Nara Walks Page 1/ 4

NARA WALKS PAGE 1/ 4

PG-507 NARA WALKS

Nara (奈良), about 42 km (26 mi.) south of Kyoto, was the old Access to Nara from Kyoto (JR Kyoto Station): capital of Japan (710–784), and was the cradle of Japan’s arts, By Ordinary Express "Miyako-ji" of JR Nara Line (JR奈良線) crafts and literature. Buddhism first flourished here under the Leave about every 30 min.–60 min. Time required: About strong patronage of successive Emperors. Walking through the 40 min. Fare: ¥690. city’s quiet streets is like strolling through the pages of history. Access to Nara from Osaka (Kintetsu-Namba Station): Here, you can find peace of mind and spiritual contentment. By Limited Express of Kinki Nippon Railway (近鉄特急) Leave every 60 min. Time required: 33 min. Fare: ¥1,040. Access to Nara from Kyoto (Kintetsu-Nara Station) By Ordinary Express of Kinki Nippon Railway (近鉄急行) By Limited Express of Kinki Nippon Railway (近鉄特急) Leave every 15 min. Time required: 40 min. Fare: ¥540. Leave every 30 min. Time required: 35 min. Fare: ¥1,110. Access to Nara from Osaka (JR Nara Station): By Ordinary Express of Kinki Nippon Railway (近鉄急行) By JR Kansai Kanjo Line (Belt Line) (JR大阪環状線 - 関西本線) Leave about every 60 min. Time required: 45 min. Leave every 20 min. Time required: 50 min. Fare: ¥780. Fare: ¥610.

Nara Park Walking Course: Time required for walking: 4 hrs. Kintetsu-Nara Sta. — Kofukuji Temple — Sarusawano-ike Pond — Todaiji Temple — Nigatsudo Hall — Kasuga Taisha Shrine — Shin-Yakushiji Temple — Nara National Museum See Map on page 2/4.

Places of Interest: collection of ancient works of art, particularly the selected mas- (Please enter each place by about 30 min. before terpieces of Buddhist art. (Open daily: 9:00–16:30 except closing time) Mondays. Admission: ¥420. Closed: Dec. 27–Jan. 3.) Nara Park (奈良公園) is popularly known as Deer Park, since nearly 1,200 tame deer roam here. Many of the historical relics Sarusawano-ike Pond (猿沢池), near the Kofukuji Temple, of Nara are conveniently located in or close to this finely wood- with the five-storied pagoda of the temple reflected on its sur- ed park. face, has long been known as one of the most popular sights in Nara. Todaiji Temple (東大寺) is well known for the Daibutsu, 16.2 m (53.1 ft.)-high bronze statue of Buddha. The main edifice Kofukuji Temple (興福寺) was founded in 710. At the height which houses the Daibutsu is the world’s largest wooden struc- of its prosperity, the temple had as many as 175 buildings, but ture. Admission: ¥500. Open: 7:30–17:30 (Apr.–Sep.), most of them were reduced to ashes during the passing of 1,300 7:30–17:00 (Oct.), 8:00–16:30 (Nov.–Feb.), 8:00–17:00 (Mar.). years’ time. The principal buildings still existing are the Five- Storied Pagoda dating from 1426, the Eastern Main Hall Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社) was founded in 768 and is (Tokondo Hall) from 1415 and the Three-Storied Pagoda from one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the country. The ver- 1143. The Treasure House and Tokondo Hall are open daily milion lacquered buildings form a beautiful contrast to the sur- from 9:00 to 17:00. Admission: ¥500 (Treasure House) and rounding verdant woods. ¥300 (Tokondo Hall).

Shin-Yakushiji Temple (新薬師寺) was founded in 747. Its Wakakusayama Hill (若草山), alt. 342 m, to the north of the main hall, dating from the same year, and several Buddhist Kasuga Taisha Shrine, is covered with grass, which is burnt every images enshrined here, are designated as “National Treasure.” year on the night of second Sunday of January by fires lighted Admission: ¥500. Open: 9:00–17:00. here and there at its foot. It is called “Yamayaki,” which means burning of dead grass on mountain slopes. Admission: ¥150. Nara National Museum (奈良国立博物館) exhibits a valuable Open: 9:00–17:00 (March 21–June 15 & Sept. 10–Nov. 25).

