Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Temple, Uji Matcha & Hot Spring Day Tour
Description
Escape the busy streets of Osaka and discover the cultural beauty, historic treasures, and relaxing traditions of Japan on this unforgettable full-day tour to Nara and Uji. Begin your adventure in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and friendly free-roaming deer at Nara Park. Enjoy close encounters with these iconic animals while exploring one of the country’s most scenic cultural destinations. Visit the magnificent Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue and one of Japan’s most impressive wooden structures, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual heritage. Continue to the charming city of Uji, renowned across Japan for producing some of the country’s finest matcha green tea. Stroll through traditional streets filled with tea houses and experience the authentic atmosphere of this historic tea town. Matcha lovers will enjoy discovering the flavors and culture that make Uji a must-visit destination near Kyoto.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Nara Park is a large public park located in the city of Nara, Japan. It is famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer, which are considered sacred and are protected as a national treasure. The park covers an area of around 502 hectares and is home to many cultural and historical landmarks, including the Todai-ji Temple, which houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns.
Tōdai-ji is a famous Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan. It is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a massive bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha, standing at 15 meters tall. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Japan's most significant and historic religious landmarks, known for its impressive architecture and spiritual importance. Tōdai-ji was founded in the 8th century and remains a key symbol of Nara's cultural heritage.
Kasuga-taisha is a renowned Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan. Founded in the 8th century, it is dedicated to the deity Futsunushi no Mikoto, the protector of the Fujiwara clan. The shrine is famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit during the annual Lantern Festivals. Kasuga-taisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its beautiful forested setting and traditional architectural style.
Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu is a relaxing hot spring facility located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. It offers a tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of natural hot spring baths. The name "Genji-no-Yu" is a reference to The Tale of Genji, tying the location to the region's literary and historical significance.
Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu is a relaxing hot spring facility in Uji, Kyoto, offering soothing indoor and outdoor baths. Named after The Tale of Genji, it provides a peaceful onsen experience in a serene setting, perfect for unwinding after exploring the area’s historic and natural attractions.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Get picked up at 07:30 - 08:30. Enter your preferred location at checkout. The operator will make the final confirmation accordingly.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Total tour duration includes transportation time.
- The trip needs at least 4 people to run. If the minimum is not met before the trip, you will get the option to cancel or change the route
- Unaccompanied minors not allowed
- Visible tattoos not allowed
Reviews(8)
Unfortunately the address provided on all the paperwork and on TripAdvisor was not where the operator was to pick us up - not sure if it was a map issue but we pasted the address directly into the maps - despite trying to communicate with the driver we missed the entire tour we are extremely disappointed as we were very much looking forward to it- the operator also will not refund any of our money at all. I understand they aren’t responsible for the map but they provided the address and could atleast take some measure of responsibility and care.
We would like to clarify that we always provide the correct meeting point along with a clear image and Google Maps link to help guests locate it easily. However, we understand that confusion can still happen, and we sincerely regret that this led to you missing the tour. We truly care about our guests, and your comments are very important to us
The trip was good and enjoyable. Leo was informative and helpful with advice. We had a great time. Nara Park we had enough biscuit for the deers, we got butted if this is not done quick enough especially after they bow. The walk and shrine around the park was good. Matcha and walk around Uji was enough as we had lunch on recomendation by Leo, excellent choice. Onsen was a very quick ecperience as half the other client choose to sit in the bus. We were informed about expectation so we can make informed decision. Overall great experience. Erica
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time at Nara Park, the shrines, and exploring Uji with Leo’s helpful advice. It’s great that you enjoyed the matcha and lunch recommendations as well. We appreciate your understanding regarding the onsen experience and the flexibility of the group. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we’re delighted that overall you had a great experience.
The tour was not organized with itinerary and communication as what to expect. The directions to point of pick up was clear but the bus was parked around another corner, causing unnecessary stress. We did not see the hot springs as most of us had tattoos and did not want to be nude. There should be clear instructions when booking for the tour so travelers have the option to select the hot spring and know the expectations not last minute. My tour guide was hard to understand and her microphone did not work as well, she spoke mainly Chinese. We are used to cheerful tour guides as we had on previous tours, she tried.
This was a great way to experience different popular things in Japan at a great price! We explored Nara park and fed the hungry deer, explored Uji (the matcha capital), saw some cool temples and shrines, and went to a hot spring. The tour guy was very knowledgeable, multilingual (spoke great English), and was accommodating to other guests who spoke Japanese. He allowed us to explore on our own at every stop and gave us more than enough time to enjoy each site! If you book this tour you MUST be on time to every meeting point so plan accordingly!
I would suggest to skip this , took us to deer park and didnt get the food which was included and they were out of food there the local vendors , asked us to not go to the Buddha temple coz not enough time. Same for the uji temple n Matcha street.You can do Onsen anywhere… Actually felt this viator bus tip was a waste of our time and money.. would highly not recommend to do and would love to get my money back if possible. Wasted my day in hopes of it will get better now.
Great variety and yes, you do need to wear good footwear...it was a long, but enjoyable day. Some stops were very long and in very cold weather were difficult.
The tour guide was really friendly great value for money I would highly recommend LU as she was very friendly and answered any question that was asked of her
