All Reviews for Museums and Learning

This was my second visit to Nara, following last year. This time, I participated in an "Adult Study Tour" that included famous temples such as Hōryū-ji. I heard that bus tours resumed in October due to the impact of COVID-19, but there are still days with fewer participants. This time, there were over 20 participants.

Since this tour included a guide's explanations, we were able to visit the temples efficiently and effectively. For lunch, we didn't place an order and ate on our own, but I was anxious about whether we would make it back in time due to the slow service. In the end, I managed to eat my soba in just five minutes. Considering that tourist numbers are expected to increase, it would be safer to request lunch in advance.

昨年に続き２度目の奈良。
今回は法隆寺他の有名なお寺を巡る「大人の修学旅行」でした。
コロナの影響でバスツアーは１０月に再開されたそうですが、日によっては参加者が少ない時もあるそうです。今回は２０名を超す参加者がいました。
このツアーはガイドさんの説明もあるので要領よくまた効率よくお寺を巡ることができます。
お昼は注文せず自分たちで食べましたが、出てくるのがおそく集合時間に間に合うのかハラハラしました。結局、おそばを飲み込むように５分で食べました。これから観光客が増えることを考えると、やはり昼食もお願いしたほうが安心です。

After visiting the temple, I realized I had forgotten to get my goshuin (temple seal), and even though I had already arrived at the next sightseeing spot, I returned immediately and was assisted right away. Despite my oversight, I received kind and attentive service, making for a very pleasant trip.

お寺拝観後に御朱印をいただくのを忘れたのに気づき、すでに次の観光場所に着いたにも関わらず、すぐに戻って対応いただきました。
こちらのウッカリにも関わらず、親切丁寧に対応いただき、とても気持ち良い旅になりました。

It was my first visit since the school trip in middle school. The area around Nara Park was very crowded with tourists, but the tour itself had relatively few participants, allowing us to ride comfortably on the sightseeing bus. It was my first time visiting Jiko-in, and I was able to fully immerse myself in a relaxed atmosphere. With the support of our guide, I was able to receive stamps at all the places we visited. There were many stops, and we walked quite a bit, but the guide was considerate of our walking pace, making it a fulfilling day overall.

中学校の修学旅行以来の訪問でした。
奈良公園周辺は観光客で非常に多かったですが、ツアー自体は、まだそれほど参加者は多くなく、ゆったり観光バスに乗ることができました。
慈光院は初めての訪問でしたが、特にゆったりとした気分に浸ることができました。
御朱印については、ガイドさんのサポートもあり、全ての訪問先で受け取ることができました。
訪問先も多く、それなりに歩きますが、ガイドさんも歩くペースを配慮していただけますので、充実した一日を過ごすことができるコースだと思います。

Most memorable place:
I was not familiar with Jikō-ji, but it had a different charm compared to the luxurious buildings and statues of other temples and shrines. Moreover, it was not just about sightseeing; sitting in the hall and experiencing a monk's lecture along with matcha service made it a very good choice for the tour, for which I am grateful. I would like to see tours that include facilities off the main route planned as the next level of tours.

About the guide:
The guide's explanations covered the necessary points and were helpful, but on the other hand, they felt somewhat scripted and lacked interest. It seemed like they were trying to explain everything, which didn't leave a strong impression. I felt it would be better to select content more carefully and add some variation. Additionally, when I asked whether Tōshōdai-ji has a pagoda, the guide couldn't answer, possibly due to a lack of prior knowledge. I think it would be beneficial to have some additional background knowledge beyond what is in the manual.

一番記憶に残った場所：
慈光寺は不知だったのですが、他の寺社の豪華絢爛な建物や仏像とは異なる趣で、しかもただ見て回るのと違い、広間に座って僧侶の方の講和と抹茶サービスという体験ができてツアーとして非常によいチョイスだったと感謝します。
こういうメインルートとははずれた施設を巡るツアーなども次のレベルのツアーとして企画してもらいたいところです。

ガイドさんについて：
ガイドさんの説明は必要なポイントをカバーしていて参考になりましたが、一方でややマニュアル通りで面白みがない、何でもかんでも説明すればよい、的な感じであまり心に残りませんでした。もう少し内容を取捨選択して抑揚をつけた方がよいと感じました。
また、唐招提寺には塔はないのですか、という質問には事前知識がなかったのかお答えいただけなかったのですが、マニュアルに載っている内容だけではなく多少の周辺知識も身につけておいた方が良かろうとは思いました。

I had a great time walking barefoot on the glass-covered aquarium and experiencing feeding the fish. My child also enjoyed it a lot. I would like to use this experience again.

