If you like to see the old town and feel the ancient atmosphere, the Nishi-no-Kyo area of the Nara area is highly recommended. This area is not so much touristy yet. You will find this course very interesting if you like history. This is 5 hours course.
Places we will visit
- Yakushiji Temple
- Toshodaiji Temple
In Nishinokyo area, you will visit Toshodaiji Temple and Yakushiji temple, both world Heritage sites.
Toshodaiji Temple was established in 759 by the venerable Chinese priest named Ganjin, who laid the foundations for Buddhism in Japan. He was invited by Japanese government at the time to teach Buddhism to Japanese monks. He brought Buddhist sutras, paintings and statues as well as cutting-edge arts and crafts of the time to cultivate Japanese culture. In Toshodaiji temple you will see many of his legacy, including 18 National Treasures and over 200 Important Cultural Assets. The Golden Hall with elegantly flowing roof houses three masterpieces of Buddhist statue. On the left is the Thousand-armed statue. It had originally 1000 arms, now 953, holding something different in each arm. At the far end of the precincts, there is Ganjin’s tombs in the peaceful moss garden with setting of beautiful trees. You’ll find his serene sprit still fills the place and warmly welcomes us.
Your next destination is Yakushiji Temple, about a ten-minute-walk from Toshodaiji. Two pagodas are standing magnificently in the precincts. The East Pagoda is a masterpiece from the 8th century, whose elegant architectural design creates a beautiful harmony to the entire building. The bronze trinity of Buddhist statue in the Golden Hall is also worth seeing. Along with the pedestal under the trinity, you see the vestiges of cosmopolitan culture introduced to Japan more than 1300 years ago.
Price: \20,000 for a group up to 6 people / \25,000 for a group more than 7 people
*This price does not include transportation fees and entrance fees.