Nara World Heritage Temple Tour with Kamameshi & Matcha
Explore Nara districts rich in World Heritage Sites: Nara Ikaruga & Nishinokyo!
Spend a day exploring Nara’s Ikaruga district, home to Horyu-ji Temple (the world’s oldest wooden structure), and the Nishinokyo area, where you’ll find Yakushi-ji Temple (with bronze statues showcasing Buddha’s journey to Nirvana) and Toshodai-ji Temple (famous for its surrounding moss gardens and Chinese influence).
Meeting/Departure Points:
📍JR Nara Station (East Exit No.4): Departure at 9:55 AM
or
📍Kintetsu Nara Station (Regular Sightseeing Bus Stop): Departure at 10:00 AM
Dispersal Point:
📍JR Nara Station: Arrival around 5:00 PM
or
Kintetsu Nara Station: Arrival around 5:05 PM
Operating Days: Daily
*No service on December 8th
Price:
Adults: 16,000 yen
Children: 10,000 yen
Built-in Language Audio Guide
We provide foreign language audio guides in English and Chinese (simplified and traditional) for your convenience. Our smartphone style device uses GPS to provide audio commentary as the bus moves from each destination.
While exploring off the bus, you can activate the audio guide at key points with simple touch operation.
A route map in English and Chinese (simplified and traditional) will be available for each sightseeing spot you visit.
While sightseeing, the map can help guide you to key areas where you can use the audio guide for a smoother experience.
Meeting Point
Arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before departure time.
JR Nara Station (East Exit) Bus Stop No.4
Kintetsu Nara Station Regular Sightseeing Bus Stop
Route
JR Nara Station (9:55) /
Kintetsu Nara Station (10:00)
Please arrive at the “JR Nara Station (East Exit) Platform 4” or the “Kintetsu Nara Station Sightseeing Bus Platform” at least 10 minutes before departure time.
You will be touring the main sights of Nara in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus
Horyu-ji / Chugu-ji
Horyu-ji Temple is Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple contains the oldest wooden structures in the world and stands as a powerful testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of ancient Japan. Its ancient and well-preserved buildings and intricate artworks can be found all around the temple– in fact, the three story pagoda at Horyu-ji Temple happens to be the oldest existing three story pagoda in all of Japan.
Chugu-ji Temple, located near the famous Horyu-ji Temple, was founded by Prince Shotoku in honor of his mother. This temple was historically a nunnery and has deep ties with the imperial family. Inside the halls, visitors can see intricate murals and Nyoirin Kannon Bostatsu, a 1,400 year old Bodhisattva statue and designated national treasure. Visitors can also admire the intricate Tenjukoku Shucho embroidery that beautifully depicts a Buddhist paradise.
Kamameshi “Benkei” Lunch
Kamameshi is a Japanese rice dish which is cooked and served in an individual or earthenware pot called “kama”. The name “kamameshi” means “kettle rice”, and refers to the method of cooking rice with various ingredients in a single pot. It is often served with pickles, miso soup, and sometimes a small side dish.
Kamameshi typically includes seasoned rice cooked with flavorful dashi-based broth, soy sauce, and mirin, along with a variety of colorful toppings such as seafood, chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms. The ingredients are cooked together, allowing the rice to absorb all the rich flavors from all the other ingredients.
One of the highlights of Kamameshi is the slightly crispy layer of rice that forms at the bottom of the pot, also known as okoge. This crispy rice adds a unique texture and taste to the dish.
Jiko-in Temple: Enjoy matcha amidst the peaceful garden scenery
Jiko-in Temple is a peaceful Buddhist temple founded in 1663 by tea master Katagiri Sadamasa. Known for its beautiful gardens and traditional tea rooms, visitors can enjoy the serene gardens and experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Yakushi-ji Temple
Yakushi-ji Temple is a large and pristine temple complex situated between two historical pagodas. These pagodas include the “Yakushi Triad”, a stunning set of intricately crafted bronze statues depicting Buddha’s spiritual journey to Nirvana. These three grand statues showcase Buddha’s life through his early years, his attainment of enlightenment, and ultimately, his achievement of Nirvana.
Toshodai-ji Temple
Toshodai-ji Temple was founded by a revered Chinese Buddhist monk named Jianzhen (or in Japanese, Ganjin), who introduced Chinese calligraphy, architecture, medicine, and culture to Japan. His great influence can be found throughout the temple as you can find traces of the Tang Dynasty in its architecture. Toshodai-ji is also surrounded by beautiful moss gardens and is culturally significant in Japanese history due to this great master.
Heijo Palace Site, Suzaku Gate (viewed from inside the bus)
JR Nara Station (17:00) /
Kintetsu Nara Station (17:05)
The bus will stop at Kintetsu Nara Station and then at JR Nara Station, so please disembark at the station of your choice.
Gallery
More
Scheduled Period of Operation
Operating Days: Daily
*No service on December 8th
Cancellation Policy
Requirements:
- There is no need to check in at our information desk. Please come directly to the bus stop.
- When boarding, please show the attendant your boarding pass (voucher).
- Please arrive with plenty of time at the bus stop (at least 10 minutes before departure).
- Departure time varies based on the boarding location, so please check the boarding and departure time.
Remarks/Other:
- This service is subject to be suspended if road or weather conditions are deemed to compromise passenger safety.
- Please be aware that the locations, order of visits, viewing time, and fees may change due to different circumstances. Delays may also occur due to traffic conditions, which could lead to changes in the tour’s order and viewing time.
- During tourist seasons, roads can be heavily congested. Please allow enough time for connections to your return train or other transportation.
- Please note that certain buildings and statues may appear different or be inaccessible due to construction or other reasons.
- Please note that certain sites may be inaccessible due to festivals or other events.
- 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.
- A cancellation fee of 100 yen per person will incur after payment. No cancellations are allowed after departure.
Google Map
Reviews
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.