素足でガラス貼りの水槽の上を歩けたり、魚に餌やりを体験できてすごく楽しかったです。子どももすごく楽しんでました。また利用したいです。

I was able to see fish and animals up close. There were plenty of options for feeding fish and turtles. There was a penguin that posed for the camera, and it was adorable!

とっても近くで魚や動物を見ることが出来ました。魚やカメに餌やりが出来たり、オプションも充実しています。カメラ目線のペンギンがいて可愛かったです?

The terrain was different from the image of Asuka I had in my book, with mountains looming nearby, but you really can’t understand this until you visit. There was a parking lot at the end of a narrow road, and with the guidance of an experienced driver, we were able to navigate smoothly. Personally, I really enjoyed the Ishibutai Tumulus, Asuka-dera Temple, and Takamatsuzuka Tumulus.

本で読んでいる飛鳥のイメージと違って、山が迫っている地形でしたが、こういうのは行ってみないとわからないですね。狭い道の先に駐車場があったりと、ベテランドライバーさんの案内でスムーズに廻れました。個人的には石舞台古墳、飛鳥寺、高松塚古墳がよかったです。

I had been wanting to visit after reading "Tono Monogatari." I thought it might be difficult to navigate based on maps, so I chose this course. It was a great decision. There were roads where passing oncoming cars was challenging, and places that made me think, "So this is what it's like." Some spots were also in locations that I wouldn't have known about without guidance. COVID-19 measures were properly implemented as well.

遠野物語を読んで、訪れたいと思っていました。事前に地図などで調べると、わかりずらいのかなと思い、今回このコースを選びました。
大正解でした。対向車とのすれ違いが難しい道や、「こんな場所なんだ」というところにあったり。また、教えていただかないとわからない場所にあったりでした。コロナ対策もきちんとされていました。

The train driver's service was excellent, and I had a very enjoyable time. It was a highly satisfying trip. I would like to visit Tono again.

運転士さんの対応がとても良く楽しいひと時が、過ごせました。大変満足の出来る旅になりました。また、遠野に行きたいと思いました。

They were flexible in accommodating our departure point and sightseeing spots along the way. We were able to efficiently see the highlights in a short amount of time. The scenery at Mythical Village Park was wonderful. Since it was the season for wisteria flowers, we stopped by Wake Park, and the flowers were in full bloom and absolutely beautiful. The driver was also very kind, which was great. Thank you very much.

発着地や途中の観光地についても柔軟に対応していただきました。
少ない時間で効率的に見どころを見て回れました。
神話の里公園の景色は素晴らしかったです。
藤の花のシーズンだったので和気公園に寄っていただきましたが、花が満開で素晴らしかったです。
ドライバーさんもとても親切な方で良かったです。
ありがとうございました。

It was the season of autumn leaves, so overall, I was very satisfied. Hōryū-ji, Chūgū-ji, and Yakushi-ji truly convey a sense of history. Although the weather was cloudy, I was able to visit without using an umbrella, and my heart felt like it was under clear skies. When heading to Jikō-in, I was grateful for the kindness of the driver who assisted with crossing the road.

紅葉の時期でしたので全体的に大変満足です。法隆寺、中宮寺、薬師寺は、やはり、歴史を感じます。天気が曇っていましたが、見学は、傘を使わず、心は晴天でした、
慈光院の見学に向かう際には、運転手さんも、道路の横断を支援するやさしさに頭が下がりました

I joined the tour because I wanted to visit Hōryū-ji, which is difficult to access without a car. I had only visited Hōryū-ji once during my student days. Contrary to my faint memories, the grounds are very spacious. I was able to see the key points thanks to the tour, and I'm glad I went. Unfortunately, I couldn't visit Chūgū-ji as it is currently under restoration, but I think the slower pace allowed me to appreciate the various sites, so it wasn't a bad pace at all. The talk from the head priest at Jikō-in and the tea time were also calming moments. Thanks to the guide's explanations, I was able to gain knowledge and explore; otherwise, I might have missed the highlights if I were on my own without prior research. This is one of the great things about bus tours. The flavor of the bento was decent, but the Nara pickles introduced there were delicious, and buying them as a souvenir was a great decision.

