Horyuji Temple Heritage Tour & Kanji Experience with Special Lunch

Join us for a private guided tour of Horyuji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage Site in Ikarugacho, Nara, renowned for having the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will explore the historical and architectural wonders of this ancient temple. As part of the experience, you'll also get to enjoy a special lunch featuring the local specialty, "Tatsuta-age," which is deliciously deep-fried chicken thighs.

After touring the temple, you will participate in a unique kanji experience, perfect for first-timers, where you'll use a brush pen to write your name in kanji. This activity, known as Onore-sho, allows you to create beautiful and personalized brush characters with ease. It's a fun and creative way to engage with Japanese culture, different from traditional calligraphy, and you'll leave with a unique memento of your visit.

Tour Highlights

• Guided tour of World Cultural Heritage Site Horyuji Temple

• Explore the oldest wooden buildings in the world

• Unique kanji writing experience with a brush pen

• Personalized Onore-sho kanji creation

• Special lunch featuring local specialty Tatsuta-age

What's Included?

• Experience fee

• Colored paper

• Special lunch

What's Extra?

• Transportation expenses

• Horyuji Temple entrance fee

Tour Itinerary

Morning Session (Starting at 9:30)

9:30 AM – Meet the Guide
Gather in front of the “Horyuji Sando” bus stop near the Horyuji i-Center.

Guided Visit of Horyuji
Explore the World Cultural Heritage Site Horyuji Temple with an English-speaking guide.

11:30 AM – Move to Kanji Experience Location
After touring the temple, head to the venue for the kanji writing experience.

Kanji Experience: Brush Practice & Creation
Learn to write kanji using a brush pen, creating your own personalized artwork.

12:30 PM – End of Guided Session
Move to the lunch venue on your own (approximately 15 minutes on foot).

1:00 PM – Special Lunch
Enjoy a special lunch featuring the local specialty Tatsuta-age in a historic building.

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Provide the names of all participants when booking; the instructor will prepare suitable kanji for each name.

• Arriving late may result in a shortened tour duration.

• Lunch image is for reference; the actual meal will be based on this concept.

• A valid email or phone number for same-day contact is required.

• If driving, use the parking lots around Horyuji Temple and be prepared to pay the parking fee.

• A 100% cancellation fee applies if canceled within one day of the event.

• The total duration of the tour is 4 hours.

Meeting Point

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What expenses are not covered in the tour price?

The tour price does not cover transportation expenses to and from Horyuji Temple or the entrance fee to Horyuji Temple itself. Additionally, parking fees around Horyuji Temple are not included.

What should I expect from the kanji writing experience?

During the kanji writing experience, you will use a brush pen to write your name in kanji. This activity, known as Onore-sho, allows for a creative and personalized approach to kanji writing, different from traditional calligraphy. It's suitable for first-time users and provides a unique memento of your visit.

How long does the entire tour last?

The total duration of the tour is 4 hours. The morning session starts at 9:30 AM and ends at 1:30 PM.

What is the cancellation policy for the tour?

If you cancel your booking within one day of the event, a 100% cancellation fee will apply. We recommend planning your schedule carefully to avoid any cancellation fees.

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