Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
Kintetsu Nara Station or JR Nara Station
This tour is designed for those who are interested in the sightseeing of famous spots in Nara and peeping into the world of Buddhist statuary. The itinerary includes Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure museum), Isuien Garden, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine and strolling in Nara Machi ( an ancient quarter of Nara).
Nara, an ancient capital of Japan, boasts both the quality and quantity of Buddhist statues throughout Japan. Among many temples in Nara, Kohfukuji and Todaiji Temples are ranked top two in housing Buddhist images, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. You can also enjoy visiting Kasuga Grand Shrine located in the midst of natural forests. The vermilion color of the shrine buildings contrast strikingly with the greenery of the surrounding area.
On the last corner of the tour you can appreciate the local sake at a sake brewery in Nara Machi. ( If you cannot drink alcoholic beverage, you can drink tea or coffee at a cafe nearby.) Last but not least, why does the statue of Ashura look so sad though he was a deity of wars in an ancient Indian religion? The answer is given during the tour.
guide fee
lunch, entrance fee ( ¥2900) for Kohfukuji Temple ( the national treasure house ) Isuien Garden and Todaiji Temple ( the Great Buddha Hall and Hokke-do Hall ) and local sake tasting (¥500) at the sake brewery.
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
This is a walking tour and it is desirable that you wear walking shoes or sneakers. A pet bottle of water is to be carried with you.
We had a wonderful day with Toshi. He took us to see the most interesting and famous places in Kyoto, and he also explained the cultural and historical aspects of what he was showing us, as well as aspects of life in general in Japan.
Hi Devi. Thank you so much for your nice review for my tour yesterday. I also had a great time, explaining historical back grounds of each site we visited. Especially I was pleased that Matteo enjoyed my silly jokes and Japanese puns. I hope he will continue learning basic Japanese phrases. Best wishes. Yoshie
I am so pleased we booked this tour for our short stay in Kyoto Yoshi was incredible he was knowledgeable, friendly and very professional and the Golden tour was just magical. If you are ever in Kyoto you should book this tour
Hi Gerry. Thank you so much for your superb review for my tour yesterday. It was very nice meeting and talking with you two. I hope you will return home safe with lots of good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
There cannot possibly be a better, more gracious, helpful guide in Kyoto than Yoshihisa. We had an amazing, busy day, seeing exactly what we wanted to see (we don’t like too many temples but he chose ones we adored) and helped us learn the train and purchase IC cards. Highly recommend. From a family of four Canadians, including two adult children
Hi Kim. I appreciate your superb comment on my tour today. I had a very pleasant time, guiding and talking with you all. I hope our paths will cross again someday soon during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. Would you give my best regards to Richard, please? Best wishes. Yoshie
As a guide, Yoshie is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, able to handle subject regarding the tour and general Japanese history and culture. As a person, he is extremely personable, allowing us into his daily life that provided us with an intimate view into the real Japanese culture. We could not have had a better day than the one we had today. Arigato gozaimasu!
Hi Mike. Thank you so much for your excellent review for my tour today. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I am glad that you tried to learn Japanese phrases and our culture, including our dishes and ways of having nice time in the evening. I hope you will have a nice time in Japan and return home safely with lots of nice memories of Japan. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie