Nara Heritage Temple Tour with Kamameshi and Matcha Audio Guide

**Important Notice**If you need to change the participation date or number of participants after making a reservation, please cancel your original booking and place a new one. Changes made without canceling the original reservation will not be accepted. Step into history as you journey through the UNESCO-listed Ikaruga and Nishinokyo areas, home to Japan’s most treasured Buddhist monuments. Along the way, indulge in local delicacies, including a traditional kamameshi lunch and a matcha tea experience, making this tour a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor. Tour Highlights ・Visit Horyu-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji, showcasing Japan’s finest Buddhist architecture. ・Enjoy an authentic kamameshi meal at Horyu-ji Temple Gate “Benkei” and experience matcha green tea at Jiko-in Temple. ・Enhance your journey with GPS-synced English and Chinese audio guides. ・Navigate with ease using multilingual route maps. ・Enjoy a special gift from us — a cute deer cracker magnet.

1. 1

   Horyu-ji Temple

   3 hours

   - Horyu-ji & Chugu-ji - Horyu-ji is one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures. Founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, it features the iconic Five-Story Pagoda and the Kondo (Main Hall), showcasing early Japanese Buddhist architecture. Nearby, Chugu-ji is a tranquil temple known for its beautiful statue of the Bodhisattva Maitreya in a half-lotus pose, exuding grace and serenity. The temple was originally a residence of an imperial princess before being converted into a nunnery. These two historic sites provide a glimpse into Japan’s ancient Buddhist culture and artistry. - Horyu-ji Monzen "Benkei" (Lunch) - Located near the entrance of Horyu-ji Temple, Benkei is a well-known local restaurant offering delicious traditional Japanese meals. Here, you can enjoy kamameshi, a flavorful rice dish cooked in an iron pot with seasonal ingredients, a specialty of the region.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   35 min

   -Jikoin Temple- Jikoin is a hidden gem known for its serene tea garden and strong connection to the Japanese tea ceremony. Founded in 1663 by the tea master Sekishu Katagiri, this Zen temple emphasizes simplicity and harmony, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling world. The temple’s architecture and landscape were designed to enhance mindfulness, providing an ideal setting for tea appreciation. Visitors can enjoy matcha while admiring the tranquil scenery, making it a unique spiritual and cultural experience in Nara.

3. 3

   Yakushi-ji Temple

   1 hour

   - Yakushi-ji - Yakushi-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, originally built in the late 7th century by Emperor Tenmu. Dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing, the temple is famous for its symmetrically arranged East and West Pagodas. The East Pagoda, standing for over 1,300 years, is a national treasure with an elegant design. The temple complex also features beautifully restored halls and Buddhist statues, offering insight into Japan’s rich religious history and architectural elegance.

4. 4

   Toshodai-ji

   55 min

   - Toshodai-ji - Toshodai-ji is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Ganjin, who introduced formal Buddhist teachings to Japan. The temple’s main hall, Kondo, houses important Buddhist statues, including a striking golden statue of Rushana Buddha. The temple grounds feature a peaceful moss-covered garden and the former residence of Ganjin, reflecting the quiet beauty of Nara’s ancient temples. Toshodai-ji’s historical significance and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for those seeking deeper insight into Japan’s Buddhist heritage.

5. 5

   Heijo Palace Museum

   Pass by

   - Heijo Palace Site & Suzaku Gate (Drive-by View) - The Heijo Palace Site is a vast historic area that was once the political center of Japan during the Nara Period (710–784). Although much of the original palace is gone, reconstructions of key structures, including the grand Suzaku Gate, offer a glimpse into the splendor of ancient Japan. This UNESCO-listed site represents the origins of Japan’s capital cities, making it an essential historical landmark. While passing by, you can admire the majestic gate and imagine the grandeur of the former imperial palace.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children under six years old can travel for free, but no seat will be provided. If a seat is required, a child fare will be charged.

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