As part of the Cultural Activities for Students at NAIST, 16 tour participants (including 6 international students) visited Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and the Nara National Museum on October 23, 2021. This tour was held to give students an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Japanese history and culture, especially in the Nara area.

 To prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19), the tour was held by divided small group, but the tour began in a relaxing atmosphere and headed to the first destination, Todaiji Temple with deepening engagement each other.

 At Daibutsu-den in Todaiji Temple, where the participants were impressed by listening the information of deep Japanese history and culture offered from the tour guide. Then the group visited Nigatsu-do. The participants were not only surprised at the origin and long history of "Omizu-tori" but also absolutely fascinated with the panoramic view of Nara city from the stage of Nigatsu-do. Following this, the group toured Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is in the primitive forest of Mt. Kasuga, and the students seemed to feel the mystery of history at the brilliant vermillion shrine founded 1300 years ago. Finally, at the Nara National Museum, the participants viewed about Buddhist statues including national treasures, important cultural assets ranging from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, and felt the appeal of Buddhist statues in Nara.

 The students enjoyed the day exploring Japanese culture and history in Nara and commented that "It was a good opportunity to know that Japan, especially Nara has deep culture and history" and that "I enjoyed visiting cultural and historical area through walking in Nara Park"