Nara — Sacred Deer

Overview

Key Features

1. Nara — the ancient capital — The cradle of Japanese civilization. An open-air museum preserving magnificent architectural heritage and the atmosphere of the imperial capital.
2. Nara Park and the Sacred Deer — Deer, regarded as messengers of the gods at Kasuga Shrine, roam freely and charmingly bow when offered traditional rice crackers.
3. Todai-ji — One of the largest wooden structures in the world, housing the Great Buddha — one of the most impressive bronze statues in the world.
4. Kasuga Taisha — Forest trails adorned with thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, along with ancient torii gates, create a tranquil atmosphere where time seems to stand still.
5. Traditional lunch — Enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine prepared from Nara’s local ingredients using traditional recipes.
6. Isuien — the jewel of Nara — An Edo-style garden with a pond, a moss garden, a traditional teahouse, and antique stone lanterns. The perfect place to experience the aesthetics of Japanese gardens.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Nara — The Atmosphere of the Ancient Capital

Nara VIP Tour

• 10:00 Departure from Kyoto → To Nara
  After meeting your guide, a private driver will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable car. Your journey to Japan’s ancient capital begins.
• 11:00 Nara Park — Encounter with Sacred Deer
  From the moment you arrive in Nara, you will be greeted by the city’s famous friendly deer. Considered messengers of the gods at Kasuga Shrine, these deer roam freely through the park and have even learned to bow in exchange for traditional “shika senbei” rice crackers. A walk through the park offers a rare opportunity to experience tranquility, harmony, and the true essence of the Japanese aesthetic of unity with nature.
• 11:45 Kasuga Taisha — A Thousand Lanterns
  Founded in 768, this is the principal shrine among approximately 3,000 Kasuga sanctuaries throughout Japan. It is renowned for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, donated by worshippers over the centuries. Stroll along forest paths beneath ancient torii gates, immersed in a unique tranquility where time seems to slow in the gentle glow of the lanterns.
• 13:00 Traditional Lunch in Nara
  Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a carefully selected historic restaurant in the Todai-ji and Nara Park area. Savor exquisite Japanese cuisine highlighting Nara’s local ingredients and the essence of the season.
• 14:30 Todai-ji — Viewing the Great Buddha
  The legendary Todai-ji Temple, renowned as one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Here stands the famous “Great Buddha”—one of the most impressive bronze statues on earth. The statue is about 15 meters tall and weighs approximately 250 tons; it was consecrated in 752 and created using an enormous amount of metal, including around 500 tons of copper. The guide will explain the meaning of the Buddha’s hand gestures, the history of the temple’s founding, and the ancient traditions of Japanese Buddhism. Those who wish may try to pass through the famous hole in a wooden pillar, said to be the size of the Buddha’s nostril—legend has it this brings luck and happiness.
• 15:30 Isui-en — Nara’s Hidden Gem
  The journey continues with a stroll through an exquisite Japanese garden. Inside the garden, you can admire the "Front Garden" from the Edo period—a strolling garden with a central pond, the "Rear Garden" from the Meiji era, the famous moss garden, traditional teahouses, ancient stone lanterns, and the former villa of the merchant Nara-zarashi Kiyosumi Dōsei. This is the perfect place for a leisurely walk, beautiful photographs, and an introduction to the aesthetics of Japanese gardens.
• 17:00 Kyoto
  Return to the Kyoto hotel.

Practical Information

Start time / Duration

10:00 / 7 hours

Included in the price

・Car with a personal driver
・Accompaniment by a professional guide
・Entrance tickets