Nara Afternoon Tour of Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Osaka

Description

Enjoy the afternoon visiting Nara. Due to its past as the first permanent capital of Japan, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. On this tour visit the Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine.

Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Depart Osaka and travel by rail to Kyoto where you'll join your tour oNara, located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Visit the Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. One of Japan's best-known temples, it enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A wonder of religious architecture.

See over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand. Special deer food is available for sale in the park grounds.

Tour concludes with a visit to Kasuga Shrine, the most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.

Travel by return rail to Osaka.

Additional information

Inclusions

Exclusions

Nara Afternoon Tour to Todaiji Temple, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine from Osaka

Schedule details

Departure point

Tour departs from selected Osaka hotels

Departure time

2011 Hotel pickup times:

• Granvia Osaka: 12.40pm
• Hilton Osaka: 12.20pm
• Nikko Osaka: 12.10pm

• Granvia Osaka: 12:40pm
• Hilton Osaka: 12:30pm
• Swissotel Nankai Osaka: 12:10pm

Passengers commencing the tour from central departure point (Last Tour pick up point - Hotel Granvia Osaka) will need to be there by 12.30pm at the latest in order to check in for the tour.

Return details

Tour concludes upon arrival at Kintestu Namba Station (in Osaka) at approximately 6.00pm.