Nara Asuka Private Tour: Explore Japan’s Origins by Car (Tanzan Shrine & More)
Discover Asuka, the ancient capital known as the birthplace of Japan, on this private tour through peaceful countryside.
Explore the Asuka period (6th–7th century), when powerful clans shaped the foundations of Japan, by visiting Tanzan Shrine, Ishibutai Tomb, and Asukadera Temple.
Travel efficiently by the guide’s private car, making it easy to reach sites that are difficult to access by public transport. The area is also expected to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Sakurai Station (JR / Kintetsu)
- Other meeting points such as Yamato-Yagi, Kashiharajingu-mae, or Asuka Station are also available. Hotel pick-up can be arranged upon request. After a brief introduction, we will head to Tanzan Shrine by the guide’s private car (Honda FIT).
Tanzan Shrine
A historic shrine dedicated to Fujiwara no Kamatari, a key figure in the Taika Reform. The shrine is famous for its unique thirteen-story pagoda and beautiful autumn foliage. It also reflects the tradition of Shinbutsu-shugo (fusion of Shinto and Buddhism).
Optional short hiking:
・Mount Katariai (20 min): where Kamatari and Prince Naka no Oe are said to have met secretly
・Mount Goharetsu (40 min): burial site of Kamatari
Lunch & Local Shopping
Enjoy local specialties such as kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot), nyumen (warm somen noodles), or yomogi mochi (mugwort rice cakes).
Alternatively, lunch can be arranged at a traditional café near Ishibutai.
Travel to Ishibutai Tomb by car
Ishibutai Tomb
One of Japan’s largest stone tombs, built with massive rocks. It is believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako. Visitors can enter the stone chamber and experience its impressive scale.
Asukadera Temple
Home to one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist statues (Asuka Daibutsu). This temple marks the beginning of Buddhism in Japan.
Tour ends / Transfer to your preferred location
End at Asuka Station (Flexible)
Ending Point
At Asuka Station (Flexible)
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
・Licensed English-speaking guide
・Transportation by private car - Honda FIT (gas & parking fees)
・Transportation for guests (if needed separately)
・Lunch
・Entrance fees
・Tanzan Shrine: ¥600
・Ishibutai Tomb: ¥500
・Asukadera: ¥500
Tour Important Information
Options
The Asuka area offers many additional sites. The tour can be customized upon request:
・Okadera Temple (¥500): famous for seasonal flowers such as dahlias
・Kitora Tomb (Free): known for its ancient mural paintings and astronomical ceiling
・Fujiwara Palace Site (Free): beautiful seasonal flowers such as rapeseed in spring and cosmos in autumn
・Shorinji Temple (¥600): home to a stunning Eleven-Headed Kannon statue
・Asukaniimasu Shrine (Free): a unique and historic shrine with ancient fertility rituals
Important Information
・Please wear comfortable walking shoes
・The tour operates in most weather conditions
・Overtime fee: ¥5,000 per hour
Access to Sakurai Station:
・From Osaka: approx. 1 hour via Kintetsu Railway
・From Kyoto: approx. 1.5 hours via Kintetsu Railway
・From Nagoya: approx. 2 hours via Kintetsu Limited Express
Yamato-Yagi Station is especially convenient as it is served by Kintetsu Limited Express trains.
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
About Tour Guide Naoto O.
Hello, my name is Naoto, a local guide based in Mie, Japan.
I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (2026), offering private tours that go beyond typical sightseeing. My goal is to help you experience Japan, not just visit it.
Before becoming a licensed guide, I completed an official tourism training program organized by the Mie Prefectural Government (2025). Through this program, I developed a strong foundation in Japanese history and culture, as well as practical skills in guiding and tour planning.
■Background and Language Skills
I studied in Kyoto and also lived in Canada and New Zealand. I hold EIKEN Grade 1 and a TOEIC score of 925. My academic background is in law and international relations, so I am comfortable discussing both Japanese culture and global topics.
■Specialized Areas: Hidden Japan Experiences
I specialize in guiding visitors to less-crowded, culturally rich destinations such as the Iga region, the birthplace of ninja, and the quiet historical areas of eastern Nara Prefecture. These locations offer a deeper and more authentic understanding of Japan.
I can also guide you to Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred and important sites in Japan.
■Comfortable Private Tours
Since public transportation is limited in these rural areas, tours are conducted by private car to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
■Local Food Experience
If you are interested, I can introduce you to local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, organic vegetables from this region.
I look forward to creating a personalized and memorable experience for you.
Feel free to message me anytime to customize your tour.
$262/ per group
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