Soy sauce is an indispensable ingredient in Japanese food. After touring a genuine soy sauce brewery with a history of more than 100 years, visitors will enjoy a hands-on experience of pressing soy sauce from moromi, the base of soy sauce, using a traditional wooden press.

Finish by attaching your own label to the bottle. You will taste the freshly pressed soy sauce, which has not been heated, with fresh tofu on the spot.

[Highlights of the Experience]
Experience at a natural-brewed soy sauce shop that has been in continuous operation for three generations since 1918.
You will also have a chance to try your hand at squeezing soy sauce by hand using our original squeezer.
The squeezed soy sauce is then packaged in bottles and decorated. The squeezed soy sauce is then filled into bottles and decorated to create your own personalized soy sauce.
Mitarashi dumplings with an original sauce made from Tokusei soy sauce in collaboration with a popular local store of long standing.


Make Your Own Soy Sauce in Japan's Old Capital Asuka Nara

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.】

Historic and Natural Guided Hike in Yoshino

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.

Sokoiko Cycling Through History The Beginning of Japan

Join an expert local guide on a half-day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Yoshinoyama, the ancient Shugendo temple district that is famous for its natural beauty and history. After an amazing sightseeing experience, guests will have time to further explore the area on their own, or move on to the next destination with time to spare. 
This tour is designed to give guests maximum customization for how they want to experience Yoshinoyama - we can do the entire tour on foot from Yoshino Station for those who want a energizing walking experience - or arrange bus or ropeway transportation to make the course as easy and accessible as possible. The itinerary for this tour (especially the high-elevation area of the kami-senbon cherry blossom grove) are suggestions that can be changed to meet the needs of guests -- just let us know what kind of a tour you want to experience!

Private Guided Half-Day Walking Tour in Yoshinoyama

I'll guide you up a sacred mountain, through ancient forests, and to Nara's Great Buddha. As a specialist in Buddhist art, I offer a private, slow-paced tour that blends history, nature, and spiritual insight—ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

Private Full-Day Nara Tour Hozanji Temple Cable Car and Nara Park

This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the food and culture of Nara. Through her classes, Yuko aims to showcase the rich culinary traditions of Japan and the cultural beauty of Nara, inspiring her guests to carry these experiences with them long after their visit.

Traditional Japanese Home Cooking Class & Tea Ceremony in Nara

Journey into the heart of Japan's tea culture at the Tanimura Tango Workshop in Takayama, where the ancient craft of chasen (tea whisk) making comes alive. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Tango Tanimura, a revered Traditional Craftsman, delve into the meticulous process of bamboo selection and crafting. Choose among four premium experiences: create your own tea scoop, make a chasen, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, or combine them all for a comprehensive exploration of this art form. Engage with a living tradition and leave with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Japan's tea culture.

Nara Takayama Tea Whisk Craft and Tea Culture Experience

This exclusive experience, available only through our collaboration with Umenoyado Brewery, offers a unique chance to explore the birthplace of sake, Nara. As a leading sake brewery in the region, Umenoyado provides a private tour that includes a brewery visit, tasting session, and chef-prepared sake-pairing lunch, specially designed for this tour.

You'll explore cutting-edge sake-making techniques and learn from the brewery's staff about the intricacies of sake production. In the VIP room, enjoy rare sake and learn how temperature and vessels influence the taste. Finally, savor a lunch curated to pair perfectly with sake, while engaging with the chef about the ingredients and cooking methods. This special experience blends tradition and innovation, offering a memorable journey into the world of sake.

Nara Sake Private Brewery Tour Tasting with Sake-paring Lunch

Just a short train ride from Nara lies Yamato-Koriyama a hidden gem full of history, samurai legacy, and unexpected charm. Famous for its elegant castle ruins and goldfish culture, this small-group walking tour blends beautiful tradition with whimsical touches like goldfish scooping and indigo-dyed crafts. It's a relaxed and photogenic escape from the crowds of Nara.

