Nara Prefecture , Japan

Yoshino Full Day Cycling + Hiking Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A full day tour which takes into account all that the amazing mountain town of Yoshino has to offer. Made for those who love cycling, hiking, and exploring historical sites.

Our expert local English-speaking guides will give you the best experience possible for a deep dive into the Yoshino region.

Description:
Ride along the scenic Yoshino river, past lumber yards, ancient shrines, and small mountain settlements as you make your way to the hidden valley of Kisadani. Hike up the Manyo no Michi path, an area whose beauty is written about in Japan’s oldest collection of poetry. After a stop at Takataki Waterfall, make the ascent through the forest to the mountain temple district of Yoshinoyama and visit Kinpusen-ji Zao-do Hall, a base for Shugendo mountain worship for over 1,300 years. Enjoy lunch at a local ridgeline-based restaurant, take some time to explore the town, and shop for gifts at the many local shops.
Hike back down to the bikes and ride back to the station.

Available options

Yoshino Full Day Cycling + Hiking Tour

What's included

Snacks

Bicycle rental fee

Zao-do Hall Temple Entrance Fee

Detailed itinerary

Yoshino Town is located in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula in southern Nara Prefecture and has a deep history connected with Shugendo mountain worship and a 500-year-old timber industry. The cycling section of this tour will follow the Yoshino River, which runs through the center of the town and into backcountry to the west.

Atmospheric forest shrine dedicated to Emperor Tenmu. Features a covered-bridge entrance over the Kisa River and an 800-year-old giant shinboku sacred tree.

A temple district with World Heritage status built along a mountain ridgeline.
It is said that this area was first established with the founding of Kinpusen-ji Temple around 1,300 years ago. The ancient Omine Okugake Michi Pilgrimage Path runs through this area, connecting with the Kumano Kodo Routes farther south.
The area is packed with fascinating history and culture to explore, including the vast groves of sakura blossom trees, which are a holy symbol of the local Shugendo faith. There are also a number of local restaurants, shops, and ryokan facilities that cater to visitors.

Ancient Shugendo mountain temple founded around 1,300 years ago. Features amazing views over the surrounding mountain landscape and the 500-year-old Zao-do Hall, the 2nd largest Buddha Hall in the country. The tour includes a walkthrough of Zao-do Hall with explanations of the Shugendo-related artwork contained inside.

What's not included

Private transportation

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Not recommended for those who do not like to exercise

Because of the active nature of this tour (especially the hiking portion), the schedule of the tour may change depending on the pace of participants and/or other unforeseen circumstances. If the guide determines that the tour is running too far over schedule, they may make adjustments to the itinerary in order to keep the schedule within the allotted 7hr 30min time frame. Just in case, we kindly ask all guests to leave a wide buffer of time between the end of this tour and their next destination.

This tour is also open during the season of the cherry blossoms in Yoshinoyama with a few alterations: 1) Prices will be increased due to increased demand, length of tour, and the price of entering Zao-do Hall. During the cherry blossom season, Zao-do Hall’s three giant statues of the deity Zao-gongen are unveiled for the public to see. These statues are an amazing sight and worth the time to see, but the price of admission to the temple does increase for the duration of this special event. 2) Because of the huge crowds of people who visit Yoshino during this time, everything will almost certainly take longer to do - walking the streetscape of Yoshinoyama, shopping for goods, entering Zao-do Hall, etc. We estimate the time will be around 8 hours, but a set schedule cannot be guaranteed. The guide(s) will do their best to keep the group on schedule. 3) Lunch in a restaurant in Yoshinoyama is not something that can be reasonably accommodated due to the crowds so we ask that all guests bring a bento lunch box that can be eaten outdoors, ideally under the beautiful cherry blossom trees of Yoshinoyama (if space is available).

Meeting point

A guide will be waiting for you right outside of the ticket gate in front of the station at the time of your train arrival. There is only one ticket gate for Yamato-Kamiichi Station, and if there is somehow a mix up, the Information Center is about a 30 second walk to the west (left).

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