A Taste of Ancient JapanStrolling through a historical village with an experienced guide

This special tour begins at the Omiwa Shrine, a beautiful piece of architecture dedicated to the Japanese deity of sake and said to be the oldest shrine in Japan. It’s actually the main shrine that sake brewers from all over Japan come to visit to pray for a good year of sake vintages.
Enjoy taking a stroll along the “Yamanobe no Michi” trail as it guides you through one of Nara’s most historic landscapes. The area is famous for its classic shrines, temples, and ancient Imperial tombs. Walking along this path feels as though you are walking through the flow of time itself, as glimpses of the cityside below contrast with the agricultural townscape and forestland in your immediate surroundings. At night, enjoy dinner at a wonderful French restaurant that uses mostly local products, such as Yamato vegetables, Yamato chicken, and Yamato beef! The term ‘Yamato,’ by the way, is the old name for Nara Prefecture.

Today you’ll visit Asuka Village, known as the epicenter of Japan’s history. Asuka was the old capital of Japan during the 6th and 7th centuries. Start your morning with a visit to Asuka-dera, an old temple considered to be Japan’s first full scale Buddhist institution.
Here you’ll see the Ishibutai Tumulus and Kameishi Tortoise Stone. The Ishibutai Tumulus is actually a megalithic tomb structure thought to date back to the 7th century, whereas the purpose and origin of the Kameishi Tortoise Stone remains a fascinating mystery.
Asuka is also famous for its scenic countryside landscapes. The view over the Inabuchi Tanada terraced rice fields is especially popular during the autumn season when thousands of red amaryllis (also known as red spider lilies) bloom along the edges of the paddies.