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Nara Asuka Private Tour: Explore Japan’s Origins by Car (Tanzan Shrine & More)

The Thirteen-Story Pagoda at Tanzan Temple

The Asuka Great Buddha

My private car (Honda FIT)

Dahlia Flower Water Basin at Okadera Temple

Cosmos Flowers at the Fujiwara Palace Ruins

Hanging Lanterns at Tanzan Shrine

Ishibutai Tumulus

Asukadera Temple

The Head Mound of Soga no Iruka (at Asukadera)

Hydrangeas and a Jizo Statue at Okadera Temple

Kitora Tumulus

Rapeseed Blossoms at the Fujiwara Palace Ruins

Nara Asuka Private Tour: Explore Japan’s Origins by Car (Tanzan Shrine & More)

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2026

Naoto O.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Nara

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

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Naoto O.)

Up to 4 people

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!

09:30 AM

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).

10:00 AM

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

12:00 PM

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.

01:30 PM

Travel to Ishibutai Tomb by car

01:50 PM

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.

02:30 PM

Asukadera Temple

Home to one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist statues (Asuka Daibutsu). This temple marks the beginning of Buddhism in Japan.

03:10 PM

Tour ends / Transfer to your preferred location

03:30 PM

End at Asuka Station (Flexible)

Ending Point

At Asuka 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

・Licensed English-speaking guide

・Transportation by private car - Honda FIT (gas & parking fees)

What‘s not included

・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

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.