Highlights
Dive into traditional crafts and meet exceptional people
2 workshops with local artisans
Discover Nara beyond the deer and Temples
Visit Japan's ancient capital
Frolic with the deer
See one of the most famous Buddha statues in the world
Description
Nara has a long history as a center for arts and culture in Japan. It was the capital of Japan from 710 to 794 AD, a time marked by the flourishing of Buddhism, arts, and the establishment of imperial rule. This period witnessed the development and refinement of various artistic forms, including ink painting and calligraphy. Uncover the city through its arts. Wandering through the small streets, temples and wild deer, join 2 wonderful workshops with us today : Meet our lovely Nagano san, one of the last 10 Ink artisans in the city still making ink the traditional way. After a short calligraphy lesson and lecture about the art, make your own unique Nara ink. For lunch, try a unique type of sushi. In the afternoon, you will meet Mrs Tanaka, she is one the 7 last artisans in the city still making calligraphy brushes by hand! Of course, you will make your own brush to finish up your set. We will finish the day with a Sake tasting at the last remaining brewery in downtown before taking the train back to Osaka.
Who This Experience Is Good For
Anyone who is interested in Japanese Art / craft and to see Nara through a different lens. . Of course, you will also be able to meet the cute deer in Nara Park and visit the tallest Buddha Statue in Japan!
Meet Our Local Host
Born In France, Amandine discovered Japan 20 years ago when she was visiting for her job ( flight attendant at the time). She will never forget that first night when she stumbled on a local festival ( matsuri) in Osaka. The people were so friendly and invited her to participate. Flashback forward 16 years and she still leaving in Osaka. She believes that Japan’s most unique charm is its people !
Her goal now is to be a bridge, a link between these amazing people and the travellers through workshops with artisans or meeting monks at a temple, talking with Maiko, etc. Dive deeper into Japanese culture than just visiting temples and Shrines. And of course, Matsuri ! (Laugh)
Itinerary
Start: 8:15am Meeting in front of Takashimaya Department Store
8.25 leave Osaka (Kintetsu Line)
9:00 arrival In Nara
Quick Taxi ride to Todaiji Temple
9:30 to 11:30 Visit Todaiji Temple and Nara park
12:00 to 13:00 Nara Ink workshop
13:00 to 14:00 Lunch
14:00 to 15:00 Naramachi walk + Sake Tasting
15:00 to 16:00 Nara brush making workshop
16:00 to 16:30 return walk to Nara Kintetsu Station
16:36 or 16:46 Return train to Osaka Namba Station
End: 17:30 Return to meeting point
Ink and Fan making (hand cutting design) Workshops, with your own take home fan and unique ink stick
Lunch
Sake (from Nara) or Tea tasting
Admissions fees
Train fees
Guide
Nara Park Deer Crackers ( if you want to feed the deer) 200 yen per pack.
Any spending money for things you would like to take home.
Drinks. (other than scheduled tasting)
(though tipping is not common in restaurants a small gift or gratuity for guides is common and appreciated).
We will leave on time from the meeting point. There is some train travel involved.
Minimum Needed: 3 people
Maximum Capacity: 6 people
Booking Deadline: 7 days before start date
Weather Dependent: No - this is a rain-or-shine tour
Difficulty Level: Medium (There will be lots of walking, but none of it strenuous)
Special Clothing Required: Yes - To enter the homes of our artisans, we will have to take off our shoes. Please bring easy to put on/off shoes.
Special Dietary Restrictions: Yes - Please let us know any DR in advance and we can check what might be available.
Extra Cash: Yes
Ground Transportation: Yes included
Additional Information: N/A
Liabilities: The liability for any injury, loss, or damage incurred by participants is not assumed by Remote Year or its affiliates.
