Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills

Name: Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills
Brand: Viator
Price: 134.14 USD
Availability: InStock

1 hr 30 minJapanese, EnglishBook 16 hours aheadNara Prefecture, Japan

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$134

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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.

Included

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

Not included

Transportation to the temple
Meals and drinks

What you'll do

Tsubosaka-dera Temple
3 Tsubosaka, Takatori-cho, Japan
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.
1h 30mAdmission included

Meeting and pickup

1 location

Pickup details

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.