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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.
Itinerary
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
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
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 supplier
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
About Tour Guide Michiko T.
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!
Reviews
J K.
“6 Stars for Family Kyoto Tour with Michiko”
This was my husband and my 3rd trip to Kyoto but first time with our kids. We had 2 memorable days with Michiko and wish we could have all our days in Japan with her. She planned our days so thoughtfully, keeping our interests in mind and what would be engaging for our kids. We were able to see so much more in our 2 days than we could have on our own. And we had 2 delicious lunches as well! We had activities planned that were enjoyable for all of us. Everyone had something they were excited about and she kept our days interesting, informative and fun. It felt like an insiders guide to Kyoto and I hope to return so we can spend more time with Michiko!
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Michiko T.
Thank you for the wonderful review! I am truly grateful that my first guests of 2026 were such a wonderful family like yours. I was deeply moved by how energetic your children are, and how expressive their faces are. This is surely the result of your loving and wise guidance as parents, protecting their sensibilities during their precious childhood from ready-made content and social media, allowing them to grow slowly through their own experiences. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan and come back again!
Matt L.
“Great guide for Nara!”
Michiko is an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide. We had a great tour of Nara. Highly recommend!
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Michiko T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Matt and Amber. Spending time in Nara with such a natural couple like you was truly a delightful experience for me. I especially enjoyed your story about Hawaiian cuisine wrapped in plant leaves and grilled—it shares similarities with persimmon leaf sushi. Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful New Year!
Paul B.
“Michiko is Great”
We had a wonderful very memorable day with Michiko. She not only showed us wondeful places and told us interesting facts, she also went out of her way to help us with special requests. Very warm and kind. Book a tour with her with confidence.
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Michiko T.
Paul, thank you for your wonderful review. It was an honor to guide you through Kyoto on such a beautiful autumn day. What impressed me most was how you both listened to the stories and tried to understand Japanese culture and history as if piecing together a puzzle. I also appreciate you sharing about your family and your own culture. I hope to see you again!
$154/ per group
More tours by Michiko T.
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Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~
We will visit Nara Park, where historic monuments and nature create calm and peaceful atmosphere. You'll see wild deer roaming hear and there. Walking in Nara-machi district will give us a chance to see an old merchants' townscape.
Dear deer Nara! ~Nara Park & Nara-machi~
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Nara Park & Indigo dyeing experience
First we will visit Nara Park, where historic monuments and nature create calm and peaceful atmosphere. You'll see wild deer roaming hear and there. Walking in Nara-machi district will give us a chance to see an old merchants' houses.Then I will take you to an traditional indigo-dyeing studio and help you to experience it.
Nara Park & Indigo dyeing experience
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Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
Asuka, the ancient political center, has been preserved. Not only historical structure such as Asuka dera, the oldest temple in Japan and "Ishibutai", mysterious huge stone tomb, but also tranquil village landscape must leave deep impression on you. "Tanada", terraced rice field, mountains and streams, old village houses will surely energize busy modern people. In the afternoon, we will explore the beautiful village, experience traditional Japanese natural dyeing,and visit the farmers' market.
Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
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Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit
In the morning, we will visit Nara Park, Todaiji temple, Kasuga grand shrine. You will have a chance to see, take photos and feed deer. After lunch, we will have a short trip to Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
Nara park & Wazuka tea plantation visit
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Nara
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Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
Asuka, the ancient political center, has been preserved. Not only historical structure such as Asuka dera, the oldest temple in Japan and "Ishibutai", mysterious huge stone tomb, but also tranquil village landscape must leave deep impression on you. "Tanada", terraced rice field, mountains and streams, old village houses will surely energize busy modern people. In the afternoon, we will explore the beautiful village, experience traditional Japanese natural dyeing,and visit the farmers' market.
Asuka village 1 day tour ~the original landscape of Japan~
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Walking along historical trail of Nara(3)
Yamanobe no Michi, "Old trail along the foot of the mountain" from Miwa shrine to Kasuga shrine, has been shown in the Kojiki," Records of Ancient Matters" the Japanese oldest history book ( beginning of 8 century ). The trip is a walking about the half of the trail between Tenri and Yanagimoto JR stations visiting historical spots including shrines and ancient tombs before 6 centuries
Walking along historical trail of Nara(3)
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Uji-tea plantation visit
We will visit Wazuka village, the hometown of Uji tea, excellent quality of green tea. The landscape of tea plantations, built on the mountain slope, has 800 years of history. It was designated as the first scenic property of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as one of the Japan Heritages.
Uji-tea plantation visit
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Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):
Nara area used to be a Capital of Japan for 80 years (Heijyoukyou;A.D.708-810).After transferring the Capital to Kyoto, Nara was remained as a center of Buddhism. Although many temples remained such as Todaiji and Kohukuji, many other temples have been established but abolished in its long history, then only stone Buddha images are remained as an evident of the history.
Walking along historical trail of Nara(2):
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