Day 1: Discover Nara's icons
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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.
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
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
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
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
Enjoy fresh tempura and soba noodles at Yoshimura. This simple but stylish restaurant is within a short walk of Toshodaiji Temple. | Japanese Restaurants | Nishinokyo
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
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
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
Day 3: A rural escape with fine cuisine in 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
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
Day 4: Sake and storied shrines in Sakurai
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
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
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