Nara: Asuka, Ancient Capital & Future Heritage Private Tour

Nara Prefecture, Japan
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

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

Options

Nara: Asuka, Ancient Capital & Future Heritage Private Tour

Starting point:
Kashiharajingu-mae, 618 Kumechō, Kashihara, Nara 634-0063, Japan

From Kyoto (G-570)

From Kyoto (G-570): An option where you travel with your guide from Kyoto Station to Asuka, Japan’s ancient capital, by limited express train.
Starting point:
Kintetsu Kyoto Station, 31-1 Higashishiokōji Kamadonochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8215, Japan

What's included

  • Transportation to/from Asuka
  • Countryside walking experience
  • Admission to Asukadera Temple and Asukani-ni-Masu Shrine
  • Guided tour of Asuka
  • Meals and drinks
  • Personal expenses

What to expect

  1. Asuka-dera Temple
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Asukadera Temple, also known as Hōkōji, is regarded as the oldest full-scale Buddhist temple in Japan, originally established in 596 AD during the Asuka period under the influence of the powerful Soga clan. It played a pivotal role in the introduction and spread of Buddhism throughout Japan. Today, the temple is best known for housing the Great Buddha of Asuka—a seated bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, said to be the oldest extant Buddha statue in Japan. The temple grounds also convey a deep sense of historical continuity, with remnants of ancient pagodas and halls evoking the grandeur of early Japanese Buddhism. Visiting Asukadera offers a rare glimpse into the nation’s spiritual and architectural origins.
  2. Asuka Niimasu Shrine
    30m
    Tucked away amidst rice fields and forested hills, Asukani-imasu Shrine—also known as Asuka-ni-masu-jinja—is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and a deeply spiritual site. It has been a place of worship since ancient times, long before the introduction of Buddhism, and is closely tied to the founding myths of Japan. The shrine enshrines the ancestral deities of the Asuka region and was a central ritual site for the early Yamato court. Its serene setting and sacred atmosphere reflect the timeless reverence for nature and kami (gods or spirits) that underpins Shinto practice. Visitors can feel the spiritual gravity of a site that has witnessed the rise of Japan’s earliest capitals and belief systems.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meeting point: in front of the Kintetsu Kyoto Station ticket gate. Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. Please check the map for details.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide in front of the Kashihara-jingumae station east entrance. The guide will be holding a yellow sign.

End point

From Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, limited express trains provide excellent access not only to Nara City, but also to other major destinations in the Kansai region such as Osaka and Kyoto.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
22,250.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by DeepExperience · Booked through Viator
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From
22,250.00 JPY per person
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