Nara Hidden Treasures Half-Day Tour: Buddha, Sushi Bento & Traditional Cuisine
Touch the Buddha’s Feet Experience
+ Sushi Bento & Free Shuttle
Step into Hidden Nara on a Half-Day Cultural Escape – Touch the feet of the National Treasure Eleven-Faced Kannon at Hasedera Temple, hear monks blowing conch shells, savor Nara sushi bento in a cozy historic house, and witness artisans restoring Buddhist art up close. Free shuttle included.
Highlights
1.
Touch the feet of the Budda statue at Hasedera temple(Normally Not Allowed)
2.
Listen to the rare sound of monks blowing conch shells
3.
Taste Nara’s traditional sushi bento in a historic house
4.
Watch artisans restore Buddhist art up close (Exclusive access)
5.
English-speaking local guide
6.
Free shuttle from Nara City included
Gallery
What You'll Experience
Visit 3 spots of Nara
other than "Deer"
in just half a day!
Touch the feet of the National Treasure Buddhist statue
At Hase-dera, one of Nara’s most sacred temples, you’ll enjoy a rare opportunity to touch the feet of the hidden Eleven-Faced Kannon statue — a deeply spiritual and unforgettable moment. Your guide will also lead you to the best spot at the right time to hear the monks blow their sacred conch shells, an atmospheric sound that few visitors get to experience.
Take movie-like photos
at photogenic spots
Take photos of the beautiful flowers and wooden corridors at Hasedera Temple. Our guide will highlight the most photogenic locations, enabling you to capture images like movies.
Lunch at sushi bento in a cozy historic house
For lunch, savor Nara’s famous kakinoha sushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves), colorful chirashi sushi. The meal is served in a beautifully restored traditional house, where the peaceful atmosphere perfectly complements the flavors. Relax and enjoy an authentic taste of Nara in an elegant, historic setting.
Witness artisans restoring Buddhist art up close
Visit a cultural restoration center where skilled artisans work to preserve ancient Buddhist statues, paintings, and treasures. Watching this delicate process up close offers a rare chance to appreciate the craftsmanship, dedication, and spirit that keep Japan’s cultural heritage alive for future generations.
Guest Reviews
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Price
Adult
Age 12+
$120
per person
Child
Age 3~12
$90
per person
Infant
Age 0~2
$0
per person
Inclusions
Guide service(English-speaking local student guides)
Admission for Hasedera temple
Experience fee
Lunch(Local Sushi Bento)
For vegetarians, a traditional local somen noodle dish — refreshing, and plant-based — is available upon request. Please select your preference at the time of booking. If a meal is declined for personal reasons, it cannot be refunded.)
WiFi on board
Pickup service between destinations and fixed locations
Air-conditioned vehicle
VAT
Exclusions
Personal Consumption
Meals other than lunch
Large Baggage Handling
Force majeure(Additional costs due to force majeure such as traffic jams, strikes, weather, aircraft or mechanical breakdowns, flight cancellations, time changes, etc.)
Meeting Points
③ JR Nara Station West Exit
1-1 Sanjohonmachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8122, Japan
Vehicle Model
1~10 participants
TOYOTA HIACE Commuter
or equivalent model
11~20 participants
TOYOTA Coaster
or equivalent model
- The specific vehicle type to be used will be determined based on the number of participants on the day and may be subject to temporary adjustments.
- Please note that the vehicle type may also be adjusted as necessary depending on weather, road conditions, etc.
Itinerary
10:00 departure
Pick-up from ①Hotel Obana
- 1110 Takabatake-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8301, Japan
- Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
- No waiting for latecomers.
10:10 departure
Pick-up from ②Novotel Nara
- 7-1-45 Omiya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8115, Japan
- Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
- No waiting for latecomers.
10:20 departure
Pick-up from ③ The West Exit of JR Nara Station
- 8-1 Sanjo Honmachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8122, Japan
- Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
- No waiting for latecomers.
11:20
(1 hour)
Hasedera Temple
Located in Nara, Hase-dera is a temple with deep historical significance, offering a serene experience where traditional Japanese culture and nature harmoniously coexist. This special experience takes you through Hase-dera’s rich history, including a unique ritual—touching the feet of the Buddha statue, a tradition symbolizing respect for history and culture. By touching the Buddha’s feet, you’ll connect with Japan’s spiritual heritage, experiencing peace and tranquility. You’ll also have the chance to explore the temple’s stunning architecture and gardens, while our guide offers a detailed explanation of the history and cultural significance of this sacred place.
12:30
(50 mins)
Yamatobito no Kokoromise (Lunch)
For lunch, enjoy Nara’s specialty, kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi), and other delicious local delicacies at a lovely cafe along the approach to Hase Temple. Please enjoy a relaxing moment while savoring local delicacies in an elegant setting.
13:50
(30 mins)
Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex
This is Japan’s first facility where you can easily observe cultural heritage restoration work all year round! You’ll have the chance to visit restoration sites in four fields: ‘Sculptures like Buddhist statues,’ ‘Paintings and calligraphy,’ ‘Historic buildings,’ and ‘Archaeological artifacts.’ Expert technicians work in each field to preserve these valuable cultural assets and pass them down to future generations.
15:05~15:30
Return to each meeting points
Thank you for joining us!
We look forward to see you again.
Meet at Hotel Obana (pick-up point ①)
10:00AM
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
Novotel Nara (pick-up point ②)
10:10AM
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
JR Nara Station West Exit (pick-up point ③)
10:20AM
Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time.
Hasedera Temple
11:20AM - 12:20PM
Lunch at Yamatobito no kokoromise
12:30PM - 13:20PM
Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex
13:50PM - 14:20PM
Return to each pick-up points
15:00PM - 15:30PM
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Notes
Capacity : 1–16 participants
Booking Deadline : Until 9:00 AM on the day Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Age : Children under 2 years old travel free of charge if they do not occupy a seat. For safety reasons, persons under 18 years old must be accompanied by at least one adult.
Important notes : The itinerary may change depending on traffic and weather conditions on the day. Please prepare for rain and take measures to prevent heatstroke and cold weather. All photos shown are for illustrative purposes only.
If you do not require free transportation, please let us know using the form. The price will remain the same regardless of whether or not you require free transportation.
Cancellation policy
- You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- In case of no-show, the amount paid will not be refunded.
- If you leave during the service for reasons not attributable to us, the amount paid will not be refunded.
- If we notify you at least one day before your trip that we cannot provide the services and you do not agree to any proposed itinerary changes, you will receive a full refund.
- In cases where safety is a concern (e.g., natural disasters, war, transportation issues, or government orders), a full refund will be provided.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
How to Cancel
Cancel by 9:00 a.m. the day before your reservation:
Use the “Reservation Management” button in your confirmation email.After 9:00 a.m. the day before your reservation:
Contact us using the information in your confirmation email.
Refunds
- All refunds processed to your credit card.