Explore the historic and culturally significant hiking trails of lesser-known Kansai

Highlights

  • Walking along the historic Yamanobe-no-michi and Yagyu Kaido trails near Nara

  • Relax in a friendly family homestay or a traditional Minshuku guesthouse for two nights in Asuka-mura

  • Stay in a lovely Machiya townhouse or enjoy the fine bathing an Onsen hot-spring Ryokan in Nara on two nights

  • See the beautiful terraced rice fields of Asuka-mura by bicycle

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

  • Hike the cultural Asuka Monuments route and the forested nature trail to Tanzan Shrine

Mixed town roads (paved) and forest trails (unpaved) – the walks are typically moderate, but strenuous at times, with days of up to 5 hours of hiking

Trip level:    Active
Availability:  Recommended from January to December
Price per person:  starting from A$1540

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The Kansai region, situated at the centre of Japan’s main island of Honshu, is home to three historic capitals: Kyoto, Nara and the smaller, lesser-known Asuka. All three have rich and varied histories. Japan Holidays’ tour includes scenic and culturally significant hiking trails, as well as overnight stays in small, traditional inns, with an option for a Machiya townhouse stay in Nara. The inns offer authentic Japanese meals and outstanding ‘Omotenashi’ service.

Learn about this historic area of Japan and discover its cultural heritage on these less familiar walks.

You can opt to upgrade to a wonderful Machiya Townhouse in Nara.

Machiya are beautiful wooden townhouses that have seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to younger craftsmen and designers realising the cultural significance of such majestic, typically historic buildings.

Experience the rural lifestyle of the Japanese countryside in Asuka.

In this peaceful agricultural community, you stay overnight in a charming Japanese guesthouse or can stay with a local family for an immersive farm-stay experience.

Japan Holidays happily welcome younger walkers on to our trips with an accompanying adult.
Japan Holidays offer a 10% price reduction for children (6-11) and an 80% price reduction for infants (0-5). Please contact us for specific hiking, meal or bedding enquiries.

Whats Included

  • 4 nights at Japanese inns

  • 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners

  • Round-trip tickets from Kyoto or Osaka

  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary, walking directions and Kansai guidebook

  • Topographical maps

  • Local support by telephone

  • Forwarding of one item of luggage between the inns in Asuka and Nara

Whats Not Included

  • Flights

  • Airport transfers

  • Pay locally for drinks with meals and for lunches

  • Pay locally for bus journey on Day 1

  • Single room supplement(s) if required

Ancient Capitals self-guided walking

Map and Itinerary

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