Japans Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour From Nara

Immersing oneself in Japan’s ancient cultural heritage is an enriching experience. The "Japan’s Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour" from Nara promises just that. Visitors can explore the revered Kasuga Taisha, one of the country’s most significant Shinto shrines, before indulging in the delightful tradition of nagashi somen – an interactive noodle dining experience that’s sure to delight the senses. But the journey doesn’t end there, as the tour also treats guests to a serene forest walk lined with captivating stone lanterns.

Key Points

• Explore Kasuga Taisha, Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine established in 768 AD, featuring iconic vermilion-lacquered torii gates and sacred deer.
• Enjoy a guided walking tour with an English-speaking guide, including round-trip transportation from Nara Station.
• Savor a cultural lunch experience as part of the tour package.
• Be prepared for high congestion, especially on weekends, holidays, and event days, and prompt arrival is essential.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and full refunds are only issued for cancellations due to natural disasters.

Tour Overview and Details

The Japan’s Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Nara’s rich cultural heritage. Priced from $161.49 per person, this private and customizable tour invites you to discover Japan’s oldest shrine and experience the unique Nagashi Somen tradition.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Nara Station, an English-speaking guide, and a delicious lunch. While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours, and the schedule may change due to factors like congestion. Cancellations are non-refundable, but the tour is canceled with a full refund in case of natural disasters.

Meeting and Transportation

The tour begins at Nara Station, located at 1 Sanjohonmachi, Nara, 630-8122, Japan.

The meeting time is 8:50 am, and round-trip transportation is included. However, the tour utilizes public transportation, and seats aren’t reserved.

The key details for the meeting and transportation are:

1. Meeting Point: Nara Station
2. Start Time: 8:50 am
3. Round-trip transportation included
4. Public transportation utilized; seats not reserved

Attendees should arrive promptly, as refunds aren’t provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

The schedule may change due to congestion or other factors, especially on weekends, holidays, and event days.

Inclusions and Participation

An English guide is provided for the tour, and lunch is included for participants. This ensures visitors can fully enjoy the cultural experience without language barriers or worrying about finding a meal.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Guests are advised to arrive promptly, as refunds aren’t provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

The schedule may change due to congestion or other factors, so flexibility is key, especially on weekends, holidays, and event days.

Important Information

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Travelers should arrive promptly, as refunds aren’t provided for late arrivals or no-shows. The schedule may change due to factors like congestion, so flexibility is key.

Weekends, holidays, and event days tend to see high congestion, so guests should plan accordingly.

Here are 4 important things to keep in mind:

1. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
2. Personal responsibility is required for valuables during the tour.
3. The tour may be canceled in case of natural disasters, with a full refund issued.
4. Public transportation is utilized, and seats aren’t reserved.

Cancellation and Liability

Cancellation and liability policies are important to understand for this tour. The tour is non-refundable, so there are no refunds for cancellations.

However, the tour will be canceled in case of natural disasters like typhoons, with a full refund issued. Participants are responsible for their own valuables during the tour.

It’s essential to arrive promptly, as there are no refunds for late arrivals or no-shows. The tour schedule may change due to factors like congestion, so flexibility is necessary.

Knowing these policies helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Exploring Japan’s Oldest Shrine

Although Nara is renowned for its friendly deer, the walking tour also takes visitors to the revered Kasuga Taisha, Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine. Established in 768 AD, the shrine is dedicated to the Shinto tutelary deity of the city of Nara.

Visitors can:

1. Admire the impressive architecture, including the iconic vermilion-lacquered torii gates.
2. Observe the sacred deer believed to be messengers of the shrine’s deities.
3. Explore the tranquil forest paths illuminated by thousands of stone lanterns.
4. Learn about the shrine’s rich history and cultural significance from the knowledgeable tour guide.

Experiencing Nagashi Somen

After exploring the historic Kasuga Taisha shrine, the tour takes visitors to experience the traditional Japanese summer dish of nagashi somen.

Nagashi somen is chilled, thin wheat noodles that are floated down a bamboo flume, and guests use chopsticks to pluck the noodles from the flowing water.

The tour provides an opportunity to try this unique dining experience, which is both fun and delicious.

Participants can enjoy the refreshing taste of the noodles and the convivial atmosphere as they work together to catch the rapidly flowing somen.

It’s a memorable way to take in Japanese culinary traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, it’s not recommended to bring your own food and drinks on this tour. Lunch is included, and the tour provider suggests focusing on the cultural experience rather than self-catering. Check with them if you have any dietary requirements.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

No special equipment or clothing is required. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring sun protection if desired, as some of the tour takes place outdoors.

Are There Any Medical or Dietary Requirements to Participate?

There are no specific medical or dietary requirements to participate. Most travelers can join the tour, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. Guests should inform the guide of any special needs they have.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time During the Tour?

Participants can’t leave the tour group at any time. The tour is a private, guided experience, and the group must stay together for the duration. Leaving the group would not be permitted.

What Is the Group Size and Can I Request a Private Tour?

The tour has flexible group sizes, with private tours available. Guests can request a private tour for their party, which allows for a more personalized experience. Group sizes may vary, but private tours ensure a customized itinerary.

Sum Up

This unique tour provides a captivating glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can admire the stunning Kasuga Taisha shrine, one of the country’s oldest, then enjoy a refreshing walk through tranquil forest paths before experiencing the delightful nagashi somen tradition. It’s an immersive way to discover the blend of nature, history, and traditions that make Japan so special.