See Japan’s most culturally significant temples and shrines in the place where Shinto Buddhism was born. Walk shaded paths lined with cherry blossom trees between Nanto Shichi Daiji – the “seven great temples” of ancient Japan.

Explore magical, wood-built architecture overhung with thousands of lanterns at Kasuga-taisha Shrine, or gaze upon the serene visage of the oldest bronze Buddha statue in the world, housed in Tōdai-ji’s main hall. See the famous Nara Park at the foot of grass-covered Mount Wakakusa, where polite deer – symbols of the city – greet you.

Get out of the sun and share a meal with your local insider in Higashimuki Shopping Street, a covered arcade with stores selling trinkets reminiscent of ancient Japan.

With your host playing the roles of GPS, translator, and local insider, take a train 50 minutes south of Kyoto to Nara – the leafy city steeped in ancient Buddhist history and home to some of Japan’s most culturally significant temples and shrines. From Kōfuku-ji to Yakushi-ji, marvel at art and architecture dating back to the 8th century, when a 15-meter bronze Buddha Vairocana statue was constructed in Tōdai-ji temple.

Walk through Nara Park, where deer are believed to be sacred messengers of the Shinto gods; politely observe your journey towards the east side to Kasuga-taisha Shrine, lit by more than 3000 lanterns. Then, grab a bite from the covered shopping arcade, Higashimuki, a 10-minute stroll east of the park.