1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick
Historically Nara was the capital of Japan and the seat of the Emperor during the Nara period from 710 to 794, before the capital was moved to Kyoto. This ancient capital has three registered World Heritage Sites: “Historical Properties of Ancient Nara,” “Buddhist Monuments around Horyuji Temple,” and “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Culturally, the method of making ink was introduced to Japan in 610. It then developed in Nara. More than 90% of Japan’s ink is produced in Nara, and the brand has been established as “Nara Sumi.”
Nara is a special place where you can experience Japan’s ancient history and culture, surrounded by museums displaying art and historical materials, including world heritage sites, national treasures, and important cultural properties. Discover this city with us and experience its charm for yourself.
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1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick
What's included in 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Nara Palace Site Historical Park
Our journey will begin at 09:15 and we will meet at JR Nara Station. Our first stop is Nara Palace Site Historical Park. This is a national park located on the site of Heijo Palace. It was the imperial residence of Japan’s capital, Heijo-kyo (now Nara), during most of the Nara period. The palace served as the imperial residence and administrative centre at the time. After spending time in this historical park and learning a lot about it, we will return to the city centre for lunch. You may not be aware of this, but Nara is home to many unique local gourmet foods that you shouldn’t miss, and many of which are located in the city centre. If you don’t want to have lunch inside a restaurant, you can also eat at food stalls around the city centre. There are many food options.
Once you have had your fill of delicious food, our afternoon begins with a traditional Japanese art experience – making Nara Sumi (Nara Inkstick). The origin of ink is said to date back approximately 2,200 years to the Han Dynasty in China. It was also introduced to Japan around that time. This is an experience where you can actually make your own inkstick. You can take it home as a souvenir or use it yourself.
Kasuga Grand Shrine
Our next destination after Nara Sumi making is Kasuga-taisha. It is a shrine founded in 768 AD and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The interior is notable for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that follow the shrine.
Inclusions
- Guided tour with an English speaking guide
- Bus tickets required for the tour
- Nara Sumi experience fee
- Entrance fees for each spot during the tour
- Food and drinks
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- You can see us immediately after exiting the JR Nara Station. We are waiting in front of the directory. We will be holding up a sign that says “Snow Monkey Resort.”
