Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking 5 days

Mixed town roads (paved) and forest trails (unpaved) - the walks are typically moderate, but strenuous at times, with days of up to 5 hours of hiking

Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking 5 days

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January 2024
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Tour details

Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking 5 days
x1 traveller
USD 0
Single room additional charge
USD 280
TOTAL
USD 0

If you would like to do multiple tours in one trip or have a question about any of our tours, do not hesitate to contact us with the button below.

  • Duration: 5 days
  • Trip level:
    Active
    Level
  • Availability: Recommended from January to December
  • Type:Self-guided
    Level
  • Price: USD 1,280(Price per person, based on 2 travellers sharing a room)
Highlights
  • Walking along the historic Yamanobe-no-michi and Yagyu Kaido trails near Nara
  • Hike the cultural Asuka Monuments route and the forested nature trail to Tanzan Shrine
  • Marvel at the historic treasures of the ancient capital of Nara
  • See the beautiful terraced rice fields of Asuka-mura by bicycle
  • Relax in a friendly family homestay or a traditional Minshuku guesthouse for two nights in Asuka-mura

The Kansai region, situated at the centre of Japan's main island of Honshu, is home to three historic capitals: Kyoto, Nara and the smaller, lesser-known Asuka.  All three have rich and varied histories. Our tour includes scenic and culturally significant hiking trails, as well as overnight stays in truly charming Japanese guesthouse or friendly farmstay in the rural community of Asuka.

Learn about this historic area of Japan and discover its cultural heritage on these less familiar walks.

You can opt to upgrade to a wonderful Machiya Townhouse in Nara.

Machiya are beautiful wooden townhouses that have seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to younger craftsmen and designers realising the cultural significance of such majestic, typically historic buildings.

Experience the rural lifestyle of the Japanese countryside in Asuka.

In this peaceful agricultural community, you stay overnight in a charming Japanese guesthouse or can stay with a local family for an immersive farm-stay experience.

We happily welcome younger walkers on to our trips with an accompanying adult. We offer a 10% price reduction for children (6-11) and an 80% price reduction for infants (0-5).  Please contact us for specific hiking, meal or bedding enquiries.

Download PDF itinerary

IMG_7625.jpgAsuka river - stepping stones.jpgIMG_7470.jpglarge2.jpg
What is included
4 nights at Japanese-style or Western-style accommodation
4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
Round-trip train tickets from Kyoto or Osaka
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
Detailed maps
Local support by telephone
Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks

 

What is not included
Flights
Airport transfers
Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver
Rental bicycles
Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
Daily luggage transfer
Itinerary
Map

 

Head by train from Kyoto or Osaka to Asuka on the southern edge of the Yamato Plain. This peaceful agricultural community is an ideal location to experience the rural lifestyle of the Japanese countryside. We recommend our Asuka Monuments walk for your first day here. The walk gives a perfect introduction to the history and landmarks of the village. Overnight at a minshuku or a friendly family homestay.

 

Walking distance: 9 km / 5.5 mi (plus optional Iwaido detour)
Elevation gain: 420 m / 1,375 ft of ascent and 425m / 1,390 feet of descent (plus optional Iwaido detour)
Time required: About 4 hours of optional walking

 

Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Dinner

On your second day in Asuka, there is the opportunity to explore the village further. For a more active day, follow our walking directions along the route to Tanzan Shrine. Wind your way along the pretty roads of this agricultural community and then head up along a forest trail to the atmospheric shrine.

 

Overnight at a minshuku or friendly family homestay.

 

Walking distance: 13 km / 8 mi
Elevation gain: 530 m / 1,730 ft of ascent; 300 m / 985 ft of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking

 

Accommodation: Minshuku (family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

 

This morning you can rent bicycles to visit Asuka’s wonderful terraced rice fields. Afterwards, travel by train to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. Established in 710 and then known as Heijo, Nara abounds in cultural heritage, with many historic treasures and easy access to wonderful nature.

You may instead choose to make an earlier start from Asuka and hike the historic Yamanobe no Michi trail before arriving at your accommodation in Nara this evening, a centrally located Nara hotel. 

 

Walking distance: 16 km / 10 mi
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking

 

Accommodation: Western-style or Japanese-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today there is a chance to undertake the Yagyu Kaido hike from Yagyu Village back to Nara, following in the footsteps of warriors who took this route to the sword-making village of Yagyu. The full hike is a challenging 20 km, but we offer a shorter 12 km option from Enjo-ji Temple, too. Both hikes end with a wonderful stroll through Nara Park, with its famous deer and temples. Overnight at a centrally located Nara hotel.

 

Walking distance: 11.7 km / 7.3 mi
Elevation gain: 240 m / 790 ft of ascent and 535 m / 1755 ft of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking

 

Accommodation: Western-style or Japanese-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Explore more of Nara before heading onwards by train. Spend the day visiting important cultural spots including Todai-ji and Horyu-ji temples and visit the carefully preserved Edo-period merchant district of Nara-machi and Isuien Garden.

The tour ends with your train journey back to Kyoto or Osaka. You can use our train tickets to board a morning train, or you can enjoy a full day in Nara and travel onwards in the late afternoon or early evening.

 

Meals: Breakfast

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