Highlights

  • Walk the Yamanobe-no-Michi, said to be the oldest road in Japan

  • See Ōmiwa Shrine, famous among sake brewers all across the country

  • Glimpse at the many ancient burial mounds from the Kofun Period

  • Marvel at the historic treasures of the ancient capital of Nara

  • Cycle around the beautiful, terraced rice fields of Asuka

  • Visit Tanzan Shrine, tucked away on Mount Goharetsu and boasting a unique 13-storey pagoda

The Kansai region, situated at the centre of Japan's main island of Honshū, is home to three historic capitals: Kyōto, Nara and the smaller, lesser-known Asuka. All three have rich and varied histories, and though Kyōto was Japan’s imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Asuka was the country’s very first capital. In this tour, you will travel back to the times of semi-legendary regents, ancient stone monuments, and the first footholds of Buddhism.

Walk or cycle through the old capital, which is now a sleepy, tranquil village marked by rice terraces and ruins dating back to the 8th century. Hike the mountain path to Tanzan Shrine and its 13-storey pagoda, the only one of its kind in Japan. Set out on the Yagyū Kaidō, a trail named for a famous village and its clan of swordsmen and walked by samurai who wished to learn the art of the sword.

Here rest not just massive monoliths, but the foundations of what would become the country of Japan.

This tour is unique in that it can be scheduled in reverse – begin your adventure by exploring Asuka (as outlined in our itinerary below) or turn the clock back as you travel from Nara to the ancient capital that preceded it. Spend nights in charming Japanese guesthouses, which give you a look into the rural lifestyle of present-day Asuka.

Please note that while this tour does not include daily luggage transfer, we have crafted the itinerary so that you will have access to your luggage each night.

What is included

  • 4 nights at Japanese-style or Western-style accommodation
  • 4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • Round-trip train tickets from Kyōto or Ōsaka
  • 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

Nara Ancient Capitals self-guided walking 5 days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 – Arrive in Asuka

Head by train from Kyōto or Ōsaka 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, including a number of stone monuments with mysterious origins. Overnight at a minshuku in Asuka.

Walking distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi (plus 1.6 km / 1 mi for optional Iwaido detour)
Elevation gain: 185 m / 607 ft of ascent and 425m / 1,390 feet of descent (plus 90 m / 295 ft ascent and descent for optional Iwaido detour)
Time required: About 4 hours of optional walking (plus 45 min for optional Iwaido detour)

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

Day 2 – HIke to  Tanzan Shrine

On your second day in Asuka, there is the opportunity to explore the village further. For a more active day, our Walking Guidebook will lead you through pretty agricultural roads and up forest trails to the atmospheric Tanzan Shrine. Overnight at a minshuku or friendly family homestay.

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

Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Hike the Yamanobe-no-Michi in Nara

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 Heijō-kyō, 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 hotel.

Walking distance: 16km / 10 mi
Elevation gain: 229 m / 751 ft of ascent; 211 m / 692 ft of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking

Accommodation: Western-Style Hotel or Japanese-Style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Hike the Yagyu Kaido in Nara

Today, you will have a chance to undertake the trail known as the Yagyū Kaidō. This route was once traversed by warriors bound for Yagyū Village, known for its clan’s masterful swordsmanship; many have followed it in order to learn the art of the sword. Hike from Enjō-ji Temple, which marks the halfway point of the trail, to Nara, where your hike will end with a wonderful stroll through Nara Park, with its famous deer and temples. Overnight at a centrally located Nara hotel.

Walking distance: 11.7km / 7.3 mi
Elevation gain: 245 m / 805 ft of ascent and 535 m / 1755 ft of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking

Accommodation: Western-Style Hotel or Japanese-Style Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Enjoy Sightseeing in Nara

Explore more of Nara before heading onwards by train. Spend the day visiting important cultural spots, including Tōdai-ji and Hōryū-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 Kyōto or Ōsaka. 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

 

Map:

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Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan — home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), featuring a massive wooden hall, traditional Buddhist architecture, and a UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Freely roaming deer at Nara Deer Park in Japan, set against the backdrop of temples and ancient trees in the historic city of Nara — a popular cultural and wildlife destination.
Peaceful trail along Yamanobe-no-Michi in Nara, Japan — Japan’s oldest road lined with shrines, ancient tombs, rice fields, and views of Mount Miwa, perfect for historical and cultural walking tours.























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