Japan · Culture

Full-Day Unique Sumo Experience in Katsuragi, Nara

8 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Osaka. Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit historic Taima-dera temple in Katsuragi
02 See the famous Taima Mandala
03 Walk along traditional Taimadera Street
04 Learn about the origins of sumo at Kehayaza Sumo Museum
05 Enjoy a unique sumo experience
06 Taste local chujo mochi at Chujodo Honpo
07 Explore rural Nara on foot and by public transport

Discover a quieter side of Japan on a full-day journey to the Taima district of Katsuragi in Nara. Travelling on foot and by public transport, you’ll explore the historic Taima-dera temple, known for its long history and the celebrated Taima Mandala, before strolling along traditional Taimadera Street.

The experience continues at the Kehayaza Sumo Museum, where you’ll learn about the cultural roots of sumo in the region and enjoy a unique hands-on sumo experience. Round off the day with a stop at Chujodo Honpo to try chujo mochi, a beloved local sweet, while taking in the relaxed atmosphere of the Japanese countryside.

Round off the day with a stop at Chujodo Honpo to try chujo mochi, a beloved local sweet, while taking in the relaxed atmosphere of the Japanese countryside.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Nara, Osaka

Languages English, French, Japanese

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Taima-dera

Taima-dera was found in 612 by Imperial Prince Maroko, brother of the famous Prince Shotoku, while all the burg in the neighbourhood were used as capitale of Japan one after the other. The main object of veneration is Yakushi, the healing Buddha but the main attraction is the Taima Mandala, image of the paradise of the Pure Land.

Taima-dera street

We already walked on Taimadera street. It remained traditional while getting modern. We can visit it between Taima-dera and Kehayaza sumo museum. Souvenirs for you!

Kehayaza Sumo Museum

Sumo, Japanese wrestling, is today recognized as a side of the Japanese culture but few are the people who really knows it. It is in Nara, Katsuragi City, Taima district that Sumo is born. Visiting Katsuragi is the occasion to know more about this sport in Kehayaza Sumo Museum.

Japanese sweets and souvenirs

Chujodo Honpo: after effort comes comfort. After experimenting Sumo, we can go to rest and to eat some delicious chujo mochi, red bean paste on rice paste, the local specialty, in Chujodo Honpo, on our way back. The very good pastry shop can be found in this traditional Japanese street in front of the station before setting off again for new adventures.

The route