Sightseeing in Nara, Kyoto and Osaka

Nara is an ancient capital of Japan (710--794 AD) and has a number of national important properties, shrines, temples, and so on, including 8 properties of the World Heritage. Nara Women's University is very close to Nara Park, where you can see several vary famous temples, five-storied pagoda, very big Buddha Statue, and deers moving freely in the park. Nara city provides voluntary free guides for group tourists. We are planning a group tour for accompanying persons. Sightseeing in Nara Horyuji temple : This famous temple is the first Japan's World Heritage and known as the oldest wooden structure in the world. Further, it takes about 30 minutes from Nara city. ( Optional bus-tour to this temple is arranged by local organizers. Please see the "Registration" page. ) 8 properties of the World Heritage : Todaiji temple and Kofukuji temple (ACA poster's image) are near to the University. (about 10 minutes by walk). Nara city map and sightseeing spots (PDF*) * Requires Japanese Language Support package in Acrobat Reader Ryokan : If you wish to book traditional Japanese style inn "Ryokan" in Nara, the following pages might be helpful : http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/nara/ Further, how to use "Ryokan", see the following page : http://www.ryokan.or.jp/ For other information, please see http://www.pref.nara.jp/ Kyoto is a world famous and the most famous sightseeing town in Japan. More than one thousand year Kyoto was the capitol of Japan, so it contains so many sightseeing spots, including 17 properties of the World Heritage. Kyoto is close to Nara: one-hour from central Nara by train. Sightseeing in Kyoto Imperial Palaces and Villas in Kyoto : For visiting, application is required in advance. Saihoji temple(Kokedera/ Moss temple) : This temple is famous for the moss garden and the World Heritage in Kyoto. For visiting, application is required in advance. 17 properties of the World Heritage : 17 buildings comprising temples, shrines, and a castle in the Kyoto region were recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritages. Ryokan : If you wish to book traditional Japanese style inn "Ryokan" in Kyoto, the following pages might be helpful : http://japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto/ Further, how to use "Ryokan", see the following page : http://www.ryokan.or.jp/ For other information, please see http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/ http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/ Osaka is the second biggest town in Japan. It is a business town and not a sightseeing town, but you can enjoy Osaka Castle, USJ (Universal Studio in Japan), and so on. Osaka is close to Nara: 40 minutes from central Nara by train. Sightseeing in Osaka USJ (Universal Studio In Japan) Osaka Tourism and Convention Guidance

World Exhibition of Earth, near Nagoya

You can enjoy "World Exhibition of Earth" if you have several free days. The exhibition is held near Nagoya. To go to Nagoya, first go to Kyoto by train and take a Shin-Kan-Sen train (super-express train), then you will be in Nagoya after 40 minutes.