Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 AD, which meant that it expanded quickly as an ancient city. Whilst its centre-stage role in Japanese history was short-lived, it was still home to a number of significant sites and monuments that are culturally important and remain major tourist attractions today.
These include Nara Park, also known as Deer Park for the large number of tame deer that roam around it. Originally believed to be messengers of the gods, the deer were seen as sacred, and killing one of these deer was a capital offence punishable by death until relatively recently. Today they still enjoy the full protection and status of a national treasure. As well as being a vast expanse of beautiful parkland, Nara Park is home to Todai-ji Temple, a Buddhist building founded in the first half of the 8th century. The ornate structure is noteworthy for being the largest wooden building in the world, and for having the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. The Buddha weighs 500 tons and is 49 feet (15 metres) tall - its ears are just over 8 feet (2.4 metres) long!
The Kasuga Shrine is part of the same UNESCO World Heritage site, and is of a similar age, having been founded in 768. This is a huge complex, with a number of different buildings. The Shinto shrine is known for its ornate stone lanterns on the steps leading up to the main entrance, and the interior of the central shrine features many lavish golden statues.
Ancient ceremonies meet 21st century technology in this astonishing country of contrasts. This fascinating tour goes a long way to interpret the mystery of Japan as we cross the country on high-speed bullet trains.
… see more13 days from £3,775 pp
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Absorb ancient history and timeless tradition as we travel through the 'Land of the Rising Sun' by futuristic bullet train. Sample Japanese whiskey, soak up the spectacular sight of Mount Fuji, experience an authentic tea ceremony and explore the bustling cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima on an all-encompassing route through Japan's highlights.
… see more16 days from £5,695 pp
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Uncover the incredible countries of China and Japan on this comprehensive tour that takes in some of the most incredible history, sights, and cities that these two exquisite countries have to offer.
… see more17 days
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An amazing experience of a culture so totally different from our own. Superb accommodation and visits to outstanding sights and sites. Horoshima was deeply, deeply moving. Another visit at some stage is a must.
By Katie Shaw
27 March 2019
From its futuristic bullet trains to spiritual Kyoto and neon-lit Toyko, join Tony Robinson as he discovers the quirks of Japan, on part five of his adventures around the world by train.
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By Jack Stacey
7 January 2019
It’s the new year and boy is there some travelling to be done between now and 2020. With it being nearly the end of the second decade of the new millennium, the future of travel is here and it’s time to get smart with travel.
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By Katie Shaw
6 December 2018
While it’s well known that here at Great Rail Journeys we are passionate about rail travel, it just so happens that we believe aviation is something to be celebrated, too!
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By Sukie Chapman
18 January 2018
You love rail travel but also want to explore further afield than Europe; this is a conundrum many of our customers call us about.
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The travel and hotel arrangements were excellent. One gripe for the elderly is having to constantly move cases at each hotel (with one exception, Thank you Granvia, Kyoto). The Tokyo tour had perhaps one too many historic visits (I personally would have passed on the Edo museum for a daytime look at Shibuya crossing).One day in Tokyo is simply not enough. Similarly, too much Kyoto in 1 day where a 'rest' day would have been priceless. In retrospect, I now query the value of the Hokkaido sector in the tour. Perhaps the time spent here would have served us better elsewhere as it is more of a specialist winter destination, just not enough content for 3+ days.