・Explore Koriyama Castle and enjoy panoramic views, seasonal colors, and stone walls steeped in samurai history
・Stroll through nostalgic shopping arcades and discover goldfish-themed treats, crafts, and fun hands-on experiences
・Visit one of Japan's largest goldfish farms and museum, a quirky highlight unique to Yamato-Koriyama

Yamato-Koriyama Castle and Goldfish Small-Group Tour from Nara

The host's home is located in a quiet residential area. You can experience Japanese food as if you were staying with a Japanese family. The menu is Japanese home cooking, either "Oshizushi (pressed-sushi) Set", "Seasonal Omotenashi Gozen (hospitality dish)" or "Sushi home party". After having fun cooking, you can enjoy a tasting in a traditional Japanese-style room with alcove.
Don't worry—the table is sunken kotatsu-style, so you won't have to sit seiza-style. After your meal, enjoy the Japanese cultural experience of tea ceremony.
The host's home is within 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Ikoma Station. Ikoma Station is easily accessible from Osaka and Kyoto. Why don't you try Japanese food experience in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, where time passes slowly and nature abounds.

3 Hours Washoku Cooking Class & Tea ceremony experience

Come and visit Asuka, a village steeped in Japan's protohistoric past.

On this tour on foot and by public transports, you will discover ancient Japan, with ancient imperial capitals (especially from the 6th and 7th centuries) and various sites reflecting the life of those times.

Asuka is a village of 5,620 inhabitants. We walk there while admiring the old town of Edo style architecture (16th-19th centuries).

Your guide accompanies you through the next UNESCO World Heritage Site "Asuka-Fujiwara: Archaeological Sites of the Ancient Capitals of Japan" (scheduled for 2026). We visit Asuka-dera Temple (596), home to the oldest Buddha in Japan (606). We go to the remains of the Itabuki Imperial Palace, then we go to Ishibutai, an ancient tomb of a 7th century nobleman.

After this day, you will learn more about the protohistory of Japan and you will have recovered in the middle of nature. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Asuka from Kashihara

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.

Yoshino Full Day Cycling + Hiking Tour

Hosted in cofunia, a 100-year-old farmhouse at the foot of ancient burial mounds along the Yamanobe Trail, this hands-on workshop invites you into Japan's slow food culture.

Highlights
- Located in a 100-year-old farmhouse on Japan's oldest trail, Yamanobe-no-michi
- Hands-on fermentation-focused Japanese cooking
- Seasonal ingredients from local farmers and our garden
- Outdoor picnic on ancient sacred ground

Guests choose from two seasonal menus. Overnight guests can enjoy both over two days.

Menu A: Kakinoha-zushi Bento
- Salmon & pickle sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves
- Baked spring rolls with glass noodles and veggies
- Tofu-miso salad (Shira-ae)
- Soy sauce koji egg (pre-prepared)
- Local pickles (pre-prepared)

Menu B: Onigiri Bento
- Two rice balls: miso paste & umeboshi
- Koji teriyaki chicken
- Seasonal salad or spinach with dashi soy
- Fried koya tofu (pre-prepared)
- Local pickles (pre-prepared)

Fermented Bento Workshop on the Yamanobe-no-michi Trail (private)

Join a hands-on cooking class in a welcoming Japanese home, where you will prepare traditional washoku dishes using seasonal ingredients.
You will learn essential techniques and practical tips that are easy to recreate in your own kitchen.

During this experience, you will discover the cultural significance of Japanese home cooking, including the importance of seasonal harmony in meals. You will also gain insights into how food brings people together and reflects Japan's values—not just as a meal, but as a way to connect and bring good fortune to those gathered at the table.

This experience is suitable for all skill levels and can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences.

Private Nara Cooking Class Adventure

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!

Ancient Nara Walking and Cycling Tour in Asuka

Founded in the 7th century and linked to Prince Shōtoku, Hōryū-ji Temple is a historic marvel and the oldest surviving wooden structure in the world. Start with the iconic Five-Story Pagoda, then explore the Kondo (Main Hall) with its significant Buddhist statues and relics.

Wander the temple grounds to view ancient artifacts and gain insight into early Japanese Buddhism. A highlight of your visit is the Yumedono, an octagonal hall housing the revered Savior Kannon statue, offering a deep connection to Japan's spiritual history.

Dive into the intriguing legends and stories of Hōryū-ji, enriching your visit with the mysteries of Japan's past.

Nara: Hōryū-ji Guided Tour - World's Oldest Wooden Building

Step into the mystical heart of Japan's sacred mountains on this immersive journey through Yoshino—an ancient center of mountain worship, pilgrimage, and imperial legend. Unlike typical sightseeing tours, this experience invites you to feel the spirit of Shugendō, Japan's mountain ascetic tradition, still alive in the temples and forests of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain rare insights into sacred sites most travelers overlook. Stand before the vast wooden Kinpusen-ji Zao-do, home to three giant statues of the mountain deity Zaō Gongen. Then visit the richly adorned Yoshimizu Shrine, once a haven for exiled emperors and warriors.

