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Nara’s Heritage and Sake: A Guided Cultural Walking Tour

By Nara Insight
10 out of 10
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$127 per adult
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Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 7h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

Enjoy a one-day private tour that explores Nara’s rich history, culture, and sake. Set in the charming Naramachi district, this guided tour moves at your pace, offering a relaxed and immersive experience.

Start at the World Heritage Site Kōfuku-ji, visiting the Central and Eastern Golden Halls and the National Treasure Hall. Then stroll through Naramachi and stop at the historic Imanishi Residence for Japanese tea and sake lees sweets.

Next, visit Harushika Brewery for a sake tasting. Nara, known as the birthplace of Japanese sake, has long been famous for its quality rice and water.

In the afternoon, explore the peaceful grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, surrounded by forest and tradition. End your day at Nara Izumi Yūsai with a curated sake tasting from local breweries.

The tour is fully private and customisable—a perfect way to experience the taste and spirit of Nara.

Activity location

  • Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
    • 48 Noboriojicho
    • 630-8213, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Nara City Tourist Information Center
    • 1082 1
    • 630-8122, Nara, Nara, Japan

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Nara’s Heritage and Sake: A Guided Cultural Walking Tour in English
  • Activity duration is 7 hours7h
    7h
  • Opening hours: Fri 9:30 am-6:30 pm
  • English
Language options: English
Price details
AU$126.67 x 2 AdultsAU$253.34
Total
Price is AU$253.34
Until Thu, 3 July

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedガイドからのおみやげ
  • What's includedWhat's includedEntrance fee/Admission fee
  • What's includedWhat's includedSmile
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedFood and drink expenses
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedPersonal expenses for souvenirs
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTransport costs between your hotel and the meeting point
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTtransportation expenses incurred during the tour (optional)

Know before you book

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Transport options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Activity itinerary

Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Kōfuku-ji Temple in Nara is known for its Five-Story Pagoda, but it’s currently under restoration. Now is the perfect time to explore the Central Golden Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall, and the National Treasure Hall. In the Central Hall, a majestic Shakyamuni Buddha and powerful Four Heavenly Kings welcome you into a calm, sacred space. The Eastern Hall is smaller but peaceful, centred around Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. At the National Treasure Hall, you’ll meet the famous Ashura statue—elegant, expressive, and unforgettable. Many other ancient statues and artefacts are also on display. Kōfuku-ji offers a quiet yet powerful experience. Even first-time visitors to Buddhist art will find it deeply moving. Including a walking time 10min from Nara station.
Nara Park
  • 45m
Nara Park is more than just a park. In its vast grounds, wild deer roam freely and gently approach visitors in search of deer crackers—a scene that feels like something out of a film. The park is also home to World Heritage sites such as the Great Buddha of Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, creating a unique space where nature and history exist in harmony. Each season brings its own beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn offering especially stunning views. Nara Park is a place where you can experience the richness of Japan’s culture and nature, creating memories that will stay with you long after your visit. Including a walking time 30min from Kofuku temple.
Todai-ji Temple
  • 50m
  • Admission ticket included
Tōdai-ji is a truly special place where you can feel the depth of Japanese history and spiritual culture. Inside the Great Buddha Hall—one of the largest wooden structures in the world—you’ll be greeted by a majestic 15-meter-tall Great Buddha. Its powerful yet serene presence leaves visitors in awe and brings a sense of calm to the heart. On the tour, your guide will explain the deep meanings behind the architecture and statues, as well as the long and rich history of Tōdai-ji. Walking through the temple grounds while interacting with friendly deer is another unique highlight. It’s an experience that goes far beyond photos—join a Tōdai-ji tour to truly discover the real essence of this iconic site. Including a walking time 10min from Nara park.
Kasuga Grand Shrine
  • 2h 10m
  • Admission ticket included
Kasuga Taisha is a mystical shrine nestled in a deep forest, offering a rare opportunity to experience both the elegance of Japanese tradition and the quiet beauty of nature. The stone lanterns lining the path and the vivid vermilion shrine buildings create a truly picturesque scene. During the tour, you’ll learn in detail about the shrine’s history, rituals, and the changing beauty of its surroundings throughout the seasons. If you’re lucky, you might even witness a purification ceremony or sacred chanting performed by Shinto priests. A visit to Kasuga Taisha, where nature and Shinto coexist in harmony, is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in Japanese culture. . Including a walking time 30min and lunch time 60min from Todaiji.
Imanishike Shoin
  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
The Imanishi Family Residence, located in Naramachi, Nara’s historic district, is a designated cultural property where you can experience the traditional beauty of Japanese architecture. In the quiet study room, you can relax and enjoy Japanese tea and sweets made with sake lees, offering a peaceful and authentic moment. Right next door at “Harushika,” a popular sake tasting experience awaits, where you can sample five different kinds of Japanese sake. It’s a perfect way to enjoy both the flavours and culture of Japan. This tour, combining history and fine sake, is sure to leave a lasting impression. Including a walking time 30min from Kasuga shrine.
Nara Prefecture
  • 40m
After visiting the Imanishi Residence and Harushika Brewery, why not take a 10-minute walk to Nara Izumi Yūsai and enjoy more local sake? This speciality shop offers over 120 carefully selected varieties of sake from 27 breweries across Nara Prefecture, with paid tasting available. The shop features a standing bar with space for about seven people at the counter. Tastings start at 200 yen per glass (50ml), and if you find a sake you like, you can purchase it on the spot.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESKofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda
    • 48 Noboriojicho
    • 630-8213, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLENara City Tourist Information Center
    • 1082 1
    • 630-8122, Nara, Nara, Japan
  • PEOPLEPEOPLEStarbucks Coffee - JR Nara Station Former Building
    • 1082 1
    • 630-8122, Nara, Nara, Japan

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