World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

Nara , Japan

World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

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(1484 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Nara's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour and try to make Matcha tea at Uji in Kyoto, the birthplace of matcha.
We will drive pass Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo Palace on the way to Nara. We will visit Todaiji Temple, a house of the Great Buddha of Nara and it is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Meet about 1,400 deer at Nara Park, you can even feed them rice crackers. Then we visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine where 3000 magical stone lanterns enlighten you. After lunch, we go to Uji area in Kyoto and try making Uji matcha tea! Spot the Byodo-in Phoenix Hall depicted on the back of the 10-yen coin at Uji.

・Cover Nara's must-see destinations and 3 World Heritages in a day!
・A Professional English-speaking guide leads this tour
・On top of that, multilingual audio guidance is available in EN, FR, IT, ES, DE, PT, UK
・Greet large Buddha at Todaiji Temple
・Enjoy cute deer at Nara Park
・Learn about Authentic tea while making it yourself in Uji, famous for matcha

Available options

From Kyoto(No Lunch)

★: You may have lunch by yourself

From Kyoto (Lunch)

★: The tour with lunch
Vegetarian lunch Avalable Please request up to 2 days before the tour date

What's included

Last-minute bookings will receive reguler meal

A Professional English Speaking Tour Guide

WiFi on board

Uji Macha making experience

Admission for Byodoin Temple

Please note that vegetarian meal arrangements can be made up to 2 days before the tour date

Air-conditioned vehicle

Japanese style Lunch(If selected)

Admission for Todaiji Temple

Multilingual Audio Guidance

Detailed itinerary

The palace site is included as one of the World Heritage Sites of Nara

Stop 2

Todaiji Temple housing the Great Buddha of Nara and it is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings.

Stop 3

There are 1,400 deer living around vast Nara Park

Stop 4

Nara's most celebrated shrine

Stop 5

It is very famous because the Phoenix Hall is depicted on the 10 yen coin

Matcha made by pulling tea leaves has a special taste

Let's walk around and taste matcha sweets

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pick up & drop off

Food and drinks, unless specified

Available languages

Audio guide

DE PT UK EN IT FR ES

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

43 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

1,441 reviews

5★

1373

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

A Professional English-speaking guide attend this tour. Additionally, multilingual audio guidance is available on the bus in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Germany, Portuguese, Ukrainan

Please let us know your booking numbers and total number of people before the tour, if you have several bookings or if you have booked separately so that we can arrange same bus for you..

The lunch/restaurant may change due to operational reasons.

If any of the visiting places is closed, we will try to attend an alternative place.

Customers will walk including stairs and hills in each places

Due to the weather conditions, traffic conditions, or suspension of operation, we may have a possibility not to achieve all the activities. The tour will be attending to alternative place or giving out a gift as a compensation, depending on the situation at that time. There will not be any refunds for these changes.

Itinerary order is subject to change depending on traffic, weather, and operation.

Late arrivals will not be entertained and joining midway is not feasible for the tour. Please arrive the meeting point on time.

We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.

Not recommended for travelers who can not walk long distance. This tour includes lots of walkings.

Meeting point

【MEETING POINT】 in front of Tully’s Coffee in Kyoto Avanti
【ADDRESS】31 Nishi-Sanno Cho, Higashi-kujo, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
【Meeting time】7:50am
【Departure time】8:00am
★Look out for green and white flag "Japan Panoramic Tours"
★No refunds or changes will be given to latecomers and no-shows

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

【MEETING POINT】 in front of Tully’s Coffee in Kyoto Avanti: URL; https://goo.gl/maps/fGjZ1V5aUyH2
【ADDRESS】31 Nishi-Sanno Cho, Higashi-kujo, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Japan
【Meeting time】7:50am
【Departure time】8:00am
★Look out for our staff holding a green and white flag and we depart on time.

About Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The city's well-preserved heritage sites and serene landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Japan.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It houses the Great Buddha Hall, which contains a giant bronze Buddha statue.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours 600 JPY (5.50 USD)

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly deer, which are considered sacred in Shinto tradition. The park is also home to several important temples and shrines.

Nature/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (200 JPY for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is known for its many lanterns, which are donated by worshippers.

Religious/Cultural 1-2 hours Free (500 JPY for the Botanical Garden)

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple was once one of the most powerful and influential temples in Japan. It is known for its pagoda and museum, which houses many important artifacts.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours 300 JPY (Museum) (3 USD)

Nara National Museum

Nara National Museum is dedicated to the art and history of Nara and its temples. It houses a collection of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts.

Museum 1-2 hours 620 JPY (5.50 USD)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

A type of sushi where vinegared rice and fish are wrapped in persimmon leaves, giving it a unique flavor and aroma.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish

Nara zuiki

A traditional Nara dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and vegetables cooked in a sweet soy-based sauce.

Dinner Contains chicken

Nara pickles

A variety of pickled vegetables, including radish, eggplant, and cucumber, known for their unique flavors and textures.

Snack/Side Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Nara Park Biking around the city Tea ceremony Onsen (hot spring) visit Temple visits Traditional crafts workshops Winter illuminations at temples and shrines Deer feeding in Nara Park

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn features beautiful fall foliage.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe city with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of deer in Nara Park, as they can be aggressive when looking for food
• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km (31 miles)
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km (22 miles)

By train

Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most major attractions. Day passes are available for frequent travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nakasenbon Zakuracho Sanjo-dori

Day trips

Osaka

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

Osaka is a vibrant city known for its food, shopping, and nightlife. It offers a mix of modern attractions and historic sites.

Kyoto

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, with numerous temples, shrines, and gardens. It's known for its traditional tea houses, geisha districts, and historic streets.

Ise

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Ise is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Shinto's holiest sites. The city offers a serene and spiritual experience, with beautiful forests and traditional architecture.

Festivals

Nara Matsuri • April 25-26 Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha • February 3-4

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Buy deer crackers to feed the deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable interaction.
Consider staying in a ryokan for a unique cultural experience, complete with traditional tatami rooms, onsen (hot springs), and kaiseki meals.
Explore Nara-machi, the historic district, for a glimpse into the city's past and to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Use an IC card like ICOCA for easy payments on public transportation, buses, and some shops and vending machines.