Nara Uji Day Tour

Artistic & In-Depth Experience – Nara, Uji & Hot Spring One-Day Tour
(See deer, enjoy matcha, soak in a hot spring – a relaxing foodie getaway)

The following itinerary is for reference only. Attractions, order of visits, and timing may be adjusted depending on the day’s conditions.

• See deer, taste matcha, enjoy a hot spring – a relaxing and indulgent mini getaway
• Professional local driver-guide providing reliable and attentive service, with in-depth insights into Japanese culture and customs
• Avoid tourist crowds and explore Nara and Uji in depth. Pure sightseeing with no shopping stops. Early departure and late return for extended exploration time
• Daily departures; minimum 4 participants required. Door-to-door pick-up and drop-off within Osaka city—no need to worry about route planning or complicated public transportation

08:40 Osaka
Begin today’s wonderful journey

Meeting point package:
08:40 Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area)

Hotel pick-up/drop-off package:
07:30–08:30 Hotels/B&Bs within the Osaka Loop Line area

Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.
Pick-up order and timing will be arranged by the driver-guide based on distance and traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

09:50 Nara

% Nara Park Area (Approx. 2 hours, including free time for lunch)

Located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, Nara Park is home to famous landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, making it a must-visit destination in Nara. Mount Wakakusa nearby offers a panoramic view of the city, and traditional events like the Wakakusa Yamayaki (mountain burning festival) are held every January.

A leisurely stroll is the best way to explore the park. It is home to the largest concentration of deer, and feeding these adorable animals is a highlight for visitors. The deer are friendly and will approach when they see deer crackers in your hand—so be careful not to get surrounded!
(Deer crackers reference price: 200 yen for 10 pieces)

Recommended Attractions (Free exploration; admission at your own expense. Choose according to your interests.)

[Todai-ji Temple]
Also known as Daikegon-ji, it was built in 752 by Emperor Shomu to enshrine the Great Buddha and serve as the head temple of all provincial temples in Japan. The current structure, rebuilt in 1692 after two fires, is two-thirds the size of the original.

The Great Buddha Hall measures 57 meters wide and 50 meters deep, making it the largest wooden structure in the world. Inside stands the 15-meter-tall Great Buddha (Vairocana). Other structures include the Nandaimon Gate, Nigatsu-do Hall, and Sangatsu-do Hall.
(Admission: Great Buddha Hall – Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen; Hall + Museum – Adults 1,000 yen, Children 400 yen)

[Kasuga Taisha Shrine]
Located within Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha was founded in 710. The enshrined deities include Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto and others. It is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing for Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.

The 1.5-kilometer approach begins with a red torii gate and is lined with towering cedar and birch trees. Over 2,000 donated stone lanterns and roaming Nara deer add to its mystical charm.
(Outer shrine grounds: Free; Main hall: 500 yen)

Lunch Recommendations (at your own expense)

Kasugano
Established in 1927, located near Mount Wakakusa. Enjoy seasonal dishes while watching deer pass by.
Address: 494 Zoshicho, Nara City

Kasuga Ninai Chaya
Operated by Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Famous for “Manyo-gayu,” a seasonal rice porridge made with different plants each month.
Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City

Mendouan
A popular udon restaurant in Nara’s shopping street. Signature dishes include “Kinchaku Udon” (udon wrapped in tofu skin) and the locally exclusive “Baby Deer Udon.”
Address: 30-1 Hashimoto-cho, Nara City

12:50 Uji

% Uji (Approx. 2 hours, free time)

For matcha lovers, Uji is paradise—matcha ice cream, matcha cakes, and even green tea soba noodles fill the streets. For literature enthusiasts, Uji is the setting of the final chapters of The Tale of Genji, often referred to as Japan’s “Dream of the Red Chamber.” Visitors come here to trace the romantic and dramatic stories of Japan’s aristocratic past.

Recommended Routes (Choose one)

Option 1: Byodoin Omotesando Matcha Street
Option 2: The Tale of Genji Museum

Attractions (Admission at own expense)

[Byodoin Temple]
A classic example of Heian-period Pure Land Buddhist temple gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The most famous structure is the Phoenix Hall, which appears as if a phoenix is spreading its wings. Inside is a seated statue of Amitabha Buddha, designated as a National Treasure and depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin.
(Admission: Temple grounds – Adults 600 yen, Junior & Senior High School Students 400 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen; Phoenix Hall interior: additional 300 yen per person)

[Tale of Genji Museum]
Features multimedia exhibits introducing the story and cultural background of The Tale of Genji. Displays include a model of the Rokujoin palace symbolizing Hikaru Genji’s prosperity. Seasonal exhibitions showcase aristocratic games such as shell-matching and board games.
(Admission: Adults 500 yen; Children 250 yen; Closed Mondays)

Recommended Matcha Shops in Uji (at own expense)

Tofuan
Located opposite Phoenix Hall.
Address: 2 Uji Togawa, Uji City

Nakamura Tokichi Uji Main Store
A highly popular dessert shop known for bamboo-cup matcha parfaits and premium Uji tea sweets.
Address: 10 Uji Ichiban, Uji City

Itoh Kyuemon Main Store
A long-established Uji tea shop famous for matcha parfaits and matcha soba.
Address: 19-3 Todou Aramaki, Uji City

15:20 Uji

% Genji no Yu Hot Spring (Approx. 1 hour; admission at own expense)

The only natural hot spring in Uji City. The thermal water emerges from 1,111 meters underground. Designed with traditional Japanese architecture, it offers a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of a countryside onsen. Facilities include three indoor baths and one outdoor bath, as well as dining options.

(Admission: Adults 1,000 yen; Children 500 yen; Towels and meals at additional cost. Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian.)

16:20 Return
Conclude the day’s sightseeing and begin the return journey. Return time is for reference only and may be earlier depending on traffic and the day’s schedule.

17:40 Osaka

Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Area (Approx. 1 hour, free time)

Guests may choose to spend about one hour exploring Shinsaibashi.
Hotel pick-up/drop-off package guests who choose to stay in Shinsaibashi will be considered to have ended their tour (hotel return service will be forfeited without refund).
Meeting point package guests will be dismissed in the Shinsaibashi area.
Guests requiring hotel drop-off should wait for the shuttle for arranged transfer.

Shinsaibashi
Osaka’s most famous shopping street, featuring department stores, drugstores, and boutique shops. Many stores offer Chinese-speaking staff and accept UnionPay cards.

Dotonbori
A symbol of Osaka cuisine, bustling day and night. Famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, Kinryu Ramen, traditional izakayas, and popular restaurants such as Kani Doraku.

The above schedule may be adjusted due to weather or traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding.