Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Nara is located in the Kinai plain, less than one hour from Kyoto. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples.

Tour Highlights include:

Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, constructed in the 8th century, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In it's huge precincts are various national treasures of Japan. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Once of Japan's best-known temples, it enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. A wonder of religious architecture.

Deer Park
Over 1,000 tame deer roam freely in the verdant 1,250 acres peaceful park. If you wish to feed the deer, they will gladly eat from your hand. Special food is sold in the park grounds (not included).

Kasuga Shrine
The most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara, it features some 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns.

Sagano is located northwest of the Kyoto Basin and covers an area of 16 acres. Start with a walk through Sagano Bamboo Grove which sits in a basin surrounded by mountains in the greater area of Arashiyama

Then onto Jojakkoji Temple located halfway up a mountain, this temple has a 12-meter-high pagoda in its precinct and is graced with many Japanese maples. Jojakkoji was the final home of Empress Dowager Kenrei-mon-in, a principal character in the "Tale of the Heike" one of the most important works of classical Japanese literature. It is said to be built as a nunnery and has a history streching back to the 6th century. The temple?s principal treasure is a statue of the Jizo, which has been desiganted an important cultural property.

Later visit Tenryuji Temple which is one of the head temples of the Rinzai Zen School and was established in 1339 by Takauji the first shogun of Ashikaga shogunate, in memory of the Emperor Godaigo. It is famous for its landscape garden, which unlike the temple buildings has survived in its original form.

Finally walk through Togetsukyo Bridge, literally meaning "Crossing Moon Bridge". The present bridge was rebuilt in 1934 using steel but faithfully copying the structure of the original bridge.

Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's seventh largest city with a population of 1.4 million people and a modern face. Enjoy this morning tour to see some of the main highlights of this wonderful city, steeped in culture.

Tour Highlights Include:

• Nijo Castle
• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Buffet Lunch at Kyoto Handicraft Center
• Heian Shrine
• Sanjusangendo Hall
• Kiyomizu Temple