Nara Deer, Great Buddha & Traditional Mochi Experience
Overview
Meet your guide at Kintetsu Nara Station and begin at Kōfuku-ji Temple, one of Nara’s most important historic sites. Learn about its role in Japan’s first capital.
Walk through Nara Park and meet the sacred deer. Feed them with deer crackers as your guide explains why they are believed to be messengers of the gods.
Continue to Tōdai-ji to see the Great Buddha inside one of the world’s largest wooden halls.
Stroll through Kasuga Taisha’s lantern-lined forest paths and learn about Shinto beliefs.
In Naramachi, enjoy freshly made mochi and explore the old merchant district before the tour ends.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- Entrance fee to Tōdai-ji (Great Buddha Hall)
- One set of deer crackers (shika-senbei) per group
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- One Nakatanidō freshly pounded mochi
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
At Kōfuku-ji Temple, one of Nara’s most important Buddhist sites, you will explore the historic temple grounds and surrounding halls. Your guide will explain the role of Buddhism in ancient Japan and how powerful noble families once shaped this area during the Nara period.
2
Stop 2
In Nara Park, you will walk through a vast green park filled with hundreds of freely roaming deer. These deer are considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto belief. You will learn about their cultural significance, enjoy close-up photo opportunities, and have the chance to feed them with special deer crackers available in the park. opportunities as you stroll through the park.
3
Stop 3
At Tōdai-ji Temple, you will visit the Great Buddha Hall, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Inside, you will see the enormous bronze Great Buddha, a symbol of peace and unity. Your guide will share the fascinating story of how this temple was built over 1,300 years ago and why it played a central role in Japan’s history.
4
Stop 4
At Kasuga Taisha’s National Treasure Hall (Kokuhoden), you will view a collection of rare historical artifacts, including samurai armor, weapons, and beautifully crafted ritual objects donated to the shrine over the centuries. This visit gives insight into Shinto traditions and the connection between shrines and Japan’s warrior culture.
5
Stop 5
Here is the updated version including Nakatanidō: In Naramachi, Nara’s old merchant district, you will walk through narrow streets lined with traditional wooden townhouses. You will have time to browse small local shops, sample Japanese sweets and snacks, and try the famous freshly pounded mochi at Nakatanidō, while experiencing the atmosphere of a historic Japanese town that has survived for hundreds of years.
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
Meet your guide outside the East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station (NOT JR Nara station) in Gyoki Hiroba (行基広場).
Look for the fountain and the bronze Gyoki statue in the plaza. Your guide will be wearing a bright fluorescent green band.
🏁
End Point
Meet your guide outside the East Exit of Kintetsu Nara Station (NOT JR Nara station) in Gyoki Hiroba (行基広場).
Look for the fountain and the bronze Gyoki statue in the plaza. Your guide will be wearing a bright fluorescent green band.
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Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness