Private & Custom Osaka-Nara Day Tour by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018

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Duration:8 hours (approx.)
Location: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

From $802.12

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Private & Custom VIP Tour in OSAKA/NARA allows you to “Tailor Your Itinerary” to fit your specific travel expectations. You have your own private Land Rover Discovery Sports 2018 and English speaking driver for approximately 8 hours. Our team assists you to draft itinerary, prepare tickets, book restaurants/local experiences, communicate with local vendors, direct you to the destinations, keep time, assist you throughout the trip and more!

STEP1: Please select your favorite destinations from "What to Expect" and share with us your other special requests
STEP2: Our team draft your tentative custom itinerary and share with you
STEP3: We revise/finalize the itinerary base on your feedback

REMARKS
A. You can always make change to the itinerary even while traveling on the van. The tour is flexible to your own needs and goals.
B. Extra 1~2 hours will be given for free in case of heavy traffic jam and unexpected delay(s) only
C. Extra charges will be applied for over time service

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Todai-ji Temple
Todaiji (Tōdaiji, "Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs. Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) is the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas.
2. Osaka Castle
The construction of Osaka Castle (Ōsakajō) started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga thirteen years earlier. Toyotomi Hideyoshi intended the castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan under Toyotomi rule. It was the largest castle at the time. However, a few years after Hideyoshi's death, Tokugawa troops attacked and destroyed the castle and terminated the Toyotomi lineage in 1615. Osaka Castle was rebuilt by Tokugawa Hidetada in the 1620s, but its main castle tower was struck by lightening in 1665 and burnt down. It was not until 1931 that the present ferro-concrete reconstruction of the castle tower was built. During the war it miraculously survived the city wide air raids. Major repair works gave the castle new glamor in 1997. The castle tower is now entirely modern on the inside and even features an elevator for easier accessibility. It houses an informative museum about the castle's history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
3. Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku Towerhinsekai ("New World") is a district in Osaka that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. At the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia-evoking symbol of Shinsekai. The area was developed into its current layout following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition, which brought over five million people to the neighborhood within just five months. Shortly after the expo closed its doors, work began to improve and update Shinsekai.
4. Kuromon Market
Until the end of the Meiji Era, the Kuromon Ichiba Market used to be called Emmeiji Market, because there was once a large temple called Emmeiji nearby. Since there used to be a black gate northeast of this temple, the marketplace later came to be called"Kuromon Ichiba Market"(Black Gate Market). The market has a total length of close to 600 meters with 170 shops, the vast majority of which specialize in the freshest and best quality meat, vegetables, eggs and other ingredients from around the country and abroad. Although well over half of total sales are for the business (professional chef) market, Kuromon Ichiba caters also to the general public. For more than 170 years, everyone from restaurant chefs to housewives have come here, drawn by the taste, freshness and variety of its products.
5. Harukas 300 Observation Deck
Standing 300 meters tall, Abeno Harukas in Osaka is the tallest skyscraper in Japan. The building stands on top of the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and is conveniently located across from JR Tennoji Station. It houses a department store, an art museum, a hotel and an observation deck. The observation deck is called "Harukas 300" and occupies the building's top three floors (floors 58 to 60). The observation deck is accessed by elevators from the 16th floor. With large floor-to-ceiling glass panels all around, the 60th floor offers 360 degree views of Osaka, while the 58th floor features an attractively designed inner court with a wooden deck and cafe. A souvenir shop and restrooms with views are also available.
6. Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda
The widely known cup noodles are popular not only in Japan, but all around the world as well. Along with the standard flavors, new flavors keep getting introduced every year. A type of cup noodles sold only in Japan might be great for a souvenir as well. However, there is an even more memorable souvenir when it comes to cup noodles. At the Cup noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda in Osaka, you will be able to make your very own original cup noodles!
7. Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is a spectacular high rise building in the Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda Stations. It is also known as the "New Umeda City". The 173 meter tall building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. In the basement, there is a restaurant floor that replicates a town of the early Showa Period, while offices occupy most other floors.
8. Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower
The Kansai region’s biggest hot spring style theme park Solaniwa Onsen, spanning 16,500m², is set open on floors 2 to 5 at Osaka Bay Tower North on February 26, 2019. Osaka Resort City 200 (ORC 200) changed its name to Osaka Bay Tower on March 27, 2018. Following that, Hotel Osaka Bay Tower―which welcomes all guests from business people to families―underwent a re-branding and re-opened on March 29. The tower is now set to expand its facilities even further with the grand opening of Solaniwa Onsen. The hot spring theme park is themed on “Beauty, Healing, Taste.” It will be decked out with natural hot springs, stone saunas, relaxation facilities, restaurants, stores and more. Based on the concept of the Azuchi–Momoyama period of Japanese history, the park fuses traditional Japan with the modern to offer a unique and exceptional experience. The area in which the park is being set up is where an already hugely popular theme park is based. A world fair is set to take place there in 2025 which will bring more international attention to the Osaka Bay area.
9. Heijo Palace Museum
During most of the Nara Period (710-794), Nara served as the capital of Japan and was known as Heijo-kyo. The Heijo Palace extended about one kilometer wide and one kilometer long and served as the site of the emperor's residence and government offices. For its great historical and cultural importance, the palace site is included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nara. Although the palace once stood as the majestic center of the ancient capital, all of its original buildings were eventually lost, with the exception of a single hall that was moved in the 8th century and now stands at Toshodaiji Temple. When the capital was moved away from Heijo-kyo in 784, Heijo Palace and a large part of the city were abandoned as officials and other citizens flocked to the new capital. The temples on the outskirts of the former capital, however, retained their importance, and the city of Nara eventually resumed its growth around these temples, while the palace grounds were used for nothing but rice fields.
10. Horyu-ji Temple
Horyuji Temple (Hōryūji) was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, who is credited with the early promotion of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples and contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a world heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are spacious and separated into two main precincts, the Western Precinct (Saiin Garan) and the Eastern Precinct (Toin Garan).
11. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, which runs east to Mido-Suji Avenue, is the best-known shopping area in Osaka, and an enduring symbol of the city. With a history of 380 years, it was already an established shopping area in the Edo Period. Shops of all kinds and for all ages line the street, a roofed arcade 600 meters long. There are traditional kimono tailors, western clothing and footwear retailers, restaurants and fast food outlets, jewelers, and boutiques featuring the latest fashions. It's great to take a casual stroll through the Shinsaibashi area. Many people enjoy window-shopping and savoring the food along the way.
12. Namba Yasaka Shrine
Namba Yasaka Shrine has one of the most unique buildings of any shrine in the world! This Osaka shrine's iconic lion head-shaped building was built in the 1970s and isn't actually very old. However, the shrine itself has a long history, and its annual festival held in January(which incorporates an awesome tug-of-war competition) is designated as an intangible folk cultural property by the Japanese government.
13. Dotombori District
A bustling commercial street that is representative of the Minami area of Osaka, always busy with playhouses and food shops from the Edo Period to today.
14. Shitennoji
Shitennoji (四天王寺, Shitennōji) is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design.
15. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
Osaka's Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社, "Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine") is one of Japan's oldest shrines. Founded in the 3rd century before the introduction of Buddhism, it displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, that is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha.
16. Kasuga Taisha Museum
Kasuga Taisha is Nara's most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan's most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. In the case of Kasuga Taisha, however, the custom was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period. Beyond the shrine's offering hall, which can be visited free of charge, there is a paid inner area which provides a closer view of the shrine's inner buildings. Furthest in is the main sanctuary, containing multiple shrine buildings that display the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture, characterized by a sloping roof extending over the front of the building.
17. Kofuku-ji Temple
Kofukuji (興福寺, Kōfukuji) used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful aristocratic clan during much of the Nara and Heian Periods. The temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. At the height of Fujiwara power, the temple consisted of over 150 buildings.
18. Nara National Museum
The Nara National Museum (奈良国立博物館, Nara Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan), located in Nara Park, is an art museum which primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art. Established in 1889, the museum retains its original building and is joined by a new wing that is connected to the original building by an underground passage.
19. Nigatsu-do Temple
The Nigatsudo Hall is a short walk on the hill east of the Daibutsuden Hall and offers nice views of the city from its balcony. The hall is the site of the spectacular Omizutori ceremonies, held in March every year.
20. Hasedera Temple
Hasedera Temple (長谷寺) is located in the mountains east of central Sakurai. The temple was founded in 686, and now serves as the head temple of the Bunzan school of Shingon Buddhism. Situated in a valley, Hasedera has over 30 buildings built up along the hillside that visitors can spend a long time exploring. The main hall is at the very top and offers a great view of the surroundings from its balcony, particularly during the cherry blossom (sakura) and autumn color (koyo) seasons.
21. Nara Park
Nara Park (Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's over 1000 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them, so make sure not to tease them with food.

Retrieving available

Tickets

Private & Custom Osaka-Nara Day Tour by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Todai-ji Temple

2. Osaka Castle

3. Tsutenkaku

4. Kuromon Market

5. Harukas 300 Observation Deck

6. Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda

7. Umeda Sky Building

8. Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower

9. Heijo Palace Museum

10. Horyu-ji Temple

11. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

12. Namba Yasaka Shrine

13. Dotombori District

14. Shitennoji

15. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

16. Kasuga Taisha Museum

17. Kofuku-ji Temple

18. Nara National Museum

19. Nigatsu-do Temple

20. Hasedera Temple

21. Nara Park

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

Retrieving available

Tickets

Private & Custom Osaka-Nara Day Tour by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Todai-ji Temple

2. Osaka Castle

3. Tsutenkaku

4. Kuromon Market

5. Harukas 300 Observation Deck

6. Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda

7. Umeda Sky Building

8. Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower

9. Heijo Palace Museum

10. Horyu-ji Temple

11. Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

12. Namba Yasaka Shrine

13. Dotombori District

14. Shitennoji

15. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

16. Kasuga Taisha Museum

17. Kofuku-ji Temple

18. Nara National Museum

19. Nigatsu-do Temple

20. Hasedera Temple

21. Nara Park

ADDITIONAL INFO ⟱

CANCELLATION POLICY ⟱

Partner Resources

How it works

Travel

Insurance

Adventure

Contact

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY