No.
1044
Radiant Traditions : Dialogues with the Gangoji temple priest, Gagaku Music, and Twilight Delicacies

  • Program
    fee    		 6 pax/per person：77,900 JPY
    Available
    time period    		 2026-01-10 - 2027-03-31
    Required
    time    		 9.5hours (13:00～21:30）
    Language English


Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich legacy of Gango-ji—once Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, even predating Todai-ji. Explore the fascinating journey and heritage of this ancient sanctuary as you join its head priest for a day.
Your experience begins with a special Buddhist ceremony. Stroll through the historic town that was once part of Gango-ji’s vast precincts,
discovering hidden stories along ancient lanes. Back at the temple, listen to the ethereal sounds of gagaku court music, reviving the tranquil spirit of the former temple grounds. Participate in guided local sake tastings watching gorgeous pagoda stone illumination before enjoying a thoughtfully prepared dinner made from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients including miso paste invented by Gango-ji monk in the old days.


Program details
Program Radiant Traditions : Dialogues with the Gangoji temple priest, Gagaku Music, and Twilight Delicacies
Program fee

6 pax/per person:77,900 JPY
Available time period

2026-01-10 - 2027-03-31
Required time 9.5hours (13:00～21:30）
Schedule *** The start time may vary between 12:30 and 14:30 depending on the local sunset time as it includes illumination program. ***

13:00–13:40 | Reception, welcome tea, and orientation
Begin your journey with a warm welcome, seasonal tea, and a brief introduction to the day's experience.
13:40–14:20 | Greeting by the head priest, Buddhist ceremony, and guided appreciation of sacred statues in the main hall. Immerse
yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of the historic temple as the head priest offers insights into its rich legacy.
14:20–16:00 | Guided visit to Gokurakubo Hall and Shoto-in Temple ruins with the head priest.
Follow in the footsteps of history through off-limits temple areas, usually closed to the public.
16:00–17:00 | Gagaku (ancient court music) performance at the temple pagoda foundation.
Enjoy a live performance of Japan’s oldest classical music, surrounded by the peaceful temple setting.
17:00–18:00 | Local sake and non-alcoholic tasting with pairing canapés by a French chef, served at the pagoda foundation.
Experience a refined tasting of local drinks thoughtfully paired with seasonal bites inspired by Nara’s flavors.
18:00–18:40 | Illumination of the original pagoda foundation stones. As twilight falls, witness the gentle illumination of the
pagoda’s ancient stones and cherry blossoms—a magical blend of history and beauty.
19:00–21:30 | Farm-to-table course dinner at a Michelin-listed restaurant in Naramachi, accompanied by the head priest and
Gagaku performer.Savor a multi-course meal highlighting locally sourced ingredients and traditional miso flavors linked to Gangoji’s
heritage.
Requirements for participation Number of guests(min.-max): 2 – 6
(In case of 5 or lower, private additional fee may be applied. Please contact us if you want to participate 5 or lower)
Included in this fee Temple admission, dinner and drinks, sake bottle, artistic inkstick, and sake cup as souvenirs, music entertainment (Translation will be
mixture of human and machine translator)
Not included in fees lunch, accommodation, transport to/from the venue
Address of meeting location Nara-city, Nara-prefecture

Approx. 15-min. walk from Kintetsu Nara St. on the Kintetsu Nara Line, or a 20-min. walk from JR Nara St. on the JR Yamatoji Line.
Pick Up Service Not available
Payment method Payment by credit card
Language English

Cancellation:

Up to 30 days before the tour date (by 5PM JST) is free of charge. Between 30 and 10 days before the tour (by
5PM JST) will incur a 50% cancellation fee.Cancellations after that will be charged 100% of the tour fee.

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