Highlights
- Visit Asuka's ancient monuments and early Buddhist shrines
- Walk the Yamanobe no Michi trail, one of the oldest roads in Japan
- Explore the temples and Edo-period merchant district in Nara
- Stay in traditional ryokan (inns) and minshuku (family-run guesthouses)
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Asuka | Asuka |
| Day 2 | Asuka Tanzan Shrine hike | Asuka |
| Day 3 | Hike the Yamanobe no Michi in Nara | Nara |
| Day 4 | Hike the Yagyu Kaido in Nara | Nara |
| Day 5 | Sightseeing in Nara |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Asuka
Head by train from Kyoto or Osaka to Asuka, located on the southern edge of the Yamato Plain. This peaceful agricultural community is an ideal home base where you can experience the lifestyle of the Japanese countryside.
Start your explorations with an Asuka Monuments Walk. The walk gives a perfect introduction to the history and landmarks of the village.
Walking distance: 5.5 miles (9 km) (plus optional Iwaido detour)
Elevation gain: 1,375 feet (420 m) of ascent / 1,390 feet (425 m) of descent (plus optional Iwaido detour)
Time required: About 4 hours of optional walking
Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or Japanese homestay
Day 2: Asuka Tanzan Shrine hike
Today you can continue to explore Asuka, or, for a more active day, hike up a forest trail to the atmospheric Tanzan Shrine, which features a 13-story pagoda.
Walking distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Elevation gain: 1,730 feet (580 m) of ascent; 985 feet (300 m) of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking
Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) or Japanese homestay
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Hike the Yamanobe no Michi in Nara
This morning you can either rent bicycles to visit Asuka’s terraced rice fields, then travel by train to Nara, or hike the historic Yamanobe no Michi trail before arriving at your accommodation in Nara.
Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, was established in 710 CE. Formerly known as Heijo, Nara abounds in cultural heritage, including historic treasures, well-known temples, and Nara Park, a nationally-famous scenic oasis featuring a large herd of deer.
The Yamanobe no Michi trail is part of the oldest road mentioned in Japan's written records. This historic trail takes you past several shrines and temples, including Omiwa Shrine, which features a triple torii gate.
Walking distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Elevation gain: Negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking
Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional inn), western-style hotel, or upgrade to a machiya (wooden townhouse)
Day 4: Hike the Yagyu Kaido in Nara
Today you'll go on the Yagyu Kaido hike from Yagyu village back to Nara, following the route samurai warriors took from Nara to the sword-making village of Yagyu. The full hike is a challenging 12.4 miles (20 km), but you can opt for a shorter 7.3 mile (11.7 km) hike that departs from Enjo-ji Temple. Both hikes end with a stroll through Nara Park, with its famous deer and temples.
Walking distance: 7.3 miles (11.7 km)
Elevation gain: 790 feet (240 m) of ascent and 1755 feet (530 m) of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking
Accommodation: Ryokan (traditional inn) or upgrade to a machiya (wooden townhouse)
Day 5: Sightseeing in Nara
Spend the day in Nara, visiting important historical and cultural spots, such as the Todai-ji and Horyu-ji temples. Explore the carefully-preserved Edo-period merchant district of Naramachi to get a real feel for life in this ancient Japanese capital. Later, wander the pathways of Isuien Garden, with its pond, cascades, and tea house, to absorb the tranquility of nature.
The tour ends with your train journey back to Kyoto or Osaka.
Map
