Top Activities on the Ground in Nara Prefecture

Cover the highlights of Nara during this guided half-day biking tour. Mingle with other travelers as you cycle between locations, from the iconic stone lanterns of Kasuga Taisha to Nara Park’s resident deer. Tick off more sights in less time from two wheels. Bottled water and a safety helmet are included.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this half-day tour of Nara by bicycle. Kids from 8 years old and above are catered to, whether they can ride their own bike or not. See Nara’s cultural and historic highlights while getting some exercise and having fun. This is a private tour for your family so the route and pace can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Hike up through a forested river valley, emerging into a panoramic view of cherry blossoms. Walk down through a ridgeline temple district, visit historic sites, and learn about the Shugendo faith.

＜Tour Overview＞ ●This is a private 3-day / 2-night journey designed to experience spiritual “rebirth” through: Pilgrimage (“walking prayer”) along the World Heritage Kumano Kodo, and Shugendo mountain ascetic practices in Yoshino (meditation / waterfall training / goma fire ritual). ●On Day 2 in Kumano, you will travel between key sites by private charter vehicle. ●Your English-speaking guide will clearly explain not only the history and background, but also the spiritual meaning and proper etiquette of each experience. ＜Language＞ English (Temple history and Shugendo experience on Day 1; Kumano Kodo and shrine worship on Day 2) ＜Group Size＞ One private group per departure (2–4 guests) ＜Accommodation＞ You will stay for two nights at one of the following traditional ryokan inns: ●Yukawaya ●Hounkan After booking, we will send you details about the itinerary, what to bring, etc. via Viator's messaging function.

Discover Yoshinoyama, one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots located in the southern part of Nara Prefecture. Covered with 30,000 blooming cherry trees in spring, this mountain offers an elegant landscape cherished since ancient times. Explore the sacred connection between nature and culture as you walk along historic paths once loved by emperors and poets. ・Walk an 8 km mountain path through scenic Yoshino, filled with 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom ・Learn about the rich history and cultural significance of Yoshino from a knowledgeable local guide ・Explore the sacred sites and ancient trails cherished since the Asuka and Nara periods 【Please note that the cherry blossoms only bloom between March and April.】

This bike tour is based on our most popular tour, Nara Highlights, but reserved for families with kids with adult-size E-bikes and kids-size bikes. Child seats are available for non-riding kids and infants as well. As it is a private family tour, you can be sure that your guide will take extra care of your group, adjusting and adapting the tour based on your preferences. Pour la demande de guide francophone: Nous ne pouvons pas garantir la francophonie pour un tour partagée, car mélangeant plusieurs nationalités, la priorité deviendra l'anglais. Tous nos guides parlent au minimum anglais et japonais, ce qui veut dire que le français sera une langue supplémentaire. Le guide pourra donc alterner entre anglais et français si nécessaire. Pour garantir la disponibilité du guide francophone à la date souhaitée, veuillez nous contacter à l'avance, afin que nous puissions confirmer qu'un guide francophone est toujours disponible pour votre date de réservation. Merci pour votre compréhension.

Nara was the capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Kyoto, where the Heijo Palace was located. In addition to the Heijo Palace ruins, Todaiji Temple, Kohfukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, and are fascinating places that are essential for understanding Japanese history and culture. This tour will take you on a leisurely tour of these fascinating towns on a BROMPTON bicycle with a navigator who knows the local area inside and out. ・The tour is a great way to visit places that are otherwise inaccessible by riding with a navigator who knows the local area inside out. ・Slow cycling is an easy way for people who are not confident about their physical fitness to take part. ・All equipment for riding is provided, so you don't need to bring anything. ・The tour course can be arranged according to your wishes. ・You can take photos with your stylish BROMPTON bike.

