Nara
Experiences
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.
Byodo-in Temple
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.
Horyu-ji Temple Complex
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.
Kasuga Grand Shrine
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.
Nara Park
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.
Todai-ji Temple
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.
Japan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
- Akita
- Aomori
- Fukuoka
- Fukushima
- Hakone
- Hiroshima
- Iwate
- Iya Valley
- Izu Peninsula
- Kagoshima
- Kamakura
- Kanazawa
- Karuizawa
- Kirishima
- Kobe
- Kotohira & Takamatsu
- Kumamoto
- Kyoto
- Lake Shikotsu
- Lake Toya
- Matsuyama & Imabari
- Mie
- Miyagi
- Muroto
- Nagasaki
- Naoshima & Seto Inland Sea Islands
- Nara
- Nikko
- Niseko
- Okinawa
- Osaka
- Sapporo
- Tokyo
- Yakushima Island
- Yamagata
- Yokohama
Hokkaido
Kyushu
Honshu
Southern Islands
Shikoku
Tohoku
Nara Itineraries
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $36,100
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $20,500
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $40,900
- Duration
- 12 days / 11 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $30,000
Sasayuri-Ann
With scenic views mountains and a sea of rice fields, Sasayuri-Ann is comprised of lovely wooden villas built with traditional Japanese aesthetics, such as a thatched roof and traditional pine flooring. Guests sleep on traditional futon bedding atop tatami flooring, can enjoy the tranquility of landscaped gardens and gorgeous views, then relaxing by the fireplace in the evenings. Check out the Homa Temple to experience the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism, or explore the nearby Fukano Village before returning to enjoy gourmet meals of sushi, local fare, or even barbecue and pizza. There is even a "Washoku" course meal that can be provided as prepared by a Michelin star-awarded chef. What really sets the Sasayuri-Ann apart, however, is its superior level of service, which is overseen by Tetsuji Matsubayashi, who is happy to show guests around the area and ensure that their stay is second-to-none.
Tsukihi-tei Ryokan
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.
Nara Hotel
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.
Exclusively Asia
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.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
Couple from New York
Every activity was coordinated to perfection and we couldn’t be more happy.
A couple from Holland - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
People keep asking us which country we enjoyed the most, it's very hard to say, there were special experiences everywhere.
A couple from Florida - Aman Jet Expedition, Spring 2016
As the trip progressed strangers became friends. Particularly special was the effortlessness: perfect logistics, never having to worry about anything, and, of course, the charming and thoughtful way you organised everything.