Itinerary
A Journey Through Japan's History and Culture
Journey through Japan’s cultural heritage from Nara City to the ancient sake region of Sakurai. Relax at luxurious retreats along the way, and indulge in Nara’s renowned cuisine.
- Day 1: Discover Nara's icons
- Fufu Nara
- Check in to Fufu Nara, a luxurious boutique resort near Nara Park, that was designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Unwind in a private hot spring bath and savor Nara-style kaiseki course dishes using ingredients deeply rooted in the land. Hotels Naramachi
- 10 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station by taxi, or 20 minutes on foot.
- Nara Park
- Just a short stroll from the hotel, explore beautiful Nara Park and see the wild deer. Start at Sagiike Pond, where the classical hexagonal wooden pavilion Ukimido appears to float on the water. Continue towards Todaiji Temple. Nature & The Outdoors Nara Park
- About 7 minutes from Fufu Nara on foot.
- Todaiji Temple
- With its 15 meter-tall Buddha, Todaiji is one of Japan’s most revered temples, and the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), is one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Completed around 752 during the Nara Period, this World Heritage temple was built to bring peace to Japan. History & Culture Nara Park
- About 8 minutes on foot from Sagiike Pond.
- Day 2: Exploring the ancient capital
- Former Heijokyu Imperial Palace
- Start your day with a visit to the Former Heijokyu Imperial Palace, the site of Japan's first permanent capital. Explore the historical ruins, then enjoy a leisurely lunch on the way to Toshodaiji Temple. History & Culture Nishinokyo
- Around 18 minutes by train from Kintetsu Nara Station.
- Yoshimura
- Enjoy fresh tempura and soba noodles at Yoshimura. This simple but stylish restaurant is within a short walk of Toshodaiji Temple. Japanese Restaurants Nishinokyo
- Around 6 minutes on foot from Nishinokyo Station.
- Toshodaiji Temple
- Founded in 759, most of the buildings at Toshodaiji Temple are designated World Heritage Monuments for their age and unique architectural styles. History & Culture Nishinokyo
- Around 5 minutes on foot from Yoshimura, or 10 minutes on foot from Nishinokyo Station.
- Horyuji Temple
- In the afternoon, check out of Fufu Nara and travel the short distance to Horyuji Temple, which has 48 World Heritage monuments, including some of the world's oldest extant wooden buildings, and magnificent statues and carvings. History & Culture Horyuji Temple
- About 12 minutes by train from JR Nara Station, then 5 minutes by bus from Horyuji Station.
- Ubusuna no Sato Tomimoto
- Stay at Ubusuna no Sato Tomimoto near Horyuji Temple. This luxury inn is the birthplace of celebrated potter Kenkichi Tomimoto (1886–1963), and features just two spacious private suites, each surrounded by beautiful gardens. Pottery workshops can be organized by prior reservation. Hotels
- Around 20 minutes by bus or 10 minutes by taxi from Horyuji Temple.
- Day 3: A rural escape with fine cuisine in Asuka
- Asuka
- Head to the rural hamlet of Asuka to explore Japan's history. Ancient stone monuments, quiet temples, rolling hills and terraced rice paddies hark back to simpler times. Rent a bike outside Asuka Station and wind your way through quiet back roads. History & Culture Asuka
- Around 30 minutes by train from Hirahata Station to Asuka Station.
- L'Auberge de Plaisance Sakurai
- Check in to L'Auberge de Plaisance Sakurai, a luxury inn known for its impeccable service and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy seasonal French haute cuisine made with local produce, surrounded by the beautiful rural landscape. Hotels Sakurai
- Around 12 minutes by taxi from Asuka Station.
- Day 4: Sake and storied shrines in Sakurai
- Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine
- After breakfast at L'Auberge de Plaisance, depart for Sakurai. Visit Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine, nestled in an ancient cedar forest at the base of Mt. Miwa. It is believed to be Japan’s oldest existing Shinto shrine, and is a sacred destination for sake brewers. History & Culture Miwa
- Abut 30 minutes by bus and on foot from L'Auberge de Plaisance to Sakurai Station, or around 15 minutes by taxi to Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine.
- Imanishi Sake Brewery
- Taste sake at nearby Imanishi Sake Brewery, run by the same family for over 350 years. On the other side of Sakurai Station, you can visit Nishiuchi Sake Brewery on the way to Tanzan Jinja Shrine. Activities & Experiences Sakurai
- About 2 minutes on foot from Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine.
- Tanzan Jinja Shrine
- Take a short bus trip from Sakurai Station up into the hills to visit Tanzan Jinja Shrine, known for its vibrant festivals and 13 story pagoda–the only one in existence in Japan. Stop at Shorinji Temple on the way, to see its beautiful gardens and gilded Kannon statue. History & Culture Sakurai
- About 20 minutes by bus from Nishiuchi Sake Brewery to Tanzan Jinja Shrine, or 12 minutes by taxi.
- Next adventures
- From Sakurai, it’s an easy 30-minute train journey back to Nara City, or consider heading a little further south to see the traditional Edo-period townscape of Gojo.
