The gates to the sites, sounds, flavors and experiences of ancient Japan have been thrown open wide by the new Highlights of Nara Bus Tour! The three available tours offer the chance to see and experience the very best Nara has to offer.
The tours depart from the conveniently located Nara Visitor Center & Inn for a full day or afternoon half-day jaunt through time, culture and history. The oldest shrines and temples in the land, a chance to enter a sumo dohyo ring, tea ceremonies, locations of spectacular seasonal beauty and the opportunity to savor Nara’s highest quality sake are just some of the great experiences awaiting Highlights of Nara Bus riders. Adventure is calling, don’t miss the bus!
COURSE A - Jikoin Temple & Seasonal Siteseeing - only ¥3,500
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, or the big neon lights of Tokyo and find yourself immersed in true serenity and beauty that only Nara can deliver. On this always hugely popular tour, discover the real Japanese "tea ceremony" experience and harmonise your inner self.
Founded in 1663, this is one of the few remaining sites in Japan still practising "Wabi" - A form of tea ceremony that the feudal lord and Zen Buddhist master of the area and time, Sekishu Katagiri created.
Whichever time you decide to come to visit, each seasons scenery and activities will provide you with a delighful afternoons unwind. Please preview below to see what's on offer throughout the year!
COURSE B - Taimadera Temple & Sumo Tour - only ¥3,900
Not only the serenity of Taimadera Temple will impress you, but also it's exquisite collection of Japanese Buddhist artworks dating back to the 7th Century. Just the smell of them is an experience in itself. Always a hit with appreciators of history, relics and artifacts.
Taimadera Temple - Picturesque Being Truly An Understatement
A world heritage listed site, Taimadera is a Buddhist temple built originally in 612 and moved to its present location in 681. With over 1,300 years of history standing between you and it, you can imagine the stories the wind will whisper in your ear at this quiet and picturesque location.
From one extreme to another, finish your afternoon with some Japanese entertainment, sumo style! This tour will take you to a regulation sized sumo arena to experience sumo wrestling first hand! Sumo wrestlers may also be available for photos without too much of a wrestle.
COURSE C - Miwa Shrine, Imanishi Sake Brewery & Asuka - only ¥5,800
One of Japan's oldest shrines, Miwa Shrine protects Mount Miwa on where it stands. Legend has it that a white snake is one of the gods protecting and residing in the mountainside. Just the sweet aroma of the Japanese cedar trees from the forest surrounding the Shrine is enough to make the trip to see this national treasure.
Tour the brewery and sampe the sake of Japan's longest continuously operating sake maker!
Asuka - The birthplace of Japan. The beauty of Japanese countryside is really showcased here, and we invite you not only to come and experience this beauty, but to also taste the locally grown organic produce from season to season.
Reservations and complete tour information are available here