Hiking Tour in NaraWhere it all began; Explore the Culture and History of Japan through Rural Beauty and Mountains

Welcome to Japan! Leave the transportation to us, we will pick you up from Kansai International Airport and drive you to the first permanent capital of Japan, Asuka Village.

After lunch at a local restaurant, freely explore the well-kept nature of the village by your choice of hiking, cycling, car, or MICHIMO - a unique eco-friendly, electric, two-seater Nissan car (requires an international driver’s license).
History lovers will enjoy a visit to 7th-8th century sites like the Kitora Mural Experiential Museum and the Kitora Tumulus. Or how about reading the oldest collection of Japanese poetry and viewing examples of the culture that existed here nearly 1,500 years ago at the Nara Prefecture Complex of Man’yo Culture.
For gorgeous sites to see, we recommend Oka-dera Temple, as well as the "Inabuchi Tanada" terraced rice fields, which Asuka is famous for.

Drive through the great scenery of Nara for about an hour to the Yoshino area for a day of hiking through breathtaking mountains! The balance of tiled, old-fashioned Japanese buildings and nature along the mountain ridges is simply stunning.
Start the hike from Kinpusen-ji Temple, a key temple of Shugendo mountain asceticism, which houses three 1,300 year-old blue skinned Zao Gongen statues. Continue your hike to other must-see sites including the Yoshimizu Jinja Shrine and Chikurin-in Gunpoen; the latter features a famous Japanese garden designed by the legendary tea master Sen-no Rikyu. This mountain area is one of the most famous locations in Japan to visit during the cherry blossom season in the spring. In summer, the mountain boasts a gorgeous and refreshing lush green color. And in autumn, the fiery colors of red and yellow light up the rugged landscape. We will customize the hike according to your experience and preferences so you will be sure to have the best time possible!

Explore the Yamanobe-no-michi, Japan’s oldest road.

Visit the many ancient sites along this route that are said to be the origin locations of deep-rooted Japanese culture, including the birthplace of Japanese sake, the Omiwa-jinja Shrine.

We will also take you to a Shinto shrine believed to be the place where sumo first began; that’s right, Nara is also the origin of the Japanese sacred sport of Sumo!

At the Gassan Sword Workshop & Museum you can see an exquisite collection of classic samurai swords. After enjoying your day of hiking through a landscape of fascinating Japanese cultural heritage sites, visit a sake brewery to appreciate and compare the taste of a rich variety of local and famous sake types.

Start your day feeding Nara’s famous local deer at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine; they are adorable and full of spirit!
Enjoy the lively sight of a French horn player summoning the local deer with a performance of Beethoven's 6th Symphony Pastoral. Then visit the Great Buddha, known as the "Daibutsu" at Todaiji Temple’s Main Hall; this protected building is said to be the largest wooden structure in the world!
At Kohfukuji Temple you can see a symbol of Nara, the picturesque Five-Story Pagoda and its architectural beauty originally built in 710!
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the famous authentic Japanese knife shop Kikuichi Cutlery, which was given permission to carve a chrysanthemum (a clan symbol of the Japanese royal family) on their products by the emperor himself 400 years ago.

Nara is said to be the final destination of the Silk Road. See for yourself the incredible beauty and influence of oriental cultures with us.

Visit Kyoto, where old Japan is still well preserved with more than 1000 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto Shrines. Kyoto became the capital of Japan after Nara and stood as such for over 1,000 years (794 to 1868 CE). Explore and see firsthand centuries of development of Japanese culture by visiting fascinating historical sites around the city, which began to develop into their own unique forms from 894 CE, when Japan cut ties with Tang Dynasty China.

Your day starts off by hiking up to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, well-known for its arcades of vermilion torii gates. After lunch, stroll around the Gion area, once famous for geisha and teahouses, it is now popular for souvenirs and antique shopping.
Next, drive to the UNESCO site of Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Temple), then Nijo-jo Castle, and finally visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple to check out an amazing view which overlooks the natural landscape and city below.

Travel to the lively merchant city of Osaka.
Your first stop is Osaka Castle, which was built by the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 to display his power after unifying Japan during the civil war period. This city was once called the “kitchen of the country” back in the Edo period, boasting a lot of popular gourmet options including Takoyaki (octopus dumplings), Okonomi-yaki (a savory pancake with shredded cabbage), and Kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables); we highly recommend trying all of these famous foods loved by Japanese people nationwide!
We will guide you to the Shinsekai and Minami (south) area, including Shinsaibashi. This area is known for long roof-covered market streets where anything you wish to buy can be found, including street and luxury food options. Jam-packed with excitement and people, this is definitely a lively city you don't want to miss!

With your heart filled to the brim with fond memories of hiking and your luggage full of souvenirs, relax before your flight as we drive you back to Kansai International Airport.