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves being particularly admired. Nara Park is a distinctive place where history and nature coexist, allowing visitors to fully appreciate Japan’s traditional culture and stunning landscapes. Be sure to visit and experience its allure firsthand.

• Nara National Museum - The Nara National Museum (Nara Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan), situated in Nara Park, is an art museum primarily showcasing Japanese Buddhist art. Established in 1889, the museum retains its original building and is complemented by a new wing connected to the original structure via an underground passage. Both wings display the museum’s permanent collection, which includes Buddhist statues, paintings, scrolls, and ceremonial objects mainly from Japan. The new wing also hosts temporary exhibitions, including an annual exhibition every autumn featuring treasures from Todaiji Temple. A ticket to the museum grants access to both wings, and English explanations are available throughout the museum.

• Kinkakuji Temple - The upper two floors of the Zen temple Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), located in northern Kyoto, are entirely covered with gold leaf. Originally named Rokuonji, the temple served as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retirement residence. After his death in 1408, the shogun left it as a Zen temple belonging to the Rinzai sect. Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Yoshimitsu’s grandson, constructed Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) on the opposite side of the city a few decades after seeing Kinkakuji. The only remaining building from Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex is Kinkakuji, an elegant temple built overlooking a large pond. Throughout its history, it has burned down multiple times, twice during the Onin War, a civil war that caused significant destruction.

• Arashiyama - Arashiyama is home to the Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the “Moon Crossing Bridge.” It was most recently rebuilt in the 1930s after being created during the Heian Period (794-1185). The bridge looks especially beautiful against the backdrop of the wooded slope. Adjacent to the bridge is a riverbank park dotted with numerous cherry trees. Lovely walks and bicycle rides can be enjoyed along the paths that wind through the bamboo groves. When there is a gentle breeze and the long bamboo stalks sway softly, the woods become very picturesque. Bamboo has been used for generations in local workshops to create a variety of products, including mats, cups, boxes, and baskets.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is a significant Shinto shrine located in southern Kyoto. It is renowned for the thousands of red torii gates that line a network of paths running behind the main structures. These paths lead into the forested area of the sacred Mount Inari, which is situated on the shrine grounds and rises to a height of 233 meters. Of the thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, Fushimi Inari is the most important. Since foxes are believed to be Inari’s messengers, numerous fox statues are scattered across the shrine grounds. The history of Fushimi Inari Shrine dates back to a time before Kyoto became the capital in 794. While exploring the mountain paths is the main reason most international visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kiyomizudera, which translates to “Pure Water Temple,” is one of Japan’s most renowned temples. It derives its name from the pristine waters of the Otowa Waterfall, located on the forested hillsides east of Kyoto, where it was founded in 780. The temple established the Kita Hosso sect in 1965 after initially being associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The most notable feature of Kiyomizudera is its wooden stage, which extends 13 meters over the surrounding hillside from the main hall. Visitors can enjoy a delightful view of the many cherry and maple trees below, which burst into a sea of color, from the stage.

• Todai-ji Temple - Todaiji (Tōdaiji, “Great Eastern Temple”) is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 to reduce the temple’s influence on government affairs. Until recently, Todaiji’s main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world’s largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two-thirds of the original temple hall’s size. The massive building houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15-meter-tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyõto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions. The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after it had burned down and moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. The complex is enclosed by long walls and consists of several gates, halls, and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace’s main hall. Tokyo Imperial Palace is now used for enthronement ceremonies.

• Complimentary pickup is available from three cities: Kyoto, Osaka, And Nara.
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Parking Fees
• Fuel surcharge

• Any Special Ride or Cruise not Included in this Package

Embark on an immersive journey into the rich tapestry of traditional Japanese culture and history with a full-day excursion to Kyoto and Nara, departing from central Kyoto or Osaka. Experience the serene ambiance of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and take in the stunning beauty of the Kinkaku-ji temple grounds. Continue to Nara to encounter the free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Enjoy the convenience of multiple pickup locations and the option to upgrade your lunch to a buffet or Beef Shabu Shabu set. With entrance fees included, there’s no need to worry about arranging transportation or planning your itinerary.

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