Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills

Nara Prefecture, Japan
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Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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

What to expect

  1. Tsubosaka-dera Temple
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    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.

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

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.

Additional information

  • 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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
21,000.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by DeepExperience · Booked through Viator
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21,000.00 JPY per person
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