Also, the guide kindly reminded us about the goshuin before the tour, so I was able to leave my goshuincho and receive it afterward without having to wait in line, which was very helpful.

Compared to Kyoto, there are fewer people, so I was able to enjoy temple visits in Nara at a relaxed pace.

車なくては個人でアクセスしにくい法隆寺に行きたくて参加しました。学生時代に一度しか訪れた事がない法隆寺。微かな記憶とは違ってとても広い敷地。そこをポイント押させて見れたのもツアーのおかげ。行けて良かったです。中宮寺はあいにく復元中ゆえ行けませんでしたが、その分各所ゆっくり見れたのではないかと思うと、このペースは悪くなかったです。慈光院でのご住職のお話とお茶タイムも落ち着いた時間でした。ガイドさんの案内や説明があったから知識を得て回れたし、個人だと予備学習せねば見どころを抑えられずに通り過ぎてしまうのでは、と思うとそこはバスツアーの有り難い所ですね。お弁当のお味はそれなりの味ですが、そこで紹介させた奈良漬は美味しくてお土産に買って大正解でした。
御朱印も、ガイドさんが見学前に声を掛けてくださるので御朱印帳預けると見学後にもらえ、並ばずもらえるのは有難かったです。

京都に比べると人も少な目ですし奈良は落ち着いてお寺巡りできました。

During my first visit to Nara, I wanted to see the Ishibutai Tumulus, and I used this service for that purpose. Not only did I get to see the Ishibutai Tumulus, but I was also guided to Kitora Tumulus, Takamatsuzuka Tumulus, and other ruins, as well as Okadera and Asukadera. It was a lot of fun! The parking was also chosen to be free and close by, so there were almost no additional fees, and the short walking distance was a great help. Initially, I considered cycling around, but due to stamina issues, it was the right choice to request a sightseeing taxi!

初めての奈良で、石舞台古墳が見たくて今回利用させて頂きましたが、石舞台古墳はもちろん、キトラや高松塚古墳、遺跡に加えて岡寺や飛鳥寺も案内して頂きました。
大変楽しかったです！
駐車場も、無料かつ近い所を選んで停めてもらったので、追加料金もほぼなく、歩く距離も少なくて助かりました。
当初は、自転車で回ることも考えましたが、体力の問題もあり、観光タクシーをお願いして正解でした！

I was able to visit five places in one day. I was satisfied as they were all places I had wanted to go to at least once. The explanations from the guide were clear and good at each location.

1日で5箇所を巡る事ができました
一度は行きたかった所ばかりで満足です
どの場所もガイドさんの説明がわかりやすく良かったです

It was great that the tour included places that are difficult to access without a car, and with the guide's explanations, we were able to visit efficiently. Additionally, I was very grateful that the guide collected the goshuin for us, which was helpful given our limited time.

I was a bit worried after reading comments about unpleasant dining experiences, but it was nice to see that there were designated seating arrangements for one and two people, and the guide provided assistance, showing that improvements have been made.

There was someone who didn't show up at the meeting point (even though the guide arrived more than 10 minutes early, they said they weren't there and seemed to have gone to the next location on their own), which wasted quite a bit of time, but in the end, we were able to conclude the tour on schedule.

車なしでは行きにくい場所がセットになっており、ガイドさんの説明もあり、効率的見学することができて良かったです。
また、見学中にガイドさんが御朱印を貰ってくれたので時間のない中で非常にありがたかったです。
食事で嫌な思いをしたコメントを読み少し心配でしたが、1人席、2人席と決められていて、ガイドさんが案内もしてくれ、改善されているのも好感が持てました。
途中で集合場所に現れない人が居て（集合時間の10分以上前にはガイドさんは来ていたのに、居なかったと言っていて、次の場所に勝手に行ってしまっていたようです）かなり無駄な時間を使ってしまいましたが、結局は予定通りの時間に解散することができました。

I participated in a tour because I wanted to see the Ishibutai Tumulus, and every place we visited was very interesting. It was deeply moving to think that the figures from the Asuka period that I learned about in history class really lived in this area. The lunch was delicious, and it was a great value tour.