Nishinokyo & Horyuji Area: Nara Sta. — (Bus a*) — Toshodaiji Temple — Yakushiji Temple — (Bus b*) — Horyuji Temple — Chuguji Temple — Horinji Temple — Hokiji Temple — (Bus c*) — Kintetsu-Nara Sta. See Map on page 3/4. * Transportation: a) 20 min. by Nara Kotsu Bus from Kintetsu-Nara Sta. or 18 min. from JR Nara Sta. to Toshodaiji Temple (bus #63, #70 bound for Rokujo-yama 六条山行き) ¥240. b) 40 min. by Nara Kotsu Bus from Yakushiji 薬師寺駐車場 to Horyuji-mae 法隆寺前 (bus #97) ¥560. c) 55 min. by Nara Kotsu Bus from Hokiji 法起寺前 to Kintetsu-Nara Sta. (bus #97)¥690. PAGE 2/ 4 NARA WALKS akamiya W

akakusayama Hill akakusayama Kasuga 春日若宮神社 Shrine W 若草山 Kasuga Taisha Kasuga Taisha Shrine 春日大社 oll Road Nara Okuyama T 奈良奥山ドライブウェイ P Nigatsu-do Hall 二月堂

P Sangatsu-do Hall 三月堂

ささやきの小径 ささやきの小径

Lover's Lane Lover's 卍 Nara Ken New Public Hall New Nara Ken 奈良県新公会堂 Shin-Yakushiji Temple Temple Shin-Yakushiji 新薬師寺

Deer Enclosure 鹿苑 Nara Park 奈良公園 oll Gate T 料金所 ond Kagami-ike P N obihino Nara University of Education Nara University 奈良教育大学 P T correspond to those in the Restaurants list on page 3/4. 7 東大寺

11 odaiji Temple P Nandaimon Gate 南大門 T - 1 - 14 correspond to those in the Accommodations list on page 4/4. 1

ond Sagi-ike P Sagi-ike To YAG Y U Shoso-in Treasure Repository Shoso-in Treasure 正倉院 Oike Pond Oike 卍 Neiraku Museum 寧楽美術館 Isuien Garden 衣水園 oshikien Garden 5 Nara National Museum 奈良国立博物館 ond Y 吉城園 National Nara Hospital 国立奈良病院 Ara-ike P To KYOTO TENRI 卍 To 1 般若寺 卍 Nara Prefectural Museum Nara Prefectural Nara Prefectural Museum Nara Prefectural 奈良県立美術館 P Five-Storied Pagoda Pagoda 五重塔 五重塔 Five-Storied P 4 Nara Prefectural Office Office Nara Prefectural Nara Prefectural 奈良県庁 Nara Prefectural Office Nara Prefectural 奈良県庁 Hannyaji Temple Hannyaji P 卍 6 卍 猿沢池 ofukuji Temple K 興福寺 7 Sarusawano-ike Pond Sarusawano-ike Sarusawano-ike Pond Sarusawano-ike Three-Storied Pagoda 三重塔 Ichijodori St. 一条通り 13 〒 3 5 〒 6 4 12 2 1

JR Sakurai-sen Line JR桜井線 Sanjodori St. 三条通り Nara Women's University 奈良女子大学 14 7 〒 Kintetsu Nara Station 近鉄奈良駅 9 卍 10 2 Isakawa Shrine Isakawa 率川神社 Isakawa Shrine Isakawa

JR Kansai Honsen Line JR関西本線 OTO Daianji 大安寺

〒 KY 3 To Shin-Omiya Station 新大宮駅 卍 奈良駅 JR Nara Station JR Daianji Temple 大安寺 Old Tomb 古墳 P 卍 Hokkeji Temple Hokkeji 法華寺 Hokkeji Temple Hokkeji 法華寺 P Nara City Hall 奈良市役所