This tour blends history, nature, and quiet mysticism—perfect for travelers seeking more than just a photo stop. Whether you're a history lover, a spiritual seeker, or a curious explorer, walk the ancient paths of monks and monarchs.

Experience the power of place. Discover the spirit of Yoshino. Book now.

Sacred Mount Yoshino Guided Tour – UNESCO Kii Mountain Range

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. 

Explore Nature in Yoshino with an e-Bike Tour 

Step into the timeless charm of Koriyama, a historic Japanese castle town that still preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. This guided tour offers hands-on cultural experiences: try goldfish scooping, enjoy roasted green tea with traditional Nara sweets at a 400-year-old confectionery, explore the scenic Koriyama Castle ruins, and finish with a local sake tasting paired with appetizers. A perfect way to discover the hidden beauty and refined traditions of Japan.

Castle Town Walking Tour with Local Sweets and Sake Tasting

Discover the art of Japanese calligraphy in a 1-hour workshop in Ikaruga, Nara. Learn how to write your name in kanji using a brush pen. Take your creation home as a souvenir.

Meet your instructor in Nara and learn about the history of calligraphy in Japan. Get a brief introduction to the art of calligraphy and the different styles of writing.

Use a brush pen to write your name in kanji. Learn how to write your name in a style called "onore-sho." This style is different from traditional calligraphy and allows you to write your name in a way that reflects your personality.

After the workshop, take your creation home as a souvenir.

The disbanding location can be the same as the meeting point or Horyuji Station. We　will drive you there.

Onore-Sho Calligraphy Experience in Nara

Explore the breathtaking naturescapes of Asuka, Nara, Japan's first capital. Visit historical sites, hike up a hill and enjoy a vegan and vegetarian-friendly breakfast with scenic views.You can also taste freshly roasted coffee at the scenic point.

Relish a special breakfast made with local ingredients and freshly-roasted coffee with stunning views from the viewpoint (vegan and vegetarian-friendly options are available)
The tour will also include a forest bathing experience in the dignified early morning air, and other activities to experience the natural beauty of Asuka Village using all five senses.


Nara Historical Hiking Tour and Breakfast Picnic in Asuka

Come with us to visit Mount Ikoma for half a day on foot and by public transport.

The culture, history and natural beauty of Japan will be there for your great pleasure!

We take the cute Ikoma Cable Car to reach the top of Mount Ikoma. First, we walk and visit Monzenmachi, a charming neighborhood leading to Hozanji Temple. We discover this area, from the 7th Century and this ancient temple from the 17th century, dedicated to Ganesh

We finish with Ikoma Skyland, an amusement park with breathtaking views of Osaka Bay and Nara's bowl. These views are particularly magical at sunset.

After this half day, you will learn more about the history of Japan. You will also have had plenty in your eyes with the landscapes and panoramic views throughout the visit. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Mount Ikoma

You can create a one-of-a-kind light that is uniquely yours.

A veteran with 16 years of experience as a craftsman is available to offer advice on both the creation process and design.

We also accept individual and group experiences, offer on-site classes, and provide space designs such as lighting up events.

If you're unsure of the design, or if it's your first time making something or you feel hesitant, don't worry—we've got you covered.

After completion, everyone ends up smiling.

Bamboo Lantern Class in Nara

16 years of experience as a bamboo craftsman, I carefully teach how to make chopsticks.
 In addition to travelers, I also participate as an instructor in events such as on-site workshops and matchmaking events, allowing many people to experience chopstick making.
 Custom engravings, such as names or messages, can also be added, making it a perfect souvenir of your trip to Japan.

Nara Shared Tour with Crafts Class

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.

2-Day Shugendo Experience in the Mountains of Yoshino

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). 

Private 2 Days Tour in Asuka Village Hidden Gems of Nara

Higashiyoshino is distinguished from other rural villages in Japan by two essential things: the last Japanese wolf was seen here, and the most interesting characters in Japanese history have passed through its mountains: Emperors who broke with the Court to make Nara the capital, Samurai who fought to the death to restore the Emperor, and all kinds of creatures and ghosts from the other world. Here, the mountains are the meeting point between this world and that of the dead, but they are also asylum and refuge. Samurai gossip, history, beer and onsen, this town has it all.

