Excursions
Choose from several guided excursion tours to experience Japan's ancient capital, Nara.
All tours include visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The bus tours require advanced registrations.
Pre-registration for the walking tours has ended. We will accept on-site registrations until reaching capacity.
Bus Tours (September 18)
6,000 yen per person (Kids /under 12 years-old = 5,400 yen)
* Please note that we won't be able to implement if the minimum number of participants is not met. (Minimum number of participants: 30 persons)
Bus tour (1)
- Destination
- Schedule
13:00 Depart from the venue 13:45 – 16:30 Horyuji Temple 17:15 Return to the venue - Fee
JPY 6,000 (kids/under 12 years-old = 5,400 yen)
- How to Apply
Make your booking on the reservation site by August 16th.
- Remarks
Tour conducted by English-speaking guide.
Bus tour (2)
This tour has been canceled as minimum number of participants was not met.
- Destinations
Garden of the Former Daijyo-in Temple
Yakushiji Temple
Toshodaiji Temple - Schedule
13:00 Depart from the venue 13:15 – 14:15 Garden of Former Daijyo-In Temple 14:40 – 15:40 Yakushiji Temple 15:50 – 16:50 Toshodaiji Temple 17:15 Return to the venue - Fee
JPY 6,000 (kids/under 12 years-old = 5,400 yen)
- Remarks
Tour conducted by English-speaking guide.
Guided Walking Tours around Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (September 18)
Three walking courses are planned.
Long course:
Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha), ride train and walk to Heijo Palace (Ancient capital of Nara period) and Hokkeji Temple (>10 kilometers walk)
- Destinations*
Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha Hall)
Heijo Palace (Ancient capital of Nara period)
Hokkeji Temple - Schedule*
13:00 – Depart from the venue 〜 Todaiji Temple 〜 Heijo Palace (Ancient capital of Nara period) 〜 Hokkeji Temple 18:00 – Return to the venue Schedule will vary depending on circumstances of the tour day.
- Fee**
JPY 1,310
- How to Apply
Pre-registration has ended.
We will be accepting on-site registration until reaching capacity.
(Maximum number of participants: 10 persons) - Remarks
Tour conducted by English-speaking guide.
*Destination and schedule may be modified according to conditions on the day of the tour. All times are approximate, other than initial departure time.
**Participants must pay fees by themselves at entrance(s). Price above is for transportation (where applicable) and entrance fees. Entering additional attractions, museums, etc. will incur additional costs.
Drinks are not provided, but participants are advised to stay hydrated.
Participants are free to drop-off from the tour at any time.
Standard course: Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha), Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Shrine (>4 kilometers walk)
- Destinations*
Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha Hall)
Kofukuji Temple
Kasuga Shrine - Schedule*
13:00 – Depart from the venue 13:30 – Todaiji Temple 14:45 – Kofukuji Temple 16:00 – Kasuga Shrine 17:15 – Return to the venue Schedule may vary depending on circumstances of the tour day.
- Fee**
JPY 1,300
- How to Apply
Pre-registration has ended.
We will be accepting on-site registration until reaching capacity.
(Maximum number of participants: 30 persons) - Remarks
Tour conducted by English-speaking guide.
*Destination and schedule may be modified according to conditions on the day of the tour. All times are approximate, other than initial departure time.
**Participants must pay fees by themselves at entrance(s). Price above is for transportation (where applicable) and entrance fees. Entering additional attractions, museums, etc. will incur additional costs.
Drinks are not provided, but participants are advised to stay hydrated.
Participants are free to drop-off from the tour at any time.
Easy course: Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha) (2 or 3 kilometers walk)
- Destinations*
Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha Hall)
- Schedule*
13:00 Depart from the Venue 13:45 – 16:30 Todaiji Temple 17:15 Return to the Venue Schedule may vary depending on circumstances of the tour day.
- Fee**
JPY 600
- How to Apply
Pre-registration has ended.
This "Easy course" is expected to be canceled as there are no applicants. - Remarks
Tour conducted by English-speaking guide.
*Destination and schedule may be modified according to conditions on the day of the tour. All times are approximate, other than initial departure time.
**Participants must pay fees by themselves at entrance(s). Price above is for transportation (where applicable) and entrance fees. Entering any additional attractions, museums, etc. will incur additional costs.
Drinks are not provided, but participants are advised to stay hydrated.
Participants are free to drop-off from the tour at any time.
The Calling of the Deer
Deer in Nara have a long history, and they are respected as “Sacred Deer” in the myth of Kasuga Taisha established in 768 CE. At present, the deer are the living symbol of Nara with over 1300 inhabiting the grounds surrounding Nara Park. At the sound of a French horn played by a local deer wrangler signaling that food is available, the deer come from all directions. It's a magnificent sight to see hundreds of eager deer trotting in from the forest and down from the hills. No visit to Nara would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed the deer, up close and personal.
- Date: (canceled only in case of heavy rain)
- September 17, 7:40AM~ 8:20AM
- September 19, 7:40AM~ 8:20AM
- Participation fee: Free
- Meeting point:
- 7:40AM Entrance of Conference hall --> Walking for 10 minutes.
-
7:50AM Tobihino (in Nara Park/ Kasuga Taisha)
(Around 34° 40' 52.7"N, 135° 50' 27.6" E)
https://goo.gl/maps/aB29k9QktxguHTPr5
Cautions
- Deer in Nara Park are WILDLIFE designated as a national monument.
- Deer are familiar with people like pet animals, but suddenly it may attack people (in particular, beware of biting, hitting, smashing, rushing).
- Do not give deer any food other than the special "Deer rice cracker".
- When you don't have any crackers left, show deer by raising both hands in the air.