Ancient Nara Walking and Cycling Tour in Asuka
When you think of Nara Prefecture, the famous deer park in Nara City probably immediately pops into your mind. That is where most tourists visit, the deer park and giant Buddha of Todai-ji on a day trip from Kyoto. Nara has so much more to offer though and we encourage our guests to venture off the tourist path and into a more authentic and less-travelled side of Japan. This tour will introduce to three places in Nara Prefecture – Imaicho, Kashihara Shrine and Asuka with our professional guides living in this area. Explore hidden ancient Nara with us!
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Ancient Nara Walking and Cycling Tour in Asuka
What's included in Ancient Nara Walking and Cycling Tour in Asuka
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Kashihara City Imaicho Historical Town Area
Imaicho is a preserved old town with over 500 historic buildings from the Edo Period. It is one of the largest scale old-fashioned districts you will find in Japan, with a quiet authentic feel. You are more likely to see a lone retiree painting the landscape than you are hordes of tourists. The little streets branch off one another like a labyrinth, with few signs of modern life inside. Imaicho began as a temple town centering around Shonenji Temple, before becoming a flourishing merchant town. For this reason you will see many affluent looking houses made with elaborate tiled roofs. During your time in Imaicho you will stroll the streets and step back in time to the Edo era, visiting several old residences that have been opened to the public. These include the Imanishi Residence, the richest and most impressive house of all. There is also Imai Machiya Museum, a restored merchant house and Kometani, an old hardware store, which are open to anyone.
You will also stop by the Kawai Sake Brewery, a family run for generations sake brewery that has been featured in a Japanese period drama. You can taste the sake for free and enjoy the old-fashioned feel of the shop. Of course you can also enter any shop that strikes your interest, such as the local soy sauce brewery (Tsuneoka Brewery) that has been in operation since 1909. You will find a variety of local foods being sold such as homemade cola and handmade cherry ice cream.
Kashihara Jingu
You will take the train for five minutes to Kashihara-Jingumae Station and walk from there to the shrine. Kashihara Jingu is a fairly new shrine, having been built in 1890, but do not let that detract you - it is not to be missed. The shrine sits on the site where Jimmu, the “first Emperor” of Japan, is said to have ascended to the throne in 660 BC, at the base of sacred mountain Mt. Unebi. In Japanese mythology Jinmu is believed to be a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine exudes serenity and peacefulness and is also extremely photogenic, you’ll definitely want to take a plenty of photos here. If you thought Meiji Jingu was good, then you will like Kashihara Shrine even more.
Inclusions
- English Guide
- Landing and facility fees
- Use of bicycle
- Lunch
- Hotel pick up ＆ Drop off
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Remaining time would be allotted for travel time.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet your guide at the station. There are lockers to leave your baggage if necessary. Meeting time is 9am and your guide will waiting for you there with a sing board.
End Points
- The tour will end at Asuka Station.