Heijo Palace Site 平城宮跡

Suzaku Gate 朱雀門 Suzaku Gate 朱雀門 oshodaiji-higashiguchi akushiji-higashiguchi T 唐招提寺東口 Y 薬師寺東口 emple 卍 P T 8 Silk Road EXPO Memorial Hall 奈良市シルクロード博記念館 oshodaiji Temple Amagatsuji Station 尼ヶ辻駅 T 唐招提寺

卍 akushiji Temple akushiji Y 薬師寺 Kintetsu Kashihara Line Y mato-Saidaiji Station amato-Saidaiji Station Ya 大和西大寺駅 大和西大寺駅 Y 近鉄橿原線 西の京駅 GI Old Tomb 古墳 A KASHIHARAJINGU KASHIHARAJINGU ASUKA Nishinokyo Station Nishinokyo Y to To YAG I Saidaiji Temple 西大寺

OSAKA ectural Hospital Hospital ef 500m To yameike Station yameike 県立奈良病院 A あやめ池駅 Nara Pr Prefectural yameike Amusement Amusement yameike Park ost Office emple A あやめ池遊園地 Japan Railways(JR) Japan Kinki Nippon Railways Bus stop Information Parking P T Shrine Hotel Hospital H P Nara Gakuenmae Station 学園前駅 0 Kintetsu Nara Line 金鉄奈良線 近鉄奈良線 OSAKA To (NAMBA) NARA WALKS PAGE 3/ 4

Toshodaiji Temple (唐招堤寺) is the most valuable of the surviving structures of the 8th century. It was built in 759 by Ganjin, an illustrious Chinese priest of the Tang Dynasty. The chief object of worship in the Main Hall is a 3.3 m (11 ft.)-high dry lacquer statue of Birushana. Admission: ¥600. Open: 8:30–17:00. Yakushiji Temple (薬師寺) was founded in 680. It is admired for its 37.9 m (124 ft.)-high Three-Storied Pagoda which still retains its original form. Admission: ¥500. Open: 8:30–17:00. Horyuji Temple (法隆寺), 12 min. by JR train from JR Nara Sta. to Horyuji Sta. (¥210), then 20-min. walk or 5 min. by Nara Kotsu Bus (¥170) which runs hourly, is one of the most magnificent repositories of the architectural, sculptural and pictorial art objects of Japan. The temple was founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, the great protector of Buddhism. It comprises about fifty buildings and some of them have been ascertained as the oldest wooden structures extant in the world. The most noteworthy of the Horyuji buildings are the Nandaimon (South Great Gate), the Kondo (Main Hall), the Shoryoin (Sacred Spirit Hall), the Five-Storied Pagoda, the Daikodo (Lecture Hall) and the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams), a beautiful octagonal structure built in 739. All these buildings are registered as “National Treasures.” Admission: ¥1,000. Open: 8:00–17:00 (Feb. 22–Nov. 3), 8:00–16:30 (Nov. 4–Feb. 21). Chuguji Temple (中宮寺), a convent near the East Temple of Horyuji, is noted for its Nyoirin Kannon Goddess, a wooden Buddhist image of the 7th century. Admission: ¥400. Open: 9:00–16:00 (Oct. 1–Mar. 20), 9:00–16:30 (Mar. 21–Sept. 30). Horinji Temple (法輪寺), northeast of the Horyuji Temple, is an ancient temple founded in 622. The main object of worship in the Kodo (Lecture Hall) is a seated wooden image of Yakushi-Nyorai. Admission: ¥400. Open: 8:00–17:00 (8:00–16:30, Dec.–Feb.) Hokiji Temple (法起寺), northeast of the Horyuji Temple, was founded in 638. The outstanding attraction of the Hokiji Temple is its Three-Storied Pagoda, said to date from 706 and generally considered the oldest example of its kind. Admission: ¥300. Open: 8:30–17:00 (Feb. 22–Nov. 3), 8:30–16:30 (Nov. 4–Feb. 21).

Bus Stop:Hokiji-maeStop:Hokiji-Mae To Kyoto 法起寺前 To Osaka Horyuji Horinji Temple Nishinokyo 法輪寺 Hokiji Temple Yamato-Saidaiji Sta. 法起寺 大和西大寺駅 Kinki Nippon Railway N N Shin-Omiya Sta. 新大宮駅 City Tourist Bus terminal Information Office

Horyuji Temple Kintetsu-Nara Sta. 法隆寺 Nara Park Bus Stop: 近鉄奈良駅 Chuguji Higashiguchi 奈良公園 Chuguji NunneryTemple 中宮寺 中宮寺 中宮寺東口 JR Nara Sta. Yumedono 夢殿 JR奈良駅 City Information

To Nara 至奈良 Toshodaiji 11 Bus Stop: Temple Bus Stop: Hokiji-guchi 唐招堤寺 Toshodaiji- Bus Stop: 法起寺口 Higashiguchi Horyuji-mae Bus Stop: Chuguji-mae Bus Stop:Toshodaiji-mae 唐招堤寺東口 JR Kansai Line 法隆寺前 中宮寺前 唐招堤寺前 To Tenri 0 400m 800m To JR Horyuji Sta. 至天理 至JR法隆寺駅 Bus Stop: Nishinokyo Sta. Nishinokyo Sta. Bus Stop: 西の京駅 Yakushiji- Higashiguchi 薬師寺東口 0 1km Yakushiji Temple To Horyuji 薬師寺 至法隆寺

Restaurants: Name / Category Menu / Price Open hours / Closed Yamatoji Open: 11:00–14:30,17:00–22:00 1 大和路 Lunch: ¥700 / Sukiyaki: ¥2,500~ Japanese Open year-round Shizuka (kamameshi) Open: 11:30–20:00 2 志津香 Chicken-kamameshi ¥850~ Japanese Closed: Tuesdays Furusato Open: 11:00–20:00 3 ふる里 Kitsune-Udon ¥550 Udon/Japanese Closed: Mondays Bikkuri Udon Miyoshino Open: 11:00–20:30 4 びっくりうどん三好野 Kake-Udon ¥250~ Udon/Soba/Japanese Closed: Wednesdays Sushi Tsune Honten Open: 11:00–21:30 5 すし常 Nigiri Sushi Combo: ¥1,400~ / Kaiseki Box: ¥3,800~ Sushi/Japanese Open year-round Okaru Open: 11:00–21:00 6 おかる Pork -Okonomiyaki ¥680~ Okonomiyakii/Japanese Closed: Wednesdays Kameya Open: 11:00–21:30 7 かめ屋 L: Teishoku ¥750 / D: Teppanyaki ¥750 / Okonomiyaki ¥650 Okonomiyakii/Japanese Closed: Tuesdays • 1 – 7 correspond to those on the map on page 2/4. • Information on other restaurants can be obtained at the “ i ” Tourist Information Offices. PAGE 4/ 4 NARA WALKS