You will explore THE BEST of what NARA has to offer, cover a day of walking around in 3.5 hours with E-bikes, get more to do in half a day, optimize your trip schedule, and enjoy our connections with the local community, including NARA PARK, TODAIJI TEMPLE, KASUGA TAISHA SHRINE, and a KNIFE MAKING COMPANY, with the chance to buy knives directly from the provider. After the ancient capital of Japan, let's move forward in time to OSAKA, from the 1800s to the 2010s. Learn about the HISTORY of Osaka THROUGH FOOD, DRINKS, and a MUSEUM, with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide to take you where you would never go alone in this AMAZING CITY. 5 STOPS are included in 4 DISTRICTS, 3 TYPES OF FOOD, a HIDDEN MUSEUM, and a perfect finish. French guide request: We cannot guarantee a French-speaking guide, especially for shared tours, as the common language will be English. Please contact us in advance, even for private tours. Thank you for your understanding.

Japan traces its cultural identity back to ancient Asuka. Join this guided cycling tour to dive into its rich history and explore local historical gems. Discover the mysteries of ancient kofun burial mounds and other significant sites with a knowledgeable and friendly guide.

Escape the crowds and discover a hidden spiritual side of Nara on this intimate small-group experience. Step into a quieter, more authentic Japan on Mt. Ikoma. This thoughtfully designed walking tour takes you away from the busy tourist spots of Nara and Kyoto to a sacred mountain temple that locals have cherished for centuries. Small group of maximum 6 guests for a personal and relaxed experience. Your knowledgeable local guide will share the rich history, cultural significance, and lesser-known stories of Hozanji-Temple - a place associated with prosperity and everyday devotion - while helping you truly feel the serene atmosphere that makes this site special. This is not a rushed sightseeing tour - it’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and connect with a more profound and peaceful side of Japan. Perfect for travelers who want depth, beautiful scenery, and meaningful experiences rather than crowded checklist destinations. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Discover the magical night side of Mount Ikoma on this intimate 2-hour small group (6 people max) night tour. Begin your adventure with a ride on Japan’s oldest commercial cable car up the mountain to Hozanji Temple. Wander through the beautifully illuminated temple grounds, ancient stone stairways, and sacred halls while soaking in the breathtaking panoramic night view of the Nara Basin sparkling below. After descending by cable car, enjoy a peaceful evening walk from Ikoma Shinchi through the historic Monzenmachi. Pass a small Inari Shrine and stroll along the nostalgic old streets and charming pilgrimage path. At the end of the walk, your guide will recommend 1–2 cozy local izakayas according to your preferences. The tour ends at Ikoma Station or near your chosen restaurant. This is a perfect way to experience the spiritual and authentic local side of Nara after dark — peaceful, atmospheric, and far from the usual tourist crowds.

Are you ready to pedal through 1,400 years of Japanese history? Immerse yourself in the birthplace of Japanese civilization and glide effortlessly past ancient burial mounds, sacred temples, mysterious megalithic stones and terraced rice fields that have barely changed since the Asuka Period. Welcome to Asuka, Japan's imperial heartland — and one of the country's most rewarding and least crowded cycling destinations. With the power of an E-bike beneath you, even the rolling hills of the Yamato countryside become a pleasure. A truly unforgettable addition to any Japan itinerary! WHAT MAKES THIS TOUR UNIQUE ・Carefully designed to visit all the iconic "must-see" sites of the Asuka region ・E-bikes make the gentle hills effortless, so you spend more time exploring ・Small group experience away from the crowds of Kyoto and Nara ・Expert guide with deep knowledge of Asuka's mythology, archaeology and culture ・An intimate mix of nature, history and rural Japanese life you will never forget

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!

You can have a tranquil, calm and peaceful experience of Japan's early capital. When Buddhism was spreading throughout Japan. We use electric bicycles and take time to see what life was like.

A full day tour which takes into account all that the amazing mountain town of Yoshino has to offer. Made for those who love cycling, hiking, and exploring historical sites. Our expert local English-speaking guides will give you the best experience possible for a deep dive into the Yoshino region. Description: Ride along the scenic Yoshino river, past lumber yards, ancient shrines, and small mountain settlements as you make your way to the hidden valley of Kisadani. Hike up the Manyo no Michi path, an area whose beauty is written about in Japan’s oldest collection of poetry. After a stop at Takataki Waterfall, make the ascent through the forest to the mountain temple district of Yoshinoyama and visit Kinpusen-ji Zao-do Hall, a base for Shugendo mountain worship for over 1,300 years. Enjoy lunch at a local ridgeline-based restaurant, take some time to explore the town, and shop for gifts at the many local shops. Hike back down to the bikes and ride back to the station.

