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Walk along the Japanese oldest road
Joined 2017
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?
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
Joined 2017
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
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!
“Nara Para & Wazuka”
We had a very memorable day with Michiko yesterday that included Nara and visiting the green tea region. Prior to the visit Michiko was timely with information and planning for the day. On the day Michiko was very adaptable changing the itinerary due to weather conditions and also including sake tasting remembering we were interested in this option from our initial booking. It was a pleasure to spend time together and the day will be a major highlight in our Japan itinerary.
Michiko T.
Thank you for your wonderful review and I am delighted to have been able to show you around Wazuka Village, where the highest quality green tea has been produced for over 800 years. We were lucky to escape the temporary rain, enjoy e-bikes, and discover the idyllic scenery. It was also interesting to hear your and Michael's insights about Japan, and the stories you shared about your life and your country were fascinating! On the way home, I kept listening to the Oasis songs, which Michael was talking about. I hope this day trip left a deep impression on you and that you will enjoy green tea and sake at home.
“Tour of Nara”
Michiko helped us, before and after the tour, with our train ride, train station. She is very knowledgeable and professional as well as having great personality. Explain in detail of what we are visiting. It has been our great experience and enjoyable day in Nara. Thank you for choosing her for us
Michiko T.
Thanks for your wonderful review. I also had a pleasant time visiting the highlights of Nara with such a sweet couple like you. I was impressed that you enjoyed yourself experiencing different places and cultures, and that both of you walked hand in hand, supporting each other throughout the tour. I hope you'll take care of yourself and have wonderful travels from now on, too!
$157/ per group
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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.
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.
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.
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Nara
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.
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(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.
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.