A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
On the way to Nara from Kyoto, stop at Byodo-in Temple in Uji City, one of the 17 UNESCO sites in and around Kyoto. The longevity and cultural importance of Byodo-in, which was established by a member of the powerful Fujiwara clan in 1052, is commemorated on both Japan’s 10-yen coin and 10,000-yen bill.
See the Horyu-ji temple complex, home to the two oldest wooden buildings in the world, Horyu-ji’s East temple and the West temple. These examples of ancient Japanese architecture were built in the 607 AD by Buddhist carpenters from the Korean kingdom of Paekche. The original structure burned down in 670, but the structure you will see today is the reconstructed temple finished in the 8th century.
Visit Kasuga Grand Shrine. Located at the foot of Nara’s Mount Mifuta, a sacred place where deities were believed to descend to earth, the shrine was officially established in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, but is believed to date from the very beginning of the Nara period. The Fujiwara clan was one of the most powerful aristocratic families of the period, and the Imperial court worshipped here.
Stroll through Nara Park, where you will see hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in Shinto, Nara’s deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a national treasure. Vendors in the park sell small packets of rice crackers that you can use to feed the deer.
Continue on to Todai-ji Temple, home to the largest Buddha statue (daibutsu) in Japan. It is also the world’s largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two-thirds of the original temple’s size. Your guide will walk you through Todai-ji and the halls that flank it, Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Take in the best of Japan’s must-see sights on this 14-day journey. You’ll take in the world-famous Tsukiji & Toyosu Markets, board a bullet-train for Kyoto, and spend time at the cultural capital’s ancient temples, shrines, and palaces, spending your nights in some of Japan’s best hotels.
Discover Japan’s exciting history on this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s most fascinating age-old cities. Explore the colossal Todaiji Temple, visit ancient shrines, take an emotional tour of Hiroshima, and embrace Japan’s old world charm, while staying at some of Japan’s most luxurious hotels.
Step off the tourist trail for this exciting 11-day luxury journey through Japan’s less-visited areas. Take to Japan’s southwest shores as you journey from Kyoto to Osaka, stopping at UNESCO-listed sites, old castle towns, Shrine Island, and Asia’s largest limestone cave, while staying in luxury hotels like the Hyatt.
This extraordinary 10-day itinerary promises a holistic experience of the body, mind and soul. Discover Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto; follow the Path of Prayer throughout the sacred Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and immerse yourself in the unique Japanese culture and traditions while being surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
See Japan’s ancient traditions and state-of-the-art technology juxtaposed before your eyes on this fascinating 12-day luxury journey. You’ll get an insider perspective on the country with visits to everything from ancient shrines and palaces to contemporary design museums and modern architecture.
Hidden away in the sacred Kasugayama Primeval Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tsukihi-tei Ryokan offers a taste of Japan’s traditional roots in serene surroundings. The small inn has only five guest rooms, outfitted with traditional tatami mats, low tables and futon mattresses. The ryokan offers Michelin-class kaiseki meals, based on a seasonal menu.
Discover a culture steeped in history and Meiji tradition at the Nara Hotel, surrounded by natural beauty amongst richly biodiverse parks. This hotel is ideally-located for a visit to Nara Park, which can be seen while enjoying a traditional breakfast from the premises. Frequent guests to this hotel praise its second-to-none service, congruent with traditional Japanese hospitality, but with a special “Nara twist.” Air-conditioned guestrooms include minibars, desks, high-speed internet access, complimentary newspapers, phones, bathrobes, bidets, hair dryers, daily housekeeping, and complimentary toiletries, while additional perks like in-room massages and wake-up calls are just a phone call away. A restaurant, coffee shop, and bar are popular on-site facilities allowing guests to mingle, while experiencing the warm, welcoming old-world Nara hospitality that’s been passed down for generations.
Multi-Country Specialists
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
The guides and drivers were very knowledgable about the areas and took care of us well
Your arrangements were absolutely impeccable - everything happened exactly as it was supposed to.
