Disembark from the yacht and drive to Nara, the cradle of Japanese arts, literature, and crafts with temples and shrines that pre-date those found in Kyoto. The exquisite city of Nara is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous art and architectural relics classified as National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese Government. See the incredible Todaiji Temple, founded in 752, and best known for its Daibutsu, the world's largest Buddha statue sitting 49 feet tall. The 8th-century statue is housed in an all-wood building, the Daibutsu-den, considered the largest wooden building in the world. You will see many deer in Nara Park which covers 1,295 acres of woodland and is home to over 1,000 free roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, Nara's deer are a symbol of the city and are designated a National Natural Monument. Visit the impressive Kasuga Shrine which has 1,800 stone lanterns lining the walkway to its entrance, and another 1,000 bronze lanterns suspended from the eaves of corridors. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you will be transferred to the hotel in Osaka. On the way, you will be able to see Osaka Castle from the window. (Breakfast, lunch, and overnight at a hotel are included.) ...
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