What You Will Do
When you think of Nara Prefecture, the famous deer park in Nara City probably immediately pops into your mind. That is where most tourists visit, the deer park and giant Buddha of Todai-ji on a day trip from Kyoto. Nara has so much more to offer though and we encourage our guests to venture off the tourist path and into a more authentic and less-travelled side of Japan. This tour will introduce to three places in Nara Prefecture – Imaicho, Kashihara Shrine and Asuka with our professional guides living in this area. Explore hidden ancient Nara with us!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Meet your guide at the station. There are lockers to leave your baggage if necessary. Meeting time is 9am and your guide will waiting for you there with a sing board.
1
Kashihara City Imaicho Historical Town Area
1 hour
Imaicho is a preserved old town with over 500 historic buildings from the Edo Period. It is one of the largest scale old-fashioned districts you will find in Japan, with a quiet authentic feel. You are more likely to see a lone retiree painting the landscape than you are hordes of tourists. The little streets branch off one another like a labyrinth, with few signs of modern life inside.
Imaicho began as a temple town centering around Shonenji Temple, before becoming a flourishing merchant town. For this reason you will see many affluent looking houses made with elaborate tiled roofs.
During your time in Imaicho you will stroll the streets and step back in time to the Edo era, visiting several old residences that have been opened to the public. These include the Imanishi Residence, the richest and most impressive house of all. There is also Imai Machiya Museum, a restored merchant house and Kometani, an old hardware store, which are open to anyone.
2
河合酒造（株）
20 minutes
You will also stop by the Kawai Sake Brewery, a family run for generations sake brewery that has been featured in a Japanese period drama. You can taste the sake for free and enjoy the old-fashioned feel of the shop. Of course you can also enter any shop that strikes your interest, such as the local soy sauce brewery (Tsuneoka Brewery) that has been in operation since 1909. You will find a variety of local foods being sold such as homemade cola and handmade cherry ice cream.
3
Kashihara Jingu
1 hour
You will take the train for five minutes to Kashihara-Jingumae Station and walk from there to the shrine.
Kashihara Jingu is a fairly new shrine, having been built in 1890, but do not let that detract you - it is not to be missed. The shrine sits on the site where Jimmu, the “first Emperor” of Japan, is said to have ascended to the throne in 660 BC, at the base of sacred mountain Mt. Unebi. In Japanese mythology Jinmu is believed to be a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine exudes serenity and peacefulness and is also extremely photogenic, you’ll definitely want to take a plenty of photos here. If you thought Meiji Jingu was good, then you will like Kashihara Shrine even more.
4
Asuka-dera Temple
40 minutes
First you will collect your rental bicycles. Kid’s bikes and bikes with child seats are available. *If you do not wish to cycle, please let us know in advance in order to make other arrangements.
This small temple is considered to be Japan's oldest Buddhist temple. It is located amongst farmland in the town of Asuka, it is a simple, local temple with a very countryside feel.
5
Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture
30 minutes
The Complex of Manyo Culture is a free museum which contains two rooms, one evolving exhibit and one permanent exhibit which features lifesize displays and is quite interactive. It even has a "relaxation room" which takes you on a journey through the four seasons. The admission fee is free except special exhibitions varies, but is waived for tourists with foreign passports.
6
Ishibutai Tomb
20 minutes
An ancient burial mound and the largest megalithic structure in Japan. It is believed that the man buried here was the head of the powerful Soga clan, Soga no Umako, who worked with Prince Shotoku and spread the influence of Buddhism in Japan.
7
Takamatsuzuka Tomb
20 minutes
An ancient tomb from the 7th Century dedicated to a Japanese royal. The burial chamber contains painted walls, a snapshot into the history of that time.
8
Nanto Asuka Fureai Center, Inukai Manyo Memorial Museum
30 minutes
A facility dedicated to the Man'yoshu, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry. It has a teahouse with an outdoor terrace where you can stop for a drink.
9
Oka-dera Temple
20 minutes
A beautiful temple overlooking Asuka. It is said that a dragon protects this temple and warns locals of approaching rain by wobbling and shaking a stone.
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