【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, and the Nara National Museum to view treasures of Buddhist art that have been preserved for over a thousand years. At Kohfukuji Temple, you will participate in exclusive experiences available only on this tour, including a personal guided tour by the monks and a bell-ringing experience—moments that will create unforgettable memories.

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.

Every day, the bell of Kofukuji temple rings out at set times—morning, noon, and night—marking the passage of time for the local community for over a thousand years. This tour offers a rare opportunity to personally strike this historic bell. As you ring the bell at 6 PM, you will not only experience a piece of Kohfukuji's long and rich history, but also create a truly memorable moment.

You will be guided personally by the monks of Kohfukuji Temple through the impressive “Chukondo” Central Golden Hall. This unique opportunity allows you to learn directly from the monks about the history and culture of the Chukondo, as well as the Buddhist teachings passed down through generations at Kohfukuji. Of course, they will also be happy to answer any questions you might have! Surrounded by the temple’s mysteries, you will be able to experience a profound sense of spirituality.

◎ English-Speaking Guide
◎ Kohfukuji Temple's Chukondo Hall Admission Fee
◎ Kohfukuji Temple Tourist Visual Guide
◎ Bell Ringing Experience at Kohfukuji Temple
◎ [November only] Personal tour of Kohfukuji’s Chukondo Hall by the temple monks
◎ Kasuga Taisha Shrine Admission Fee
◎ Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall, Nara National Museum Admission Fee
◎ Taima-dera Temple Admission Fee
◎ Sutra Copying Experience at Taima-dera Temple
◎ Japanese Sake Brewery Tour
× 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. The bell-ringing was definitely the icing on the cake.

□ Day 1 (8h)
*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!

• 11:00～ Meet in front of Kintetsu Nara Station: General explanations and start of the tour.

• 11:30～ Visit Kohfukuji Temple using the Kohfukuji Temple Tourist Visual Guide.

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

• 14:00～ Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Visit of the Main Hall)
  
  
  
• 15:30～ Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall, Nara National Museum.

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• 17:00～【Only available in November】
  Special experience at Kohfukuji Temple (Visit to the Chukondo Hall with the monks)

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• 17:45～ Special Experience at Kohfukuji Temple (Bell Ringing Experience).

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• 18:00～ End of the tour.

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• 18:30～ Dinner *We will be happy to recommend restaurants for you.

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  □ 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.