Leave Nara’s crowds behind as you explore the city’s natural beauty on a small-group bike tour. Visit hidden gems like a lost temple in the forest and photograph stunning views of the city from the top of Wakakusayama Mountain. You'll get a great overview of the area’s nature and local Japanese history while you work up a sweat. This tour is available in English and French.

Explore the beautiful rural landscape and discover the story of Yoshino Town, a historically important town in the southern mountains of Nara Prefecture. Description: Meet your guide in front of the station. From there, hop on an electric bicycle and head towards the first destination of the tour: the Yamaguchi Shrine. Here you will learn about Japanese nature worship and its importance to local life. Next, head to nearby Ryumon Gorge and take a short hike through a thick evergreen forest to Ryumon Waterfall, a natural treasure of Yoshino. Cycle past terraced rice fields en route to scenic Lake Tsuboro, where you’ll enjoy a fun ride over a suspension bridge before taking a break at an overlook point to enjoy a local snack. Finally, ride back along a woodland road and take in the fragrant aroma of cedar and cypress trees at a riverside lumber auction yard—part of a 500-year tradition of forestry in the Yoshino region. Return to the train station, ready for the next adventure.

Escape the hustle and bustle of central Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, and visit the traditional Japanese village of Asuka. Just a one-hour train ride brings you to this charming village, where beautiful pastoral landscapes remain alongside ancient kofun (tumuli) and the remnants of palaces and temples that whisper tales of a bygone era. Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, explore the period when Japan first developed its governmental and cultural foundations. Cultural experiences include a soy sauce brewery visit, plant dyeing, a visit to a local farm, and a special viewing of traditional performing arts with opportunities to interact with local preservation society members. Stay in BRANCHERA VILLA ASUKA which utilizes 150 year-old traditional Japanese folk house equipped with modern interior to feel like you live in this small charming village with quaint atmosphere (subject to change, depending on the availability).

This 2-day immersive program offers profound insight into the living tradition of Shugendo—a unique spiritual path born in the sacred mountains of Yoshino over 1,300 years ago, blending Shinto, Buddhism, and ancient mountain worship. With your private local guide, you will visit significant Shugendo sites before heading to a secluded temple to encounter directly a Buddhist priest and real Shugendo practitioner. There, you will be guided through dedicated meditative practices designed to help you attune deeply to Yoshino's natural surroundings. The next day, you will walk together on the ancient pilgrimage trails of Yoshino, the birthplace of Shugendo itself, where centuries of devotion have shaped one of Japan’s most revered spiritual landscapes. This exclusive 2-day premium experience offers a rare opportunity to personally encounter the profound, transformative power of Shugendo spirituality—still vibrantly alive in Yoshinoyama today.

＜Tour Overview＞ ●This is a private 2-day / 1-night journey designed to experience spiritual “rebirth” through: Pilgrimage along the World Heritage Kumano Kodo. ●On Day 2 in Kumano, you will travel between key sites by private charter vehicle. Luggage will be left at the accommodation, allowing you to walk comfortably and freely. ●Your English-speaking guide will clearly explain not only the history and background, but also the spiritual meaning and proper etiquette of each experience. ＜Language＞ English (Kumano Kodo and shrine worship on Day 2) ＜Group Size＞ One private group per departure (2–4 guests) ＜Accommodation＞ You will stay for two nights at one of the following traditional ryokan inns: ●Yukawaya ●Hounkan After booking, we will send you details about the itinerary, what to bring, local etiquette, emergency procedures, dietary restrictions, etc. via Viator's messaging function.

Hop on a comfortable electric bicycle and ride through the peaceful countryside of Ikaruga, a town rich with over 1,400 years of history. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Hōryū-ji Temple and other sites connected to Prince Shōtoku, while enjoying scenic landscapes at your own pace. With plenty of photo stops along the way and guidance from a local who knows every hidden gem, this eco-friendly tour offers both relaxation and discovery. Feel the breeze, soak up the history, and experience Ikaruga like never before!