One Day Uji and Nara Tour

Información

Spend the morning in Uji, the setting for the final chapters of ‘The Tale of Genji’ and the afternoon in Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital.

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Experience an authentic tea ceremony in Uji, a town famous for its tea
* Visit the picturesque area around Uji Bridge and the World Heritage Site Byodo-in Temple
* Sightsee around Nara and encounter wild deer in Nara Park

We firstly take you to admire Uji Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Japan which is thought to have originally been built in the 7th century. Absorb the arresting views of the mountains from the bridge and learn about how this city thrived on its location by the banks of Uji-gawa River.

Stroll around Nakanoshima Park, built on a sandbar in the middle of the river and take a tea break to experience the ceremony at an authentic tea house, Taiho-an. Afterwards we make our way to the temple that puts Uji on the map: Byodo-in. The temple is a stunning example of Buddhist Pure Land (Jodo) architecture built near the end of the Heian era. Enjoy a tour around the temple and its equally beautiful gardens before returning to Kyoto for lunch ready for the afternoon portion of the tour in Nara.

Once we arrive in Nara, we start by visiting the star of the show: Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, also known as the Great Buddha. This is the largest wooden structure in the world which houses the largest bronze figure in the world and is truly awe-inspiring. Absorb the scale of this Unesco World Heritage Site, and as you wander through Nara Park come closer than ever to wild deer; thought to be the shrine messengers.

We continue by seeing one of the most celebrated shrines in the city: Kasuga Taisha. Founded in the 8th century, the shrine is famous for its bronze lanterns that adorn the buildings where you are free to stroll through the areas not requiring admission. To round off the tour we go to Nara Nagomikan, the largest souvenir shop in Nara where you can stock up on local souvenirs to remember your day.

Meeting/pick-up point: New Miyako Hotel, Sunrise Tours Meeting Spot (17 Nishi Kujoin-machi, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Kyoto Prefecture.)
Duration: Approximately 11 hours.
Start/opening time: 8:30am.
-End/closing time: 7:30pm.
Drop-off location: Kyoto Hotel Okura.
Languages: English.
Others: Public transportation will be used. Seating may not be available. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes as this tour will be on foot.

Nakanoshima Park may not be visited due to river conditions. This tour is a combination of Uji walking & Tea Ceremony Tour and Nara Afternoon Tour with Lunch. Areas requiring admission fees at Kasuga Taisha Shrine will not be visited.

Drop off service to Kyoto Hotel Okura. The tour may not visit Nara Nagomikan if it is closed or due to traffic conditions. Connection to Kyoto Night Tour and Kyoto Maiko Dinner are not possible due to time constraints.

Dress-code: Please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes as this tour will be on foot.

Medical restrictions: Pregnant women; heart problems and other sensitive illnesses.