Accommodations: Accommodation numbers correspond to the map on page 2/4. Room rate Room rate Name of facilities Tel. Fax (¥) Name of facilities Tel. Fax (¥) 1 Nara Hotel(H) (0742)26-3300 (0742)23-5252 23,000~ 8 Yamashiroya(M) (0742)33-2983 (0742)33-3014 7,000~ 2 Hotel Fujita Nara(H) (0742)23-8111 (0742)22-0255 6,500~ 9 Nara Youth Hostel(Y)(without meal) (0742)22-1334 (0742)22-1335 3,000~ 3 Hotel Half Time(BH) W (0742)33-5656 (0742)33-5352 6,800 10 Nara Seishonen Kaikan Youth Hostel(Y) (0742)22-5540 (0742)22-5540 3,050~ 4 Hotel Sunroute(BH) (0742)22-5151 (0742)34-4953 8,800~ 11 Ukawaya(R)* (0745)74-2136 (074)574-2137 8,000~ 5 Kanka-so(R) (0742)26-1128 (0742)26-1301 18,000~ 12 Seikan-so(R)* (0742)22-2670 (0742)22-6792 4,000~ 6 Furuichi Ryokan(R) W (0742)22-2440 (0742)23-7807 9,000~ 13 Ryokan Koto(R)* W (0742)24-5555 (0742)22-1888 5,000~ 7 Ryokan Hakuhoh(R)* (0742)26-7891 6,000~ 14 People's Inn Hanakomichi(H) W (0742)26-2646 (0742)26-2771 6,500~ Accommodation rates are due to change by season or days. Please check the correct rates before you visit. Remarks: Standard rates are quoted. H = Hotel Rate for a single room. R = Ryokan Rate per person including 2 meals, tax and service charge. R* = Ryokan Rate per person without meal. BH = Business Hotel Rate for a single room. The Welcome Inns comprise a range of accommo- M = Minshuku (family-run inn) Rate per person with 2 meals. W dations from hotels, business hotels, ryokan, minshuku and Y = Youth Hostel Rate per person with 2 meals. pensions to youth hostels. Most of them have guest rooms W = Welcome Inn member the charge for which is a modest ¥8,000 or less per night for a single room . Reservation for Welcome Inns is available through Inter- national Tourism Center of Japan (ITCJ). ————————————————————————————— Reservation before your departure for Japan Visit ITCJ's website at http://www.itcj.or.jp or JNTO's at http://www.jnto.go.jp. Also your request by mail, fax or e-mail is accepted and processed at ITCJ’s head office. To make a reservation, simply complete the Reservation Request Form available from your nearest JNTO offices and send it to the head office at least one week ahead by e-mail or fax, or three weeks ahead of your departure from home by mail. Confirmed flight booking required for application. Especially for your first night in Japan, we accept the reservation request only when you have a firm booking on a flight arriving in Japan by no later than 7:00 p.m. Reservation after your arrival in Japan To take advantage of our service, you must appear in person at any of the Welcome Inn reservation counters located at the Tourist Information Centers (TICs) operated by JNTO (in Tokyo) or ITCJ (at Narita Airport and Kansai Airport). Welcome Inn Reservation Center c/o International Tourism Center of Japan 9th F1., Kanda Urban Bldg., 2-4-2, Kanda Tsukasacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0048 Tel:03-3252-1717 Fax:03-3252-1521

Goodwill Guide Groups like the following offer tourists from overseas free local tours guided in English or other languages. They are registered with JNTO and dis- play a badge. There is no charge for their service as they are volun- teers. You are only expected to pay for their travel expenses, TOURIST INFORMATION admissions to tourist facilities if you are visiting them, and to pay for

information (“i” Tourist Information Offices) their meals if you eat with them. Nara City Tourist Information Office Kintetsu Nara Station: IKARUGA I.C.E.S. SGG 1st fl., Kintetsu Bldg., 28, Higashimuki-naka-machi, Nara City, We can take you around at your request. Apply in advance Nara Pref. Tel.(0742)24-4858 to Mr. Noboru Okamoto (Tel: 0745-74-2043). 9:00–17:00; Closed on Dec. 30–Jan. 3 Nara SGG Club Nara City Information Center: We can take you around at your request. 23-4, Kami-sanjo-cho, Nara City, Nara Pref. Tel.(0742)22-3900 Apply by phone / fax to Nara S.G.G. Office (0742-22-5595, 9 9:00–21:00(–19:00 for English language); Closed on Dec.30– am-5 pm), http://www3.kcn.ne.jp/~narasgg/ Jan. 3 Nara YMCA EGG Nara Sarusawa Information: We can take you around at your request. You can meet us 49, Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Pref. Tel.(0742)26-1991 at JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. Apply by one 9:00–17:00; Closed on Dec. 30–Jan. 3 day in advance by phone / fax to Nara YMCA office (Tel : Nara Prefectural Tourist Information Center: 0742-45-5920, Fax : 0742-47-6459, 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Mon. Nara Pref. Smaller Enterprises Hall, 38-1, Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Pref. Tel.(0742)23-8288 thru Sat.) or e-mail ([email protected]) NARA YMCA 10:00–17:00; Closed on Mon., Dec. 29–Jan. 3 one day in advance. HP: http://eggnara.tripod.com

All information contained in this leaflet is based on data as of December 2003. Transportation schedules, fares, accommodation charges, etc. are subject to change. Check with organizations concerned for updated information. © 2004 Japan National Tourist Organization. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Printed in Japan