Gourmet Tour - Nara's Ancient Treasures & Cuisine

OVERVIEW

Visit a temple founded in the 8th century when Nara was the capital of Japan and enjoy a gourmet meal made with ingredients that reflect the city’s inland location. Although earthquakes damaged much of the original Todaiji Temple, the bronze lantern outside the Great Buddha Hall is original. The statue of Buddha inside is the largest in Japan and the hall is considered the world’s largest wooden building. The temple lies within Nara Park, where you may spot some of the hundreds of free-roaming sika deer that are so beloved they have become a symbol of the city. Nara is also renowned for its cuisine, especially dishes that contain persimmon leaves as they naturally preserve fish that once took a long time to be transported from the sea. Besides dining on sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, you can choose from a hearty udon noodle dish or a rice porridge cooked in green tea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dine on a gourmet meal made with seasonal ingredients from the Nara Prefecture.
• Enjoy sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves that were traditionally used to preserve fish.
• See Japan’s largest Buddha statue in a hall that may be the world’s largest wooden building.
• Stroll through Nara Park, a large urban oasis where you will find Todaiji Temple.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.