Nara Day Tour: Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha & Sacred Deer Walk

Leaving the station behind, step into the tranquil grounds of Yoshikien Garden. Stroll through three distinct garden styles—pond, moss, and tea garden—while learning how each reflects different elements of Japanese design and aesthetics. This peaceful setting offers a calm and refined introduction to Nara.

We continue to Himuro Shrine, a small but historically unique shrine dedicated to the preservation of ice. In ancient times, ice was harvested in winter and stored for use by the imperial court during the summer months, making it a symbol of wealth and control over natural resources. This lesser-known stop offers insight into daily life and innovation in early Japan.

There are many deer on our way to Todaiji Temple. If you wish, you can stop for a moment to feed them. You may be wondering why there are so many deer in Nara. The deity enshrined here is Takemikajichi-no-Mikoto, who is said to have travelled to Nara riding on a sacred deer from Kashima Jingu Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture. Because of this legend, deer are considered sacred animals, messengers of the gods, and have been carefully protected for many years. Our destination is Todaiji Temple. It was founded in 738 AD, but did not open until 752 AD. Since then, the temple has undergone several reconstructions, but the most important one (the reconstruction of the Great Buddha Hall) took place in 1709. The world’s largest bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall.

In the afternoon, you’ll make your way to Nigatsudo Hall, where a wooden terrace offers sweeping views across the city. This historic hall is also home to the Omizutori ceremony, a ritual that has continued uninterrupted for over 1,250 years.

A quieter stop at Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine reveals the close relationship between Shinto and Buddhism—two belief systems that have long shaped Japanese spiritual life.

We continue toward Mount Wakakusa, an open hillside that offers a refreshing contrast to the dense temple complexes. Known for its annual grass-burning festival, this area provides wide views and a chance to experience the natural landscape that surrounds Nara.

Our next destination is Kasuga-taisha. It is a shrine founded in 768 AD and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The interior is notable for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that follow the shrine.

We conclude the main portion of the tour at Ukimido Pavilion, a serene structure set over a quiet pond. This final stop offers a moment to relax and reflect on the day in a peaceful natural setting.

Optional: For those interested, the day can end with a visit to Harushika Brewery, a long-established brewery offering sake tastings(not included in tour price). Nara has deep connections to the development of sake brewing, particularly through temple traditions, making this a fitting conclusion to the day.