Private tour of rural Japan mountains, onsen and craft beer

Stroll Through a Historic Castle Town
Explore the streets of Koriyama, where the atmosphere of the Edo period still remains, guided by a local expert.

Hands-On Indigo Dyeing Workshop
Learn the history and techniques of traditional indigo dyeing inside a preserved townhouse, and create your own hand-dyed handkerchief to take home.

Experience Japanese Festival Culture
Try goldfish scooping, a nostalgic and fun festival game enjoyed by both children and adults in Japan.

Taste Local Cuisine with Sake Pairing
Choose from three restaurant styles—traditional Japanese, sushi, or Western-style café—each served with seasonal Nara sake (or a soft drink or beer option).

Relaxed and Flexible Itinerary
Enjoy the guided cultural experiences in a small group, then take your time over lunch and return at your own pace.

Cultural Experience and Local Sake Lunch in Koriyama Nara

Discover a hidden side of Nara on this guided visit to Hasedera Temple, a stunning site where a giant wooden statue of Kannon Bodhisattva stands inside a dramatic cliffside hall. Few places in Japan combine such spiritual power and architectural beauty in one location.

Walk along the temple's hillside wooden corridor, enjoy panoramic views, and learn the deeper meaning behind the sacred design from your expert guide.

The tour also includes a visit to nearby Hōki-in Temple, resting place of the monk who carved the Kannon, plus time to explore a charming local shopping street.

Perfect for those seeking more than sightseeing—this is a journey into Japan's spiritual heritage.

Nara: Explore Hasedera's Giant Kannon and Cliffside Temple

What sets this tour apart is its deep dive into Japan's hidden spiritual history—led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings centuries-old stories to life. Unlike standard sightseeing, this experience takes you beyond the surface, revealing the fascinating blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions that shaped Tanzan Shrine. You'll stand where emperors and nobles once conspired, explore Japan's only thirteen-story wooden pagoda, and uncover the sacred roots of a powerful political dynasty. Perfect for curious travelers seeking culture, history, and a truly unforgettable setting.

Nara: Explore Tanzan Shrine's Pagoda and Sacred History

Most visitors to Nara stick to the well-trodden paths—but this tour takes you beyond, into the forested mountains where few travelers venture. At Tsubosaka-dera, you'll encounter a giant stone Buddha overlooking the valley, a sight both awe-inspiring and deeply calming.

Unlike crowded tourist spots, this sacred site offers space to reflect, breathe, and connect with a more spiritual side of Japan. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll learn the stories behind the temple's healing traditions, its serene Eleven-Faced Kannon statue, and the natural harmony that defines the area.

Whether you're drawn by nature, history, or the quiet presence of stone and prayer, this tour delivers something rare: a truly meaningful encounter with Japan's sacred past—without the crowds, and with far more soul.

Nara: Discover a Giant Stone Buddha in the Forest Hills

Discover a hidden spiritual world just beyond the city. This tour to Hozan-ji Temple takes you deep into the sacred slopes of Mt. Ikoma—just 30 minutes from Osaka, yet worlds away in atmosphere. You'll ride Japan's oldest commercial cable car, then explore a historic temple revered for over a thousand years as a site of mountain worship and business prosperity.

With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll visit Hozan-ji's colorful halls, learn about Shōten, the deity of fortune worshipped by Osaka merchants, and walk through the Oku-no-in, a secluded sanctuary of stone Buddhas and ancient caves once used by monks. Few foreign travelers know this place—but those who do never forget it.

Accessible, mysterious, and rich in history, this experience is perfect for travelers seeking Japan's spiritual side beyond the usual tourist paths. Come walk the mountain, breathe in the incense, and discover why this sacred site has drawn worshippers for centuries.

Nara: Hozan-ji Temple Guided Tour with Cable Car Ride

Explore the spiritual origins and cultural heritage of Japan in Asuka, the nation's first capital. This guided walking tour unveils a landscape steeped in history, where ancient temples and sacred shrines narrate the early development of Japanese spirituality and governance. Starting from Kashiharajingu-mae Station, journey through picturesque countryside to visit Asukadera Temple, home to the oldest Great Buddha statue in Japan. Discover the significance of Asukaniimasu Shrine and other historical landmarks while gaining insights from your expert guide about Asuka's role during the pivotal Asuka period (538–710 AD). Perfect for culture enthusiasts and history buffs seeking a deeper understanding of Japan's roots.

