Nara+Ikaruga 

World Heritage Tour

Price:
$250/ Adult
$130/Child under 12 years old

Duration:
9 hours

About this tour

Embark on a journey through Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where timeless architecture and spiritual legacy reveal the soul of ancient Japan.

Begin at Yakushi-ji, founded in 680 and dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing. Its brilliant East Pagoda, recently restored, stands as one of Japan’s finest surviving examples of Asuka-period temple architecture. Step inside to admire elegant Buddhist statuary designated as National Treasures.

Just a short walk away is Tōshōdai-ji, founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Jianzhen (Ganjin). This temple played a key role in introducing Chinese monastic discipline to Japan. Explore its vast wooden structures, including the Kondo Hall and beautifully preserved sculptures from the Nara period.

Next, travel by car to Hōryū-ji, home to the world’s oldest wooden buildings. Founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku, a champion of Buddhism, this temple complex is a living museum of early Japanese religious art and architecture.

End the tour at Hōki-ji, a tranquil site featuring a three-story pagoda believed to date from the early 8th century. Fewer visitors make this a peaceful finale to your day of deep cultural exploration.

Comfortable car travel between sites (except a short walk between Yakushi-ji and Tōshōdai-ji) ensures a relaxed and enriching experience.

At a Glance

Tour #6
Nara + Ikaruga World Heritage Tour

  • Fee
    Adult $250/ Adult, $130/ Child under 12 years old
    ※ Admission fee and transportation included

  • Duration
    8.5 hours

  • Departure Time
    8:00am/ Operated once daily

  • English Live Guide
    Yes

  • Meeting/Departure Point
    In front of the statue of Gyoki at Kintetsu Nara Station

  • Route
    1. Yakushi-ji Temple
    2. Toshodai-ji Temple
    3. Horyu-ji Temple
    4. Hoki-ji Temple

  • Group Type
    Small or Private Group/ Up to 4 people

  • What's Included
    1. Entrance fees to all three historic locations
    2. Private transportation between sites
    3. Japanese-English translation and travel assistance

    ❌ LUNCH and SHOPIING COST ARE NOT INCLUDED.

【NOTICE】

  1. At Kintetsu Nara Station, all trains arrive underground. After getting off the train, exit through the East Gate and take Exit 2 to reach street level. You will see a statue of Gyoki standing in the middle of a fountain—this is the meeting point.

  2. Please note that there are two Nara stations: JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station, which are about 900 meters apart. Be very careful not to confuse them. The meeting point is in front of the Gyoki Statue at Kintetsu Nara Station.

  3. You will have lunch at a restaurant near Horyuji Temple.

Tour Itinerary

Read before the tour
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