Historic Horyuji Temple Exploration and Personalized Kanji Experience Tour

Join us for a unique exploration of Horyuji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara, a town steeped in 1,400 years of history. This tour, guided in English, takes you through the ancient temple grounds, home to the oldest wooden buildings in the world. From start to finish, your knowledgeable guide will be there to enhance your experience, making every moment memorable as you delve into this World Cultural Heritage Site.

In addition to exploring the temple, you will have the opportunity to engage in a creative kanji-writing session. Even if you've never used a brush pen before, this activity is designed for ease and enjoyment. You'll learn to write your name in kanji, capturing your unique personality in a style that's distinct from traditional calligraphy. This experience, known as Onore-sho, lets you freely express yourself through brush characters, creating a "Your Onore-sho" that is uniquely beautiful.

Tour Highlights

• Private guided tour of Horyuji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage Site

• Insightful commentary from an English-speaking guide throughout the tour

• The oldest wooden structures in the world showcased at the temple

• Unique kanji-writing experience using a brush pen for beginners

• Opportunity to create personalized kanji art with Onore-sho style

What's Covered

• Experience fee

• Color paper

What's Extra

• Transportation expenses to the experience site

Tour Itinerary

Morning Session

• Meet the Guide

• Time: 9:30 AM

• Location: In front of the Horyuji i-Center

• Begin with a greeting from your guide and an overview of the day.

• Tour Horyuji Temple

• Duration: 2 hours

• Discover Horyuji's ancient wooden structures and rich history.

• Kanji Experience

• Time: 11:30 AM

• Duration: 1 hour

• Learn to write your name in kanji and create personalized artwork.

• Conclusion

• Time: 12:30 PM

• Wrap up the session and explore further at your own pace.

Afternoon Session

• Meet the Guide

• Time: 1:00 PM

• Location: In front of the Horyuji i-Center

• Start the afternoon with insights into Horyuji's cultural heritage.

• Tour Horyuji Temple

• Duration: 2 hours

• Explore the temple's serene beauty and historical significance.

• Kanji Experience

• Time: 3:00 PM

• Duration: 1 hour

• Engage in a hands-on kanji writing session.

• Conclusion

• Time: 4:00 PM

• End the tour with final thoughts and time for independent exploration.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Provide the names of all participants at the time of booking so the instructor can prepare personalized kanji for each attendee

• Arriving after the scheduled start time may lead to a reduced tour duration

• Ensure a contact email or phone number is available for same-day communication

• Utilize the nearby parking facilities when arriving by car and cover any associated fees

• The tour duration is approximately 3 hours

Meeting Points

In front of the Horyuji Sando bus stop, near the Horyuji i-Center

1-8 Horyuji, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture 636-0116, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering both the guided exploration of Horyuji Temple and the kanji-writing experience.

What happens if I arrive late to the meeting point?

If you arrive later than the scheduled start time, the tour may be shortened to accommodate the delay. It's important to be punctual to enjoy the full experience.

What is the cancellation policy for the tour?

A 100% cancellation fee is applied if the booking is canceled 1 day or less before the event. A 10% cancellation fee is charged if the booking is canceled 999 days or less before the event.

Is there parking available near the tour's meeting point?

Yes, parking is available around Horyuji Temple. Please note that parking fees apply and are the responsibility of the tour participants.

What should I bring to the tour?

Participants should bring comfortable footwear suitable for walking, any personal items they might need, and a willingness to engage in cultural activities. All materials for the kanji experience are provided.

Related Read: Discovering Ancient Temples and Castles in Kyoto and Nara