石舞台古墳が見たくて、ツアーに参加しましたが、どの場所もとても興味深い所ばかりでした。歴史の教科書で教わった飛鳥時代の人物達が、本当にこの地に居たんだと思うと感慨深かったです。昼食も美味しいし、お得なツアーでした。

It was a rather rushed tour, but I was able to grasp the main points. Based on this experience, I would like to take my time and explore at my own pace next time. Particularly impressive were Chuguji Temple and the Suzaku Gate of Heijokyo that I saw from the bus window at the end.

慌しく駆け足に近いツアーでしたが、ざっと把握することが出来ました。今回の体験を元に、次はマイペースで時間的に自由な廻り方をしたいと思います。中宮寺と、最後にバスの窓から見た、平城京の朱雀門が特に印象的でした。

I have visited Nara several times for sightseeing, but I had only been to major tourist spots like Nara Park. Since it was a bus tour, I was taken to places I had never been before, and I was really happy to be able to visit many national treasures and other fascinating locations. The autumn weather was pleasant, and the guide's explanations were clear and thorough, making for a wonderfully quick day.

奈良には何度か観光に訪れたことがありましたが、奈良公園等の主要な観光地しか行ったことがありませんでした。バスツアーということで、行ったことのない場所へ連れて行ってもらえて、多くの国宝仏をはじめ、魅力的な場所を巡ることができて本当に楽しかったです。秋の気候も気持ちがよく、またガイドさんの説明も分かりやすく丁寧で、あっという間の１日でした。

Although it was unfortunately rainy on the day of the visit, the gentle autumn rain actually meant fewer people around, which made me feel relieved about the concerns regarding COVID-19. I found a perfect half-day tour to Hōryū-ji, which I had wanted to visit for a long time despite its proximity, and it was also eligible for the Go To Eat Travel campaign, so I felt very lucky. Of course, it can be enjoyable alone, but I really felt that having a guide's explanations made a significant difference in understanding the history. It turned out to be a very memorable day.

当日はあいにくの雨模様でしたが、しっとりとした秋雨で、かえって人出も少なく、コロナ禍の心配が少なくてよかったと思います。
近いのに中々いけなかった法隆寺に、ちょうど良い半日ツアーを見つけ、Go To Eatトラベル対象にもなっていて、とてもラッキーでした。
もちろん1人でも楽しめますが、やはりガイドさんの説明があると、歴史の理解度が違うと感じました。
とても思い出に残る1日となりました。

I was able to visit various attractions efficiently because I was taken by bus to each one. I was also satisfied with the guide's explanations.

1つずつが離れた見所をバスでつれていってもらえたので、効率良くいろいろ行けました。ガイドさんの説明にも満足でした。

There were times when the rain made me feel gloomy being alone, but the guide led us energetically, turning a day with unmotivating weather into a fulfilling one. The guide was also very easy to understand. The optional meal was a great value at 1,000 yen. This option is definitely worth taking.

時々雨で一人だと憂鬱になるところでしたがしたが、ガイドさんがグイグイリードしてくれて、やる気の出ない天気の一日を充実した一日にすることができました。ガイドもとてもわかりやすかったです。オプションの食事も1000円ではコストパフォーマンスが良かったです。このオプションは受けるべきです。

The sardine show lacked a bit of impact!
The dolphin show was full of excitement!
The penguin walk was very soothing!

いわしのショーは少し迫力にかけました！
イルカのショーは迫力満点でした！
ペンギンのお散歩は癒やされました！

The high admission fee includes everything, so it's quite a good value for money.
Hōryū-ji: 1500 yen
Chūgū-ji: 1000 yen
Ocha no Tera: 1000 yen
Yakushi-ji: 1000 yen
Tōshōdai-ji: 1000 yen

I feel like it was around this much...

高い入館料が全て含まれているのでかなりコスパがいいです
法隆寺　1500円
中宮寺　1000円
お茶の寺　1000円
薬師寺　1000円
唐招提寺　1000円

くらいはした気がしますので、、、、、

It seems that the impact of COVID-19 is still lingering, as there were few people at each temple, allowing for a leisurely visit. I visited five temples and walked over 10,000 steps, and there were times when I had to take off my shoes to enter the tatami rooms, so I recommend wearing comfortable and easy-to-remove shoes.

The guide's explanations were thorough and easy to understand, and there were many things I would have missed if I had gone on my own. The driver was also kind, and thanks to both of them, it was an enjoyable tour. Thank you very much.