- Visit the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, Asukadera
- Discover sacred sites like Asukaniimasu Shrine amidst scenic beauty
- Enjoy a guided exploration led by an expert on Japanese history
- Ideal for travelers interested in culture, religion, and archaeology

Nara: Asuka, Ancient Capital & Future Heritage Private Tour

Discover the roots of Japan's imperial lineage in Kashihara on this guided tour, where ancient mythology meets living history. Begin at the sacred mausoleum of Japan's first emperor, a site rich with legends of creation and the Imperial Family's origins. Stroll through serene forest paths to Kashihara Jingu, learning about the significance of purification rituals and shrine etiquette as you go. Admire the elegant architecture of the main sanctuary, reflecting Japan's ancient palaces, and visit spiritual sites like the Nagayama Inari Shrine that showcase Japan's diverse beliefs.

- Guided exploration of Kashihara's historic and spiritual sites
- Visit the mausoleum of Japan's first emperor and Kashihara Jingu
- Learn about purification rituals, shrine etiquette, and architecture
- Experience the blend of mythology and history in a serene setting

Nara: Origins of Japan's Imperial Line and Ancient Myths

This is more than a temple visit—it's a journey into the spiritual heart of Japan.
Our tour brings you to the misty mountains of Muro, where you'll explore Muro-ji Temple, a rare and sacred site known as the "Women's Kōyasan." Unlike many temples, Muro-ji welcomed female pilgrims centuries ago, offering a haven of reflection and spiritual equality.

Guided by a local expert, you'll walk peaceful forest paths, see the elegant cliffside hall, and stand before one of Japan's oldest five-story pagodas, gracefully nestled among ancient cedars.

As you arrive in this quiet mountain sanctuary, you step directly into a world of mossy stone steps, cedar-scented air, and serene spiritual atmosphere.

This tour isn't just about sightseeing—it's about slowing down and reconnecting with nature, history, and yourself.

Whether you're drawn to temples, nature, or timeless architecture, Muro-ji offers a soulful, unforgettable escape.

Nara: Muro-ji Temple – Sacred Serenity and Timeless Tradition

Discover a side of Japan few travelers ever see with this guided tour of Imai Town—one of the country's best-preserved historic merchant districts. Unlike touristy replicas, Imai is a living, breathing town with centuries-old wooden homes, moated streets, and deep cultural roots.

Your expert guide will lead you through beautifully preserved residences, temples, and hidden gems, sharing stories of merchant life, Edo-period architecture, and local traditions. It's a rare chance to step into the past while experiencing authentic daily life in a town where history and community still thrive.

With full English guidance and access to places off the beaten path, this experience offers a meaningful connection to Japan's rich heritage—perfect for curious and culturally minded travelers.

Nara: Step Into Edo-Era Streets in Imai's Heritage Town

Immerse yourself into the Roots of Shugendo, a unique spiritual tradition born in the sacred mountains of Yoshino 1,300 years ago, that weaves together Shinto, Buddhism, and mountain worship. 

Visit significant Shugendo sites with a private local guide, and meet a Buddhist priest and Shugendo practitioner, whose insights reveal the discipline, humility, and wisdom at the heart of this ascetic path. Your one-day experience culminates with an intimate encounter with the rich iconography of Esoteric Buddhism at a secluded Shugendo temple in Yoshino Town.

This full-day private experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the deep cultural and spiritual roots of the Shugendo tradition, which is still vibrantly alive in Yoshinoyama today.

Yoshinoyama : the Roots of Shugendo Spirituality

This isn't just a night out—it's a dive into local life in southern Nara.
Centered in Yamato-Yagi, a crossroads between Osaka, Nagoya, and Ise, the bar-hopping tour takes you into the real heart of regional nightlife. While tourists crowd Nara City, locals head to Yagi's cozy izakayas and standing bars, where warm hospitality, sizzling plates, and regional sake await.

Led by a local guide, you'll skip the tourist traps and explore two neighborhood spots loved by residents—places you'd likely never find on your own. Learn how to order like a local, discover the stories behind the dishes, and toast with regulars who might just start a conversation.

With ¥1,000 of food and drinks at each stop, this tour offers value and authentic flavor. Whether you're solo or with friends, you'll leave full and with a genuine taste of what a night in Nara really feels like.

Real food. Real people. Real Japan—one glass at a time.

Nara:Kashihara Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour

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

Things to do in Nara Prefecture