Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Asuka from Kashihara

Nara Prefecture , Japan

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Asuka from Kashihara

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About this experience

Come and visit Asuka, a village steeped in Japan’s protohistoric past.

On this tour on foot and by public transports, you will discover ancient Japan, with ancient imperial capitals (especially from the 6th and 7th centuries) and various sites reflecting the life of those times.

Asuka is a village of 5,620 inhabitants. We walk there while admiring the old town of Edo style architecture (16th-19th centuries).

Your guide accompanies you through the next UNESCO World Heritage Site “Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of the Ancient Capitals of Japan” (scheduled for 2026). We visit Asuka-dera Temple (596), home to the oldest Buddha in Japan (606). We go to the remains of the Itabuki Imperial Palace, then we go to Ishibutai, an ancient tomb of a 7th century nobleman.

After this day, you will learn more about the protohistory of Japan and you will have recovered in the middle of nature. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

Available options

Guide + Travel & Entry Help

Guide Service Only

What's included

Guide Fees (their Transport, Lunch and Entrance Fees)

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Asuka is a mine for archaeologists. Excavations are continually carried out of beautiful old pieces that can be visited in the temple, the Asuka History Museum or the folk museum of the Asuka Historical Park.

The Asuka-dera, a little remote and discreet Buddhist temple, is an imperative to visit. Here is the eldest Japanese Temple (588). The great Buddha of the time has lost none of his superb. Dating from 609, it is over 1400 years old and is the oldest bronze Buddha in Japan.

We can stop before the remains of an updated 7th century imperial workshop.

Itabuki Imperial Palace dates from the 7th century and now we can admire the remains through fields.

Today, Asuka is a large village with 5620 inhabitants. Relatively close to the surrounding towns, farmers and city dwellers in search of a better living environment rub shoulders. This village is always proud of its past and displays it to us. The town planning is respected and there is an atmosphere of the Edo period (1600-1868). We can also shop and have lunch there.

A little further, you have the historic park of Asuka with its centerpiece, the Ishibutai, a stone mound, tomb of a nobleman of the time, Soga no Umako.

The kofun of Takamatsuzuka dates from the late 7th century. This tomb of a nobleman of that time has magnificent murals that represent the life of then. These frescoes are reproduced in the nearby Takamatsuzuka wall museum which we can visit afterwards.

What's not included

Around 2,000 JPY/person

Asuka Historical Museum (350 JPY/person)

Ishibutai (350 JPY/person)

Bus in Asuka (less than 1,000 JPY/person/day)

Asuka-dera (350 JPY/person)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN FR

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. As the first permanent capital of Japan, it boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Nara Park with its friendly deer and the iconic Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a massive bronze statue of Buddha that is a symbol of Nara.

Historical/Religious 1.5 to 2 hours ¥600

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly wild deer, which are considered messengers of the Shinto gods. The park is a beautiful green space with scenic walking paths and historic temples.

Nature/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (¥200 for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a renowned Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is famous for its lanterns, which are donated by worshippers and hang from the shrine's buildings.

Religious/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours Free (¥500 for the Treasure Museum)

Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, providing insight into Japan's religious and cultural history.

Museum/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours ¥700

Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with a history dating back to the Edo period. It offers stunning views of Mount Wakakusa and the surrounding city.

Nature/Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour ¥310

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

Sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, a traditional Nara delicacy with a unique flavor and aroma

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and rice, may contain allergens

Miso-ni

A comforting miso-based soup with tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat, reflecting Nara's Buddhist culinary traditions

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, may contain soy

Kudzu-mochi

A traditional Japanese sweet made from kudzu starch, often served with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup)

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Yoshino Cycling around Nara Park Tea ceremony at a traditional tea house Strolling through Isuien Garden Visiting historic temples and shrines Participating in a traditional craft workshop Visiting hot springs (onsen) in nearby areas Enjoying winter illuminations at temples

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. These seasons provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect large crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour guides and vendors

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Nara city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km from Nara city center

By train

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station Bus Terminal, Kintetsu Nara Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Nara City Loop Bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Buses are frequent and easy to use, with English announcements and signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nara Park and Todai-ji Area Nakatanicho Sanjo Dori

Day trips

Asuka Village

15 km from Nara • Half day to full day

Asuka Village is a historic site with ancient tombs, temples, and ruins, offering a glimpse into Japan's ancient past. It is known as the birthplace of Japanese civilization and the first permanent capital of Japan.

Mount Yoshino

25 km from Nara • Full day

Mount Yoshino is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful autumn foliage. It is also a sacred site with numerous temples and shrines, including the famous Kinpusen-ji Temple.

Osaka

40 km from Nara • Full day

Osaka is a vibrant city with a mix of modern attractions, historic sites, and delicious street food. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from shopping and dining to cultural and historical exploration.

Festivals

Nara Tokae Shogyo Festival • April 1st Nara Matsuri • October (second weekend) Shinji-kawase Festival • July 14th-15th

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere
Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the friendly deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the park's guidelines
Consider purchasing a Kintetsu Railway Pass for unlimited travel on Kintetsu lines, which can be cost-effective for tourists
Explore Nara-machi, the old town, for a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and local crafts
Try kakinoha-zushi, a unique Nara delicacy made with sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves