Village sightseeing in Asuka with two optional hikes of 4-6 hours
Travel by train to Asuka on the southern edge of the Yamato Plain, just over an hour away from Kyoto or Osaka. This peaceful agricultural community is an ideal location to experience the rural lifestyle of the Japanese countryside. It is a place of significant history, too. Stay overnight in a charming small family-run Japanese inn, or with a friendly family in a casual but welcoming homestay.
We provide two wonderful walks to explore the village.
This experience is an Add-on package
The peaceful, agricultural community of Asuka can be visited as a pre-tour extension for all our Self-guided tours.
Our Asuka experience is also a fine side-trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
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Travel by train to Asuka on the southern edge of the Yamato Plain, just over an hour away from Kyoto and Osaka.
We recommend our Asuka Monuments Walk on your first day in the village, since this gives a perfect introduction to the history and landmarks of the village.
Overnight at a Japanese inn or family homestay.
Walking distance: 9km / 5.5 miles (plus optional Iwaido detour)
Elevation gain: 420m / 1375ft of ascent / 425m / 1390ft of descent (plus optional Iwaido detour)
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking
Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Dinner
Today there is the opportunity to explore Asuka Village further. Clients looking for a more active day can follow the route to Tanzan Shrine, which winds along the pretty roads of this agricultural community and then heads up a forest trail.
Overnight at a Japanese inn or family homestay.
Walking distance: 13km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: 530m / 1,730ft of ascent; 300m / 985ft of descent
Time required: About 5 hours of optional walking
Accommodation: Minshuku (Family-run guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Head onwards by train from Asuka. There may be time in the morning to rent bicycles and visit Asuka's wonderful terraced rice fields.
Cycling distance: 13.4km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: negligible ascent and descent
Time required: About 2-3 hours of optional cycling
Meals: Breakfast