Yamanobe-no-michi Road, the oldest road in Japan, runs through at the foot of eastern mountains of Nara Basin.
In this area, huge burial mounds and oldest shrines blend well with quiet farming villages.
This tour might take you back in time to the ancient mythical period. The road is mostly flat and comfortable to walk on.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Nara Station
JR Nara station
Meet and move to Yamanobe-no-michi Road.
JR Yanagimoto stationan
In the beginning, make a short stop at "Kurozuka Kofun Exhibition Hall". Then start walking through small villages, along the huge tombs of ancient emperors, in the rice paddy fields and orchards. (Fruits picking experience is available in autumn.) Those fruits and vegetables are sold at unattended stands along the roadside. Stop to take a break at a fine-viewing spot.
Hibara shrine
Visit Hibara Shrine and have lunch.
Omiwa Shrine
Visit Omiwa Shrine, Japan's oldest shrine, whose object of worship is Mt.Miwa on the back. "Sake", Japanese rice wine, originated here in Miwa Shrine. You can visit "Sake" shop or other shops selling local specialties, such as "Somen" noodle, very thin noodle made from wheat, or "Monaka", a kind of Japanese sweet.
JR Nara station
the end of the tour
Ending Point
JR Nara Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee (JPY22,200), the transportation fee of the guide(JPY2000),
Your transportation fee (JPY570 for an adult), lunch,
・Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to walk in.
・Bring enough drinks.
・Keep good social distance and wear masks if necessary.
Not Available in August
The price of the tour includes the guide fee and the guide's transportation fee between home and the travel city.
Hi, I'm Michiko.
I'm a national certified English tour guide.Since I was born and raised in Nara, I'm familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions of Nara, and neighboring city, Kyoto.
Nara and Kyoto, old capitals of Japan, retain time honoured structures and art works. What is more, beautiful gardens and picturesque landscapes are always waiting for you!
I'm also a traveler who especially love to explore local foods and crafts, which have been passed down from generation to generation.
I'll try to guide you with best hospitality. When you have a chance to visit Nara,Kyoto and Osaka, please contact me anytime and join my tour!
I will be looking forward to seeing you.See you soon!
“A lovely drive and Tea Plantation Exploration ”
Michiko made my day excursion so easy, comfortable and fun. I wanted to see a tea plantation. Michiko found a farmer, Osamu, who met us in the beautiful rolling hills of Wachea. Osamu drove us to his fields on a solitary road surrounded by Cypress forests. The views were breathtaking. We then went to his home, met his family, learned about the production process and sample tea. It was informative and special. I’m in Japan for 6 weeks. This day will certainly be the highlight of my trip. Miko obliged my wishes in every way. I felt at ease the entire trip. No language barrier or work. Mahalo, Miko!
Michiko T.
Thanks for the great review, Diane. I am also very pleased to have had the opportunity to spend a winter day with you and Osamu in Wazuka Village. Osamu's stories as a tea farmer and tea lover and the scenery of Wazuka Village with its 800 year old tea plantations were fascinating and encouraging. Furthermore, your life stories left a deep impression on me. You may be at a crossroads in your life, but remember that I always wish you happiness. With love.
“A day in kyoto”
Family of 5 had a wonderful guided day with michiko, very informative and adaptable to the whims of the kids. Perfect balance of interesting sites and beautiful walks taking in the monkeys, bamboo forest, ancient gardens and finally sweet making taught by a lovely Japanese craftsman, Would highly recommend for families.
Michiko T.
Thank you for the wonderful review, Michael. I also had a great time with such a generous and caring people like you and your family. I was happy to see you and your family relaxed and enjoyed at every spot. Also everyone's sense of humor made the tour more enjoyable. I'm happy if you could find your favorite things about Japanese culture, nature, people etc. through this walk.
Rachel P.
Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
“Asuka Tour - Nara Prefecture”
Michiko was an outstanding guide from the get go. Her communication was warm and professional. She shared much of her local knowledge and took us to many interesting places in Asuka. We had a fun, relaxed time with her and would give her service more than five stars if we could. We would definitely engage her as a guide again, and will be recommending her in the future.
Michiko T.
Thanks to your wonderful review! It was my great pleasure to introduce my favorite places and people in Asuka. You and Oliver have such relaxing and generous personalities, so I felt as if I hang around with my old friends. Thanks again for choosing Japan for your honeymoon destination, and I hope you will come back sometime in the future. I wish you all the best!
$155/ per group