Japans Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour From Nara

Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, beckons visitors to uncover its rich cultural heritage. The Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD, stands as Japan’s oldest shrine, its pathways lined with hundreds of stone lanterns. Alongside this historic gem, the Nagashi Somen experience offers a delightful culinary adventure. As cold noodles flow down a bamboo flume, guests can’t help but be captivated by this unique tradition. Exploring Nara’s treasures unveils a harmonious blend of time-honored customs and modern delights.

Key Points

• This private walking tour takes visitors to Kasuga-Taisha, Japan’s oldest shrine established in 768 AD, and includes an experience with Nagashi Somen.
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guides provide insights into Shinto traditions and rituals during the tour, which also includes a stroll through Nara Park.
• The tour incorporates public transportation and involves walking for 2-3 hours on uneven terrain, including occasional steep steps at the shrines and temples.
• Tour highlights include exploring historic streets, enjoying a local lunch, and customizing the experience to match participants’ interests.
• The tour is non-refundable, but cancellations due to natural disasters may lead to full refunds.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour is titled "Japan’s Oldest Shrine & Nagashi Somen Walking Tour" and takes place in Nara, Japan.

It’s a private tour, ensuring your group’s privacy. The tour starts at 8:50 AM at Nara Station and utilizes public transportation, though seats aren’t reserved.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide and lunch. Customization is available, but you must notify the organizers in advance.

Confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

Refunds aren’t provided for cancellations, and no-show policies apply. Natural disasters may lead to tour cancellations with full refunds.

Inclusions and Customization

This tour includes an English-speaking guide and lunch. You can tailor the tour to your requests – just notify the organizers in advance.

The highlights include:

• Visiting Japan’s oldest shrine, Kasuga Taisha
• Experiencing the unique cultural tradition of Nagashi Somen
• Strolling through picturesque Nara Park, home to friendly deer
• Exploring the charming streets and shops of historic Nara
• Enjoying a delicious local lunch to fuel your walking adventure

The tour is designed to provide a personalized experience, so don’t hesitate to let the guide know if you have any special interests or needs.

Booking and Confirmation

Booking this tour is a simple process. Customers receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour is non-refundable, and no-show policies apply. While natural disasters like typhoons can lead to tour cancellations with full refunds, participants are responsible for their own valuables.

Visitors should arrive promptly at the meeting time, as the schedule may change due to traffic, potentially resulting in shorter durations at certain sites.

Despite these policies, the tour offers a convenient way to explore Japan’s oldest shrine and experience the unique Nagashi Somen noodle tradition in Nara.

Accessibility and Participation

Although the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. The walking tour involves exploring historical sites and navigating public transportation.

Participants should be aware of:

• Uneven terrain and occasional steep steps at shrines and temples
• Potential congestion on public buses and trains, especially on weekends and holidays
• Need to be comfortable walking for extended periods, up to 2-3 hours
• Ability to follow an English-speaking guide at a moderate pace
• Willingness to use public transit, as private transportation isn’t provided.

Cancellation and Responsibility Policies

The tour operator will cancel the tour and provide a full refund in the event of natural disasters like typhoons that make the tour unsafe or impossible.

Participants are responsible for their own valuables during the tour.

It’s important to arrive at the meeting point on time as the tour schedule may change due to traffic. The tour duration could be shorter in such cases.

Participants are advised to be aware of potential congestion on weekends, holidays, and event days when using public transport.

No refunds are given for cancellations, and the no-show policy applies.

Exploring Japan’s Oldest Shrine

After meeting at Nara Station, the tour begins with a visit to Kasuga-Taisha, Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine. Established in 768 AD, the shrine is renowned for its hundreds of stone lanterns lining the pathways.

Visitors can explore:

• The main shrine hall, with its distinctive curved roof and bronze lanterns
• The deer park, home to the shrine’s friendly deer that bow for treats
• Kasuga Primeval Forest, a serene woodland trail leading to hidden shrines
• The opportunity to learn about Shinto traditions and rituals from the knowledgeable guide
• Time to wander and soak in the shrine’s tranquil atmosphere.

Experiencing Nagashi Somen

Next, the tour heads to a local somen noodle restaurant to experience the unique Nagashi Somen tradition.

Guests will sit along a bamboo flume filled with cold, running water. Delicate somen noodles slide down the flume, and participants try to pluck the noodles from the flowing stream using their chopsticks.

This interactive dining experience is a cherished Japanese tradition. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing noodles and the lively, communal atmosphere.

After the Nagashi Somen, the tour returns to Nara Station, concluding an immersive exploration of Japan’s cultural heritage.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating blend of history and culinary delight on this tour. Explore the serene Kasuga Taisha, Japan’s oldest shrine, before delighting in the unique experience of Nagashi Somen. This personalized adventure offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich traditions amidst the tranquil beauty of Nara Park, leaving you with an unforgettable experience.