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Mystical Nara: Omiwa Shrine & Hasedera Temple Tour

The Hydrangea Stairway at Hasedera Temple

Autumn Foliage at Hasedera Temple

The Five-Story Pagoda at Hasedera Temple

The Grand Torii Gate of Omiwa Shrine

Miwa Somen (Thin Wheat Noodles from Miwa)

The Worship Hall at Omiwa Shrine

The Sacred Mi-no-Kami Cedar at Omiwa Shrine

The Torii Gate at Hibara Shrine

The Three Torii Gates at Hibara Shrine

Kusamochi (Yomogi Rice Cakes)

The Niomon Gate at Hasedera Temple

The Covered Stairway at Hasedera Temple

Cherry Blossoms at Hasedera Temple

Mystical Nara: Omiwa Shrine & Hasedera Temple Tour

Highlights

Joined 2026

Naoto O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Nara

Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Japanese (Native), Korean

7 hours

Private tour (only you and Naoto O.)

Up to 6 people

This tour explores the spiritual heart of Nara.

Omiwa Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Uniquely, it has no main hall, as the sacred object is Mt. Miwa itself. Guests learn about ancient Shinto practices, mythology, and mountain worship.

Hasedera Temple, known as the “Temple of Flowers,” features seasonal blooms, particularly peonies and hydrangeas.

This tour combines ancient spirituality, natural beauty, and local culture for a unique day in Nara.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At JR Miwa Station

- Alternative meeting points available (Sakurai / Yamato-Yagi / Nabari). Hotel pickup is also available.

09:30 AM

Omiwa Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to Omononushi, a deity associated with nature and serpents.

Unlike most shrines, there is no main hall, as Mt. Miwa itself is worshipped as a sacred object.

You will learn about early Shinto beliefs, mythology, and mountain worship.

10:20 AM

Sai Shrine

A sacred sub-shrine known for its holy spring water (medicinal water).

Visitors can drink the water for health and purification.

Optional:

・Mt. Miwa hiking (approx. 3 hours, 300 yen)

・Hibara Shrine visit

　Walk along the historic Yamanobe-no-michi trail, one of Japan’s oldest roads

　This shrine is known as a “Moto-Ise” (former Ise shrine) and features a rare triple torii gate

11:00 AM

Kuehiko Shrine

A shrine dedicated to the god of wisdom, symbolized by an owl.

A popular spot for students and those seeking knowledge.

11:40 AM

Lunch & Omiwa Shrine Approach Walk

Enjoy local foods such as:

・Miwa Somen – very thin wheat noodles, one of Japan’s oldest noodle traditions

・Amazake soft cream – a sweet fermented rice dessert drink turned into soft serve

01:00 PM

Train Transfer

From JR Miwa to Kintetsu Hasedera (via Sakurai)

・Approx. 20–30 minutes / ~400 JPY

01:40 PM

Hasedera Temple Approach

Famous for:

・Kusa mochi – mugwort rice cake with sweet bean paste

・Narazuke – traditional pickles aged in sake lees

02:00 PM

Hasedera Temple

Known as the “Temple of Flowers”, especially beautiful during peony and hydrangea seasons.

Highlights include:

・The long covered staircase (Noboriro)

・The impressive Eleven-Headed Kannon statue

・Inner sanctuary (Okunoin)

04:00 PM

Tour Ends

Ending Point

At Kintetsu Hasedera Station (flexible)

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

・Guide fee (National licensed guide)

What‘s not included

・Transportation fee (~400 JPY)

・Hasedera admission fee (500 JPY)

・Food and drinks

Tour Important Information

・Please wear comfortable walking shoes

・Tour operates in most weather conditions

・Mt. Miwa hiking may be restricted depending on weather conditions

・Additional time: 5,000 JPY per hour

・This tour is flexible and can be arranged as a half-day (4 hours) tour upon request

What to Bring

・Water

・Comfortable shoes

・Rain gear (umbrella, etc.)

・Seasonal items (hat, sunscreen)

・Cash (Japanese yen)

Access to JR Miwa Station:

・From Osaka: ~1 hour via JR (from Tennoji to Sakurai to Miwa)

・From Kyoto: ~1–1.5 hours via JR or Kintetsu

・From Nagoya: ~1.5–2 hours via Kintetsu Limited Express

Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi and Nabari Stations are Limited Express stops,

and pickup at these stations is available upon request.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2026

Naoto O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Naoto O.

Hello! My name is Naoto, and I am from Mie Prefecture.

I became a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in 2026. While I am still building my experience as a professional guide, I completed a tourism guide training program organized by the Mie Prefectural Government in 2025. Through this program, I gained solid knowledge of Japanese history and culture, as well as practical skills in guiding and tour planning.

I spent my university years in Kyoto and also studied abroad in Canada and New Zealand. I have passed the EIKEN Grade 1 and scored 925 on the TOEIC. My academic background is in law and international relations, so I enjoy discussing global topics as well.

I specialize in guiding visitors in the Iga region, the birthplace of ninja, and the quiet historical areas of eastern Nara Prefecture. These places are not crowded with international tourists, but they offer a deeper understanding of Japan. Of course, I can also guide you to Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred places in Japan.

Since public transportation is limited in these rural areas, we will travel comfortably by my car. If you are interested, I would also love to introduce you to local restaurants that serve fresh organic vegetables from this region.