Nara: Private Tour of Japans Oldest Shrine, Omiwa Shrine

Nestled in the heart of Nara, Omiwa Shrine stands as Japan’s oldest shrine, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the country’s ancient spiritual traditions. This private tour promises an immersive experience, guiding guests through the shrine’s rich history and the significance of its unique architectural features. From the Nino-torii gate to the veneration of natural objects, the tour unveils the intricate tapestry of Japanese religious practices, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage that has endured for centuries.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Japanese worship practices and natural object veneration at the private tour of Omiwa Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan.
• Experience a 1.5-hour guided tour with up to 20% savings on the per-person pricing, ranging from $95.08 to $76.07.
• Discover the mysterious atmosphere of the sacred site and learn about the significance of shrines and associated rituals.
• Enjoy a personalized and engaging experience led by an English and Japanese-fluent guide, focusing on the rich history and cultural significance of the shrine.
• Adhere to the tour’s important information, including the meeting point, accessibility, and prohibitions, for a meaningful and respectful experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The private tour of Omiwa Shrine offers visitors a 1.5-hour guided experience to explore Japan’s oldest shrine.

Priced from $95.08 to $76.07 per person, the tour provides an opportunity to save up to 20%.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, visitors can book with flexibility.

The tour also features a reserve now and pay later option.

Covering ancient Japanese worship forms and the belief in worshiping natural objects, the experience allows guests to enjoy the shrine’s mysterious atmosphere and visit its unique shrines.

Experience Highlights

During the private tour, visitors can expect a guided exploration of ancient Japanese worship forms and the belief in worshiping natural objects.

The tour takes them to various unique shrines within the Omiwa Shrine grounds, allowing them to immerse in the mysterious atmosphere of the sacred site.

Guests will learn about the significance of these shrines and the rituals associated with them.

The experience highlights the rich cultural heritage and the reverence for nature that’s central to Japanese spirituality.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Nino-torii, the second shrine gate at Omiwa Shrine.

The 1.5-hour guided experience includes:

• 20-minute introduction to ancient Japanese worship forms and the belief in venerating natural objects
• 15-minute exploration of the shrine’s unique atmospheric shrines
• Return to the starting point at the Nino-torii

Itineraries are subject to change to ensure the best possible experience.

The private group tour is led by a live guide fluent in English and Japanese.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions, while respecting the sacred nature of the shrine.

Group and Language

As a private group experience, the tour at Omiwa Shrine is led by a live guide fluent in both English and Japanese, catering to the needs of international visitors.

This ensures a personalized and engaging experience, allowing participants to fully enjoy the rich history and cultural significance of Japan’s oldest shrine.

The guide’s expertise in multiple languages facilitates seamless communication, enabling visitors to ask questions, gain deeper insights, and better understand the ancient worship forms and beliefs associated with this sacred site.

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Important Information

Visitors will meet their guide in front of Omiwa Shrine’s Nino-torii, easily recognizable by the yellow DeepExperience sign they’ll be holding.

This tour isn’t suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users

For the best experience, it’s recommended to:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Be prepared for varying weather conditions
• Respect the sacred nature of the shrine

Smoking, flash photography, and littering are prohibited on the premises.

Following the guide’s instructions will ensure a smooth and meaningful tour of Japan’s oldest shrine.

Meeting Point

Visitors will meet their guide in front of Omiwa Shrine’s Nino-torii, easily recognizable by the yellow DeepExperience sign they’ll be holding.

This meeting point is conveniently located, allowing guests to start their private tour at the shrine’s iconic two-story torii gate. Arriving a few minutes early is recommended to find the guide and ensure a prompt start to the 1.5-hour experience.

The tour’s meeting point was specifically chosen to provide easy access and a clear starting point for this immersive exploration of Japan’s oldest shrine and its unique natural worship practices.

Accessibility

Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

The tour involves:

• Navigating uneven terrain and stairs within the Omiwa Shrine grounds.
• Visiting atmospheric shrines that may have limited accessibility.
• Potential exposure to various weather conditions.
• Respecting the sacred nature of the site, which may require adjusting behavior.
• Avoiding prohibited activities such as smoking and flash photography.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for the shrine’s unique accessibility challenges.

Accessibility is a key consideration for this private tour experience.

Recommendations and Prohibitions

While the private tour of Omiwa Shrine offers a unique and immersive experience, there are a few important recommendations and prohibitions visitors should be aware of. To ensure the utmost respect for the sacred nature of the shrine, guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for various weather conditions. Smoking, flash photography, and littering are strictly prohibited. To further enhance the experience, the tour provider recommends visitors to:

Recommendations	Prohibited
Comfortable shoes	Smoking
Weather-appropriate attire	Flash photography
Respect sacred nature	Littering

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Home Souvenirs From the Shrine?

Visitors can purchase souvenirs and religious items from the gift shops within the Omiwa Shrine grounds. However, it’s important to respect the sacred nature of the site and avoid disturbing or removing any objects from the shrine itself.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Shrine?

There’s no specific dress code, but visitors should dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the shrine. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and hats are generally allowed, but it’s best to avoid overly casual or revealing attire.

Are There Any Nearby Restaurants or Cafes to Visit?

There are several restaurants and cafes located near the Omiwa Shrine. Visitors can find traditional Japanese cuisine, as well as international options, within a short walking distance of the shrine’s entrance. It’s a convenient way to enhance the overall shrine experience.

Do We Need to Make Any Special Arrangements for the Tour?

No special arrangements are needed for this tour. The meeting point is clearly indicated, and visitors should simply wear comfortable walking shoes, be prepared for weather, and respect the shrine’s sacred nature by following the listed guidelines.

Can We Explore the Shrine on Our Own After the Tour?

The tour is a private guided experience, so visitors can’t explore the shrine on their own afterwards. However, after the tour, they’re free to revisit the shrine grounds and sights at their own pace.

The Sum Up

This private tour of Omiwa Shrine in Nara provides an immersive experience into Japan’s ancient spiritual traditions. Visitors will explore the country’s oldest shrine, learning about its historical significance and unique worship practices. With a bilingual guide leading the way, this 1.5-hour tour offers an unforgettable journey into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: