Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills
Most visitors to Nara stick to the well-trodden paths—but this tour takes you beyond, into the forested mountains where few travelers venture. At Tsubosaka-dera, you’ll encounter a giant stone Buddha overlooking the valley, a sight both awe-inspiring and deeply calming.
Unlike crowded tourist spots, this sacred site offers space to reflect, breathe, and connect with a more spiritual side of Japan. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll learn the stories behind the temple’s healing traditions, its serene Eleven-Faced Kannon statue, and the natural harmony that defines the area.
Whether you're drawn by nature, history, or the quiet presence of stone and prayer, this tour delivers something rare: a truly meaningful encounter with Japan’s sacred past—without the crowds, and with far more soul.
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Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills
What's included in Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Tsubosaka-dera Temple
Tucked away in the forested mountains at the southern edge of the Nara Basin, Tsubosaka-dera is a sanctuary of peace, healing, and reflection. Far from the busy crowds of central Nara, this temple offers a deeper, quieter encounter with Japan’s spiritual heritage. The highlight is a colossal stone Buddha, gazing peacefully over the valley—a modern yet timeless figure carved not for show, but for inner reflection. Inside the temple, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, goddess of mercy, radiates quiet compassion, surrounded by centuries of devotion. Set amid lush trees and panoramic mountain views, Tsubosaka-dera invites you to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with history, and with yourself. Traditionally known for its role in prayers for eye and body healing, the temple remains a place where faith and natural beauty are inseparable. This is more than a sightseeing stop. It’s a space to breathe, to think, and to feel. Tsubosaka-dera is where ancient stone and living spirit come together.
Inclusions
- Panoramic views of southern Nara
- View of the Eleven-Faced Kannon
- Visit to the colossal stone Buddha
- Guided tour of Tsubosaka-dera temple
- Transportation to the temple
- Meals and drinks
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meeting point: In front of the entrance reception at Tsubosaka-dera. Your guide will be waiting for you, holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for further details.
