Nara: Guided Horyuji Temple Tour With Lunch and Calligraphy

Nara’s Horyuji Temple is a must-visit destination for those seeking to enjoy Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This guided tour promises an authentic experience, allowing travelers to explore the world’s oldest wooden structure and explore the art of Kanji calligraphy. Complemented by a delectable Tatsuta-age chicken lunch, the tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the traditions that have defined Nara for centuries. With limited group sizes, participants can expect personalized attention and an intimate exploration of this captivating region.

Key Points

• This guided tour provides an immersive experience visiting the historic Horyuji Temple, participating in a calligraphy session, and enjoying a local Tatsuta fried chicken lunch.
• The tour is limited to 3 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide and allowing for a more intimate cultural experience.
• Guests can create a personalized souvenir by writing their names in Kanji during the calligraphy session, which is included in the tour.
• The tour itinerary includes a 2-hour exploration of Horyuji Temple, the world’s oldest wooden building, and a 1-hour calligraphy session.
• The tour offers a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for customers’ travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Nara: Guided Horyuji Temple Tour with Lunch and Calligraphy," is priced from Kč 2,192 per person and lasts 4 hours.

It’s limited to 3 participants and conducted in English. Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour starts at the Horyuji Sando Bus Stop, where guests explore Horyuji Temple for 2 hours, learning about its history.

They then participate in a 1-hour calligraphy session to write their name in Kanji before enjoying a local chicken dish for lunch.

The tour ends at the Fukokuen restaurant.

Itinerary

Meeting participants at the Horyuji Sando Bus Stop in front of the Horyuji i-Centre, the guided tour begins by exploring the iconic Horyuji Temple for 2 hours.

Guests learn about the temple’s rich history and the surrounding town of Ikaruga.

After the temple visit, the tour transitions to a calligraphy experience. For 1 hour, attendees practice using brush pens and write their names in Kanji.

The experience concludes with a 1-hour lunch featuring the local specialty, Tatsuta-age chicken dish, at the Fukokuen restaurant.

Highlights

Discover the world’s oldest wooden building, Horyuji Temple, on this captivating tour.

Participate in a calligraphy session and learn to write your name in Kanji, a unique souvenir.

Savor a special lunch featuring the local specialty, Tatsuta fried chicken, a delicious highlight.

The knowledgeable guide brings the temple’s history to life, providing an engaging and immersive experience.

Guests leave with not only cherished memories but also their own Kanji-inscribed artwork, a testament to the tour’s exceptional value.

Important Information

Arrive on time; late arrivals without notice will be treated as cancellations.

The tour operator requires advance notice of any food allergies to accommodate participants.

After booking, guests should provide the names they want designed in kanji for the calligraphy session.

This cultural experience offers a unique chance to learn about the history of Horyuji Temple and create a personalized calligraphy souvenir.

The tour is limited to 3 participants, ensuring a small group size and personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Following these simple guidelines ensures a seamless and memorable Horyuji Temple tour in Nara.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, the Horyuji Temple tour received an impressive 5-out-of-5 rating based on a single review. Guests praised the guide’s hospitality and knowledge, the engaging calligraphy course, and the delicious local dinner. The tour was highly recommended by the participant.

Rating	Feedback
5/5	Engaging calligraphy course
	Delicious local dinner
	Knowledgeable and hospitable guide
	Highly recommended

Exploring Horyuji Temple

As guests step through the Horyuji Sando, the gateway to the temple complex, they’re greeted by the majestic Nara skyline and the serene ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, they explore the temple’s grounds, marveling at the world’s oldest wooden buildings, including the iconic Pagoda.

Visitors learn about the temple’s rich history, dating back to the 7th century, and its significance as a symbol of Japan’s cultural heritage.

The tour offers a deep dive into the architectural wonders and spiritual significance of Horyuji, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable site.

Kanji Calligraphy Experience

The calligraphy session allows guests to enjoy the ancient art of Kanji writing. Participants will learn the proper techniques using a brush pen and practice writing their name in Kanji. This hands-on experience is a unique opportunity to create a personalized souvenir.

Kanji Calligraphy
Duration	1 hour
Instruction	Brush pen basics
Practice	Write name in Kanji
Takeaway	Personal calligraphy
Difficulty Level	Beginner-friendly

This activity provides an engaging introduction to traditional Japanese calligraphy, blending culture with a memorable keepsake.

Local Cuisine: Tatsuta-age Lunch

Tatsuta-age, a local chicken specialty, is the highlight of the lunch experience. This delicious dish features chicken marinated in a seasoned batter and then deep-fried to perfection. Guests will savor the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the Tatsuta-age during the one-hour lunch.

The meal is served at Fukokuen, a charming restaurant located near the end of the tour. Participants can enjoy the authentic local flavors while taking a break from the guided exploration of Horyuji Temple.

This hearty lunch provides a satisfying midday refuel amidst the culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Other Temples During the Tour?

The tour focuses on exploring Horyuji Temple and doesn’t include visits to other temples. The itinerary is structured to provide an in-depth experience at Horyuji, including a guided tour, calligraphy workshop, and local lunch.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour does not appear to be wheelchair accessible based on the information provided. There are no details mentioning accessibility accommodations. Visitors with mobility needs may want to inquire about the accessibility of the temple and tour route.

Can We Take Photographs Inside Horyuji Temple?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside Horyuji Temple, but they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the sacred atmosphere. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the temple staff upon arrival.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 4-hour experience that covers the guided temple visit, calligraphy workshop, and lunch. Extending the tour would require booking a separate activity.

Can We Customize the Calligraphy Activity?

Yes, the calligraphy activity can be customized. Guests can choose to write their name or a specific word in Kanji during the one-hour calligraphy session. The guide can provide personalized instruction and supplies for the customized calligraphy experience.

The Sum Up

This immersive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient Horyuji Temple, partake in a hands-on calligraphy session, and savor a delectable Tatsuta-age lunch, all while receiving personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide. With a limited group size, this tour offers an intimate and unforgettable experience, allowing participants to fully embrace the essence of Nara’s cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: