Summer in Nature TourGet ready to unwind in the valleys of southern Nara

Welcome to Japan! We will pick you up from the airport and drive to Nara Prefecture.
Enjoy beautiful art and craftsmanship at Ryozampaku, an authentic Japanese restaurant. The seasonal dishes are phenomenal in taste, and further beauty is found in the cutlery, crafted by Kikuichi Monju, an authentic sword and knife manufacturer.
Their shop is the only sword maker given permission by the emperor himself 400 years ago to carve the chrysanthemum, a clan symbol of the Japanese royal family, onto their products.

Stroll through Naramachi area where streets are full of old merchants’ houses and shops.
Visit Japanese sweets master Nakanishi Yosaburo, and make Japanese sweets yourself while being taught by the professional confectioner.
For those who wish to explore Naramachi area more, we recommend stopping by a historical calligraphy ink manufacturer, and tasting the very popular shaved ice dessert with sauce and topping of your choice.

Start your day traveling back in time through exploration around this ancient city filled with over 1000 years of history.

The first stop is Hase-dera Temple, famous for seasonal flowers and a gorgeous, red, 200m high Five-Story Pagoda encompassed by nature. In summer, visitors are rewarded with stunning views from the temple, surrounded by 3,000 hydrangeas, green maple leaves, and vibrant clematis.
The main hall is usually prohibited to visitors, but you will have an exclusive private tour guided by a monk of the temple. Touch the foot of the Kannon (Bodhisattva) statue, which is said to grant your wishes.

Then visit Murouji Temple, which has another beautifully maintained five-story pagoda, main hall, and many Buddhist statues, all designated as Japan's national treasures.
Here you can enjoy an exclusive prayer session with the monks inside the Golden Hall which is again normally closed to the public. Please allow yourself to be fulfilled through these rare experiences!

Today, allow your body and mind to be refreshed by Japan's natural springs!
Visit Mitarai Keikoku valley, a beautiful location with an emerald-colored river streaming through. Try the cool, sweet water from Dorogawa natural spring, listed as one of Japan’s top 100 spring waters.
On the way there, visit a farmer’s market in Yoshino area to appreciate the local lifestyle. Drive to the Dorogawa Onsen Hot Spring Resort for time to unwind and refresh.
Then enjoy lunch at Kiraku Kyubei, a restaurant founded in 1917 and very popular among the locals; it has a great view overlooking the clear stream of the Dorogawa River.

After lunch, visit Menfudo Limestone Cave where the average temperature remains 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) all year long. Enjoy the cool temperature and the beautiful soda straws there! Afterwards, drink refreshing mineral water at the Gorogoro-mizu rest area, and visit Tenkawa Daibenzaitensha Shrine which is famous for Noh Theatre and worshipped for success in art and entertainment.
Enjoy your stay at Dorogawa Onsen Kadojin, an authentic Ryokan (Japanese Inn) with a private hot spring bath in the open air!

Explore Gojo Shinmachi, a 400-year-old town full of old wooden townhouses that prospered during the Edo period.
Enjoy fresh local produce for lunch at a newly renovated townhouse "Genpei" which was originally built about 250 years ago. Your next stop is a mountain covered with exactly 117 temples!
Mt. Koya or "Koya-san" in Japanese, is a very sacred place for Japanese Buddhism. Visitors are welcome to stay at one of the 52 temples there. Walk through the huge compound of Kongobuji Temple, the gateway for the entirety of Mt. Koya with beautiful rock gardens. Visit the Main Gate, the oldest building in the temple grounds, and Konpon Daito, a pagoda built to embody the esoteric Shingon teachings.

Taste authentic Japanese cuisine "Shojin Ryori", vegetarian food originally derived from the dietary restrictions of Buddhist monks. At last, take a deep breath and rest well in one of the temple quarters.

Deep in the mountain of Koya-san is the impressive Okuno-in Cemetery. It extends about 2km from Ichinohashi Bridge to the mausoleum of Kobo Diashi, the founder of Mt. Koya; a highly respected Buddhist monk and key figure for Shingon Buddhist training about 12 centuries ago. Pay your respects and immerse yourself in the quiet and calm of this spiritual location where time seems to have stopped in ancient Japan.
Jump back in time to the modern, energetic and bustling big city of Osaka! Stroll through the Shinsaibashi area, the liveliest area famous for gourmet food and shopping. You are free to explore, purchase souvenirs, and enjoy lunch of your choice. Thousands of Japanese venture here daily; you can find anything you wish to buy, and any kind of food from street food to luxury cuisines in these long arcade, roof-covered market streets.
At around 15:30, we will provide private transportation to the hotel of your choice, in the south or the northern part of Osaka city.

With bags packed and many memories to take home with you, no need to worry about transportation; let us drive you back to Kansai International Airport.