Nara Kotsu Co., Ltd. operates sightseeing Bus tours to World Heritage Sites and historic temples across Nara. This approximately seven-hour tour takes visitors from central Nara to the Ikaruga and Nishinokyo areas, featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Horyu-ji, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji, along with historic temples including Chugu-ji and Jikoin.
Travel by bus provides convenient access to areas that are difficult to reach independently, making it an efficient way to visit Nara attractions within a single day. The itinerary also includes a matcha experience at Jikoin, where participants can enjoy a traditional Tea ceremony in a historic setting.
Tour Highlights
The temples included in the tour date back to Japan's Asuka and Nara periods and played an important role in the development of Japanese culture and Buddhism. Visitors can view National Treasures, Buddhist statues, and other important cultural assets at each site.
Horyu-ji: Japan's first World Heritage Site and home to the world's oldest surviving wooden buildings.
Yakushi-ji: A historic temple complex representing the early development of Japanese Buddhism.
Toshodai-ji: Founded by the Chinese monk Ganjin, this temple is a masterpiece of Nara-period Buddhist architecture and a UNESCO site.
Audio Guides Available
Audio guides are available in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. GPS-based location tracking automatically plays commentary during the tour. Participants are asked to bring their own smartphone and earphones.
Special Gift for International Visitors
International visitors will receive an original commemorative gift as a souvenir of the tour.
Tour Price & Departure Information
Tour Price
Adults (12 years and older): JPY 16,000
Children (6–11 years): JPY 10,000
Departure
Operates daily
Departs from JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station
The tour price includes bus transportation, admission fees to all temples, lunch, and use of the multilingual audio guide.
Tour Details & Reservations
For tour details and reservations, visit the Nara Kotsu website:
https://tour.narakotsu.co.jp/tours/nara-world-heritage-tour/
