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 Agenda

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.

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