Nara
Nara (奈良) is an ancient capital city in Nara Prefecture, Kansai region of Japan. Overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Kyoto, Nara is omitted from many a time-pressed tourist's itinerary. However, Nara is home to many important scenic and historical sites, and today preserves its main sights much more attractively than Kyoto within Nara Park and neighborhoods like Naramachi.
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Hotels in Nara
| | Hotel Halftime  |
Score 7.5 from 6 reviews | | 2-11-1 Shibatsuji-cho |  |
| Parking : 37 parking spaces (free)
Check out over charge : Until 12:00, 20% / Until 15:00, 50% / After 15:00, 100% ... more | | |
 | Marks W Hotel Nara  |
Score 0 from 0 reviews | | Takadacho92-15,Kouriyama city,Yamato gun |  |
| During your stay you can explore Nara' s UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is made up of 8 temples, shrines and ruins - Tōdai-ji, Saidai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Kasuga Shrine, Gangō-ji, Yakushi-ji, Tōshōdai-ji and Heijō Palace Remains - together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest.
To enjoy nature, you can visit Nara Park, which has free-roaming deers. ... more | | | | More hotels in Nara |
| Kyoto Afternoon Tour - Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo, Kiyomizu Temple |
4 hours |
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Enjoy an afternoon out in Kyoto!
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.
Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was not chosen as a target of air raids during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.
Heian Shrine
The brightly colored shrine with its vermilion pillars and green roof, and its enchanting inner gardens and ponds, reflects the elegance of life in the ancient Japanese court.
Sanjusangendo Hall
A renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues of Kannon, Bodhisattva, that date back to the 13th century.
Kiyomizu Temple
A quaint old lane lined with pottery shops lead up to this famous temple. Enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city of Kyoto from its lofty terrace.
Please note: You can combine this tour with the Kyoto Morning Tour (TYO_N270) by selecting your departure point as the Kyoto Handicraft Center which is where the Kyoto Morning Tour concludes. Pick ups from the Handicraft Center is at 2pm for this Kyoto Afternoon Tour. Please make a separate booking for the Kyoto Morning Tour (TYO_N270) if you wish to do this.
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| Kyoto in One Day by Bullet Train (Sunrise Express) |
12.5 hours |
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Transfer to the Tokyo Station and board a Shinkansen train for the classical city of Kyoto. Enjoy a splendid view of imposing Mt. Fuji en route (weather permitting).
Stop for lunch at the New Miyako Hotel. Then enjoy an afternoon sightseeing of the city, visiting Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 impressive images of Buddha, vermilion-hued Heian Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple with its wooden veranda.
In the early evening board a Shinkansen train back to Tokyo where you will be transferred to your hotel in Tokyo.
Seating Options on Train:
- A course : Standard-class reserved seat
- D course : First-class reserved seat
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Nihon Sankei
The Three Views of Japan: they are Miyajima, Amanohashidate and Matsushima. Don't expect majestic scenery, for the beauty is much more subtle.
Miyajima is famous for the floating red torii gate. Of course, depending on the timeeee you visit, you might find it lodged in the mud. You get to the island by taking a ferry from Miyajima-guchi, which is on the local line from Hiroshima.
Amanohashidate is the pine tree-lined sand-spit. You are meant to see it, by bending over, and seeing it framed by your legs. The "bridge to heaven" then floats, as you try to achieve some stability. You can get there by train from Kyoto station. JR Rail Pass holders will note that there is an additional supplement for the private leg of the train journey.
Matsushima is a collection of pine laden islets, sitting on a bay. You get there by taking the local train from Sendai to Matsuhima Kaigan station.
Kyoto temples and shrines
Kyoto is full of historical temples and shrines because it was the old capital of Japan. The best way to travel around Kyoto is by foot and bus. At the main train station in Kyoto, one can easily find a map and information on the bus routes including many of the historical buildings and tourist attractions. The bus station is right outside of the train station and all that needs to be done is buy a day pass and use the bus to get around following the map. A lot of the sites are close together so it is easy to walk around from one to the other.
Kiyomizu Dera is one of the more popular temples to visit. Before you leave this temple that is on a hill, it is tradition to drink the water that comes from the mountain tops. You will notice this exiting at the bottom (different from the main entrance). It is best to go when the weather is moderately warm and the sun is out especially to see the Golden Temple.
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