【Custom Tour】Exploring the Buddhist Holy Sites of Ancient Nara

This special tour of Nara's ancient temples allows you to delve into the rich history and teachings at the foundation of Japanese Buddhist culture. ※ The tour and experiences can be customized to suit your preferences.

On the first day, we will explore Nara's history and Japanese Buddhist culture. Accompanied by a certified Nara guide, we will visit Kohfukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. At Kohfukuji Temple, we offer two unique activities: a meditation session in the currently closed “Tokondo” Eastern Golden Hall and an “omamori” amulet-making workshop (available only on December 5th and 19th). With a monk personally guiding each session, these programs provide a rare opportunity to learn something that can only be experienced in this sacred setting.

The second day will deepen your appreciation for the profound history of Japanese Buddhism with a visit to the serene precincts of Taimadera Temple. Through a sutra copying experience at Nakano-bo, you will engage with Buddhist teachings and achieve spiritual fulfillment. A moment of tranquility with matcha tea in the garden of Seinan-in offers a soothing break. Additionally, a tour of a local, long-established sake brewery and a tasting session will let you enjoy the traditional flavors of Nara, the birthplace of Japanese sake.

This tour promises a journey filled with experiences that touch upon the rich history and profound culture of Buddhism in Nara, creating unforgettable memories for all participants.

Kohfukuji Temple is a historic temple founded in 710 when the capital of Nara was established. As the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, many national ceremonies have been held at Kohfukuji since the Nara period (710-794), and the temple has been deeply involved in the culture and history of the ancient capital of Nara. The temple preserves many masterpieces of Buddhist art, including the Ashura statue, a national treasure which tells the history of Buddhism in Japan. The Chukondo (Central Golden Hall), in particular, is one of the central buildings of Kohfukuji Temple and houses many exquisite Buddhist statues as well as magnificent architecture. In addition, its splendid five-story pagoda and charming gardens offer visitors beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, symbolizing the harmony between Nara's history and nature.

In this workshop, you will have the rare opportunity to create your own “omamori” amulet, learning directly from the head priest about its history and how to make it. Write your wish on a “gomagi” prayer stick and create a unique amulet, filled with your hopes and prayers. By crafting your own amulet, you will gain insight into Japanese faith and craftsmanship, and experience a calming and refreshing moment for your mind.

You will have exclusive access to the “Tokondo” Eastern Golden Hall, currently closed to the public, with a personal tour led by a monk from Kohfukuji Temple. Through the monk's guidance, you will discover the temple's structure, learn about Buddhist history, and understand the proper etiquette for worship. Then, in this private temple setting, you will learn how to sit with correct posture and practice Buddhist meditation techniques to calm your mind. By regulating your breath and mindset, this experience will provide an opportunity to refresh your spirit—an experience that can only be had on this specific day and in this unique location.

◎ English-Speaking Guide
◎ Kohfukuji Temple Tourist Visual Guide
◎【Only in December】Private Tour of the “Tokondo” with a Monk: Guided Tour of the Hall, Explanation of Buddhist History, and Ritual Etiquette ◎ Sutra Copying Experience at Taima-dera Temple
◎ Japanese Sake Brewery Tour
× Kohfukuji Temple's Chukondo Hall Admission Fee
× Kasuga Taisha Shrine Admission Fee
× Taima-dera Temple Admission Fee
× Lunch, dinner, and other food and beverage expenses
× Transportation costs

〇 Vanessa, Belgium
I think this tour creates very special memories to the participants. Also the fact to go back home with your own creation is great. Personally, I know I will cherish these memories forever.

〇 Thein, Myanmar
This is my first time entering Kofuku-ji’s Chukondo Hall and it looks majestic up close. I think the lack of crowds and the exclusive tour by a monk made it more engaging.

□ Day 1 (6h)
*The contents of the tour and experiences offered can be tailored to accommodate your preferences. If you have any specific requests or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

• 10:00～ Meet in front of Kintetsu Nara Station: General explanations and start of the tour.


• 10:30～ A guided tour of Kohfukuji Temple will be conducted using the Kohfukuji Temple Tourist Visual Guide.



• 11:30～ Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Visit of the Main Hall)

• 13:00〜 Lunch *We will be happy to recommend restaurants for you.

14:00～ Exclusive experience at the “Tokondo” Eastern Golden Hall


15:00～ “Omamori” amulet-making workshop



• 16:00～ End of the tour.

□ Day 2（5.5h）


• 10:00～ Meet at Kintetsu Nara Station

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• 11:00～ Arrive at Taima-dera Station

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• 11:30～ Visit of Taima-dera’s precincts and Okunoin

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• 12:00〜 Lunch *We will be happy to recommend restaurants for you.

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• 13:00～ Buddhist image tracing or sutra copying experience at Nakanobo

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• 13:30～ Matcha green tea and Japanese sweets in front of the garden of Sainan-in Temple

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• 14:10～ Travel by taxi

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• 14:30～ Brewery tour and Sake tasting

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• 15:30　 End of the tour・Disband on site.
  *Taxis can be arranged

• Your reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
• Please book at least 7 business days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. Elementary school children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
• We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

• Free of charge for cancellations up to 8 days prior to the tour date, 100% for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the tour date.
• Special Cases (Natural disaster, virus, etc.): Full refund.
• Bank transfer fees for refunds in the event of cancellation due to the customer’s circumstances will be borne by the customer.