OPTIONAL TOURS
OP - 1 KYOTO AFTERNOON Daily 14:00 〜 17:30
Fare: \ 5,200 per person, Accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Heian Jingu Shrine
This famous shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. It is composed of the East and West Honden (Main Halls), Daigokuden (Great Hall of State), two pagodas, Otemmon (Main Gate) and a large, ferro-concrete torii (Shinto gate). Except for the torii, these brightly colored buildings are replicas, on a reduced scale, of the first Imperial Palace built in 794. The garden at the rear of the shrine is famous for its drooping cherry trees, maple trees, azaleas, irises and water lilies.
Sanju-sangen Do
This is the popular name for Rengeo-in Temple, which is now affiliated with Myoho-in Temple. The name comes from the 33 (Sanju-san) spaces between the pillars in the elongated structure. Erected by order of ex-Emperor Goshirakawa in 1164, the original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1249 but rebuilt in 1266. It has been designated as a National Treasure. The principal image, a seated, wooden Senju- Kannon (Thousand-Handed Kannon; a National Treasure), is 3.3 m tall and was carved in 1254 by Tankei, son of the famous Unkei, an sculptor active in the 13th century. Kannon is accompanied by 28 faithful followers (National Treasures) in addition to 1,001 smaller images of the same as Important Cultural properties. The once-elaborate decorations on the pillars and walls have almost entirely disappeared. In ancient days, there was an archery range behind the temple, and even now a Toshiya (Archery Contest) is held here.
Kiyomizudera Temple
The grounds are surrounded by a dense grove of trees. The temple is dedicated to Juichimen-Kannon (Eleven-Headed Kannon), the image of which is an Important Cultural Property. It was established in 798, with the old Shinden Hall from the Imperial Palace at Nagaoka that was moved here to form the nucleus of the compound. The two-story west gate serves as the main gateway, with statues of the two Deva Kings standing in niches on either side. Nearby are a belfry and a three-story pagoda, while to the east are the Kyozo (Scripture Hall) and Tamurado (Founder's Hall). Near the Founder's Hall is Asakura Hall, erected by Asakura Sadakage, a devout believer. The Middle Gate is in the immediate vicinity. The Main Hall (a National Treasure), standing on a cliff, has a wide, wooden veranda from which a panoramic view of Kyoto and its surrounding area can be enjoyed. It is rather breathtaking to look directly down into the deep valley below. "To jump from the balcony of Kiyomizu" is a Japanese expression for doing something daring.
Note: Detail information of assembly time and place, please contact JTB counter in the Kyoto International Conference Hall ( lst floor).
OP - 2 NARA AFTERNOON
Daily 13:40 〜 18:40
Fare: \ 6,200 per person, Accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Todaiji Temple
This temple is well known for its principal image, the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Kegon, or Avatamska in Snskrit, literally means a garland or a bouquet of beautiful flowers. In the first week after having become the Enlightened One, or a Buddha, Sakyamuni sat down in profound meditation. Then in the second week, he preached the Kegon doctrine, the very beginning of all his teachings. The construction of Todaiji Temple commenced at the command of Emperor Shomu in 745 and was successfully completed in 752. Through successive generations, Todaiji temple has enjoyed the supreme honor as the head of all the provincial temples as well as one of the "Seven Great Temples of Nara".
Deer Park
Nara Park is popularly called "Deer Park" because some 1,000 deer inhabit the area, it is the largest such park in Japan with an area of 5.25 sq.km. It is covered by a broad lawn on which groves of trees and plants, both natural and affronted, of many kinds have grown including huge cedars, oaks, andromedas and wisteria. Tame deer roam about picturesquely in twos and threes. Most of the classical structures from the ancient city are near Nara Park.
Kasuga Taisha
Situated in the midst of verdant woods, few shrines contain greater atmosphere of peace and sanctity. The main hall of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, actually composed of four buildings, is constructed in the Kasuga architectural style and painted vermilion. The shrine has been reconstructed every 20 years, whether in need of repairs or not, along the lines of its original construction, with perhaps slight modifications in minor areas. The first torii gate stands at the end of Sanjo-dori Street. The second torii stands a short distance beyond, the westward road from which is lined on both sides with stone lanterns. The Main Hall stands solemnly on the rise behind the Heiden. Surrounded by an impressive gallery, the Main Hall is composed of four buildings, all National Treasures. The Utsushidono (Transfer Hall) is behind a large cedar growing in the left corner of the main hall. Divine images are temporarily transferred here during repairs to the Main hall. The passageway connecting the Utsushidono and the Main Hall is said to have been executed by the famous sculptor Hidari-Jingoro and is an Important Cultural Property.
Note: Detail information of assembly time and place, please contact JTB counter in the kyoto International Conference Hall (lst floor).