コロナの影響がまだ残っているのか、
どのお寺も人が少なくゆっくり見学出来ました
五ヶ所のお寺を周り、1万歩以上歩くのと、座敷に上がる事もあり
歩きやすく脱ぎ履きしやすい靴をお勧めします

ガイドさんの説明が丁寧で分かりやすく、
個人で行ってたら気づかなかった事もたくさんありました
運転手さんも親切で
お二人のお陰で楽しいツアーでした
ありがとうございました

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the attractions have been modified, but it was great that we could easily visit them and avoid crowded areas. I was able to see the dolphin show twice, and the content was different each time. After the show, I also got to watch the dolphins practicing their jumps, which was a lot of fun. It was a hot day, but it was heartwarming to see the little penguins bravely parading despite the heat. The aquarium is small, but it has interesting exhibits of the fish we usually eat and interactive areas, making me want to visit again.

コロナの影響でアトラクションの内容を変更して行っていますということでしたがアトラクションをサクッと巡れるし3蜜も避けられてよかった。イルカショーを2回見ることができたのですが内容も違って、ショー終了後もジャンプの練習を見ることができてとても楽しかったです。また暑い日でしたが暑さに強いちっちゃなペンギンさんたちが頑張ってパレードする姿は微笑ましかった。水族館はこじんまりしていていますが普段食べている魚たちの展示や触れるコーナーなど面白く、また行きたくなりました。

I realized after the park closed that I wasn't given an in-park use ticket at the reception, which was a bit disappointing. Was there a different place where I needed to pick it up?

While we were talking about where the limited edition gacha was, we found it in the reception room just as we were leaving. Since it was right before closing time, I didn't have a chance to buy it.

There were many photo spots inside the park, and I was grateful that I could remember to take pictures, as I often forget to do so while traveling.

The dolphin show has a high chance of getting you wet. The day I visited was rainy and chilly, so I would prefer a show that doesn't get you wet, considering the weather and temperature.

閉園後に気づいたけど、受け付けの時に館内利用券渡されてなくて、少しがっかり。
もしかして違う場所で受け取る必要があった？

限定ガチャポン、どこにあったんだろうねーと話していたら、帰り際に受け付けの部屋で見つけました。閉園間際の退園だったので、買う暇はありませんでした。

館内は撮影スポットがたくさんあり、よく旅先で写真を撮り忘れる私にとって、忘れずに撮ることができ、ありがたかったです。

イルカショーは高確率で濡れます。
来園日は雨で肌寒かったのですが天候・気温に合わせて、濡れない内容を所望です。

The driver was very attentive and accommodating. I was able to freely explore the difficult-to-access Muromine Temple and Hase Temple, and I was very satisfied! I would like to visit again in a different season.

ドライバーさんもとてもきめ細かく対応して下さいました。
アクセスの悪い室生寺、長谷寺を
自由に散策出来、大満足！
又、違う季節に訪れてみたいと思います。

It's nearly impossible to visit the attractions individually using buses or trains, so being able to easily tour by bus is the best way to spend your time.

I visited several attractions, but I spent a long time at Jukkoku Pass, which left me with little time for the main event, the plum festival. I didn't have enough time to eat at the stalls or venture deep into the park, which was a bit disappointing.

個人でバスや電車を使って名所を廻るのは不可能に近いので、バスで楽に廻れるのは最高の時間の使い方です。

数カ所名所を廻りましたが十国峠の滞在時間が長く最後のメインとも言える梅祭りの時間配分が短く屋台で食べたり、公園の奥まで行く時間の余裕がなくそこだけ残念でした。

It was the best tour for sightseeing in Kamakura. I enjoyed being able to see places that are not accessible by walking. The food was also very delicious.

鎌倉の市内観光するには最高のツアーでした。歩いてはいけない場所を見ることができて楽しかつたです。食事も大変美味しくいただきました。

It was an existing sightseeing bus. The veteran bus guide provided a thorough explanation, which was very informative. I changed my plans to transfer at a station on the Enoden line, and I appreciated the guidance on the directions to the station. Thank you very much.

既存の観光バスでした。
ベテランのバスガイドさんが丁寧に案内くださり、とても勉強になりました。
江ノ電の途中駅に乗り継ぐよう変更しましたが、駅までの道順もご案内いただき助かりました。
ありがとうございました。