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- Off the Beaten Path
Walk along the Japanese oldest road
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.
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
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee (JPY22,200), the transportation fee of the guide(JPY2000),
Your transportation fee (JPY570 for an adult), lunch,
Tour Important Information
・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
Important message from the guide
The price of the tour includes the guide fee and the guide's transportation fee between home and the travel city.
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
Nara Tour Reviews
“Great Osaka guide!”
Our guide Michiko took us to Osaka castle and Dotonbori. She handled all the details including obtaining the entrance tickets and taxis. She was extremely professional and above all a nice and knowledgeable person. We would recommend her without any reservations.
Michiko T.
(43 reviews)Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. I'm honored to have guests as friendly and intelligent as you in Osaka. Everyone was close to each other and the tour was full of laughter. I hope to make a trip like this with close friends and family someday. I'm happy if this tour will leave a deep impression on Osaka. Bon voyage!
Connie H.
Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
“An unforgettable trip to Asuka”
Michiko-san is a superb guide, professional, efficient, knowledgeable and personable. We managed to cover everything on the itinerary with time to spare for an additional site. I am so grateful to her for accommodating my last minute changes and request to visit the Tsubosaka dera - it was breathtaking to see the Buddhas and pagodas surrounded by cherry blossoms and I felt so fortunate to be there. Asuka village is a beautiful and peaceful village and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit which was well paced and never felt rushed, courtesy to Michiko-san’s personal transport arrangement. We had lunch at a quaint and cosy cafe near the Asuka station and the food was so good (Japanese western cuisine made with local produce of plants and herbs). This trip brought me many fond memories and joy. Thanks to Michiko-san, Asuka left a deep impression on me. I highly recommend her service as a guide and I hope to see her again on my future trips to Japan - there are still so many hidden gems to explore in Nara!
Michiko T.
(43 reviews)Thanks for the great review. We were lucky enough to see the cherry blossoms just beginning to bloom and share the blessings of spring in beautiful Asuka Village. You seemed to enjoy every moment of the tour, not only when you visited sightseeing spots, but also when you found a tiny ladybug in the grass, which impressed me a lot. I hope you will come back again and explore other hidden gems together! See you again!
“Michiko was the best guide, in our Japan trip ”
Our tour with Michiko was our last one before our trip back home, and I guess the saying “save the best for last” holds true here. Michiko was able to give us exactly what we wanted from -unique traditional pottery stores in a very quiet- non-touristy area, and so many quaint shops. To the most delicious ramen restaurant, an inspiring moss garden and a path through the bamboo forest. My most favorite day with Michiko. Thank you again so much- hope to return soon!
Michiko T.
(43 reviews)Thank you for your sweet review! I was also so happy to explore some non-touristy places with such a lovely family like you. Your family were all genius to find wonderful things, from small to big, and appreciate them so much. Especially Christine seemed to have some antenna to find her favorite craft shops! I hope you will come back again in the future, and that I can hear George say, "Hi"!
