Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills

1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

Most visitors to Nara stick to the well-trodden paths—but this tour takes you beyond, into the forested mountains where few travelers venture. At Tsubosaka-dera, you’ll encounter a giant stone Buddha overlooking the valley, a sight both awe-inspiring and deeply calming.

Unlike crowded tourist spots, this sacred site offers space to reflect, breathe, and connect with a more spiritual side of Japan. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll learn the stories behind the temple’s healing traditions, its serene Eleven-Faced Kannon statue, and the natural harmony that defines the area.

Whether you're drawn by nature, history, or the quiet presence of stone and prayer, this tour delivers something rare: a truly meaningful encounter with Japan’s sacred past—without the crowds, and with far more soul.

What's Included

Panoramic views of southern Nara
View of the Eleven-Faced Kannon
Visit to the colossal stone Buddha
Guided tour of Tsubosaka-dera temple
Transportation to the temple
Meals and drinks

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting point: In front of the entrance reception at Tsubosaka-dera. Your guide will be waiting for you, holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for further details.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1

    Tucked away in the forested mountains at the southern edge of the Nara Basin, Tsubosaka-dera is a sanctuary of peace, healing, and reflection. Far from the busy crowds of central Nara, this temple offers a deeper, quieter encounter with Japan’s spiritual heritage. The highlight is a colossal stone Buddha, gazing peacefully over the valley—a modern yet timeless figure carved not for show, but for inner reflection. Inside the temple, the Eleven-Faced Kannon, goddess of mercy, radiates quiet compassion, surrounded by centuries of devotion. Set amid lush trees and panoramic mountain views, Tsubosaka-dera invites you to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with history, and with yourself. Traditionally known for its role in prayers for eye and body healing, the temple remains a place where faith and natural beauty are inseparable. This is more than a sightseeing stop. It’s a space to breathe, to think, and to feel. Tsubosaka-dera is where ancient stone and living spirit come together.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by DeepExperience

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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