Japan Private Tour (JPN046) Discover the Charm of Nara and Rural Japan 7 Days 6 Nights

We welcome you at Kansai International Airport (KIX) and transfer you to Nara (distance approx. 80 km, about 1 hour 30 minutes).

We take you to visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara's most famous temple and home to the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Surrounding the temple is Nara Deer Park, where deer are considered divine messengers. You can feed the deer, take commemorative photos, admire the Great Buddha statue, explore the temple's massive wooden architecture, and feed the deer in the park.

Stop for lunch.

Next, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the oldest shrine in Nara, renowned for its hundreds of beautifully decorated bronze and stone lanterns. Surrounding the shrine is a peaceful ancient forest. You can stroll along the lantern-lined forest paths around the shrine and photograph the uniquely beautiful lanterns.

Then visit Isuien Garden, a tranquil traditional Japanese garden featuring lovely views of the mountains and ponds reflecting the surrounding scenery. You can stroll through the gardens and admire traditional tea house architecture.

Have dinner.

We then take you to check in at the hotel.

hotel Overnight Hotel Ligare Kasugano (3 stars)

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Iga (approx. 60 km, about 1 hour and 30 minutes). Iga is renowned as the birthplace of the ninja and was an important historical center during the Edo period.

Visit Iga Ueno Castle, a historic castle built in 1585 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle stands on a high hill surrounded by 30-meter-high stone walls, which are among the highest in Japan. Today, the castle has been restored and houses exhibitions on the history of Iga and the ninja. You can explore the castle's architecture, learn about shoguns and samurai of the past, and enjoy scenic views of the city from the top floor.

Stop for lunch.

Visit Iga Old Town, an area filled with historic houses and traditional buildings reflecting the town's past prosperity. You will find quaint streets lined with craft shops, traditional Japanese sweets shops, and local specialty stores. Stroll through the old town, take photos with well-preserved wooden houses, browse renowned Iga pottery and ninja merchandise, and pick up unique souvenirs and treats.

At the appropriate time, travel back to Nara (approx. 60 km, about 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Dinner.

Check in to your hotel.

hotel Overnight Hotel Ligare Kasugano (3 stars)

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Sakurai (approx. 40 km, about 1 hour). Sakurai is a charming small town rich in nature and history in Nara Prefecture, considered one of the cradles of ancient Japanese culture.

Visit Hasedera Temple, situated on a scenic hillside surrounded by beautiful nature. Known as the "Temple of Flowers" for its year-round blooms, it is particularly stunning in spring with cherry blossoms and peonies. This is a major temple of the Shingon sect, enshrining an 11-headed Kannon statue over 10 meters tall, and offers panoramic views overlooking Sakurai village. Walk up the covered wooden staircase lined with lush greenery, admire views of the surrounding village and mountains from the main stage, and explore ancient wooden pagodas and halls showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Lunch.

Visit Omiwa Village, a small village nestled at the foot of Mount Miwa, an area of profound cultural and spiritual significance. The village is renowned for Omiwa Shrine, regarded as one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, dating back to before the Common Era. The shrine has no main hall for the deity, as Mount Miwa itself is worshipped as the sacred dwelling of the god. Explore the natural surroundings enveloped by forested hills, taste and learn about local sake brewed with pristine local spring water, immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere, and capture beautiful photos of the village and mountains.

At the appropriate time, check in to your hotel.

hotel Overnight Hotel Nara Sakurai no Sato (3 stars)

Overnight in Yoshino (Hotel: Scenic inn Yoshikumokan, 2-star ryokan)

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Mount Yoshino (approx. 20 km, about 45 minutes). Mount Yoshino is world-famous for its natural beauty, especially during spring when over 30,000 cherry trees blossom across the mountain, earning it the title of "Japan's most beautiful cherry blossom mountain."

Visit Kinpusenji Temple, an important temple near Mount Yoshino and the center of Shugendo, a spiritual tradition blending Buddhism, Shinto, and nature worship. The temple's main wooden hall, known as "Zaodo," is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan. The temple is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."

You can visit the main hall, home to the sacred statues of Zao Gongen, stroll around the temple grounds surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring or lush greenery in other seasons, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Lunch.

Visit Yoshino Village, a peaceful mountain village rich with the charm of rural Japanese life and a center for preserving traditional culture. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with scenic views of surrounding mountains and valleys. Walk along small streets lined with local shops offering handicrafts such as pottery, woodwork, and cherry blossom-themed souvenirs. You can observe the village's famous natural textile dyeing process, sample Japanese treats, and chat with friendly locals to experience traditional culture.

Dinner.

Then, check in to your accommodation.

hotel Overnight Scenic inn Yoshikumokan (2 stars)

Return to Nara (Hotel : Hotel Ligare Kasugano 3 stars)

After breakfast at the hotel in Yoshino, we take you to Asuka Village (approx. 20 km, around 45 minutes). Asuka Village is considered the birthplace of Japanese civilization and culture during the Asuka period (538–710 AD). This area is filled with archaeological sites and peaceful nature.

Visit Masuda-no-Iwafune, a massive stone structure about 4.7 meters high and over 8 meters long, carved into a ship-like shape. It is believed to have been associated with religious rituals in the Asuka period, though its true purpose remains a mystery. The surrounding area is peaceful and natural, creating an ideal setting for exploration where you can admire carving work that reflects ancient Japanese stonemasonry skills.

Take photos of the beautiful surrounding landscape and learn about the local history.

Lunch

Visit Asukadera Temple, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in the early Asuka period and considered the model for Buddhist temples across Japan. This temple houses Japan's oldest bronze Buddha statue, crafted in the 7th century. The temple is also surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the village and countryside.

Here, you can admire Japan's first bronze Buddha statue, stroll through the temple grounds with their shady gardens and lush trees, and learn about the history of Buddhism's introduction to Japan.

Next, visit Ishibutai Tumulus, a park surrounding the ancient megalithic tomb of an Asuka-period leader. This tomb consists of massive, meticulously assembled stones, each weighing more than 70 tons. The surrounding area is filled with tranquil rice paddies and nature. You can explore the tomb, learn the history of Asuka-period rulers, or take a leisurely walk around the scenic park.

Afterward, we take you back to Nara (approx. 20 km, around 45 minutes).

Dinner

Check in to your hotel

hotel Overnight Hotel Ligare Kasugano (3 stars)

Dinner in Kyoto and return to Nara (Hotel : Hotel Ligare Kasugano 3 stars)

After breakfast at the hotel, we take you to Kyoto (approx. 40 km, around 1 hour). Kyoto is a charming city with a harmonious blend of history and nature, filled with temples, shrines, and attractions that reflect ancient Japanese culture.

Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto's most famous golden temple and an internationally recognized World Heritage site. The main pavilion is completely gilded in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond and nature. Built in the 14th century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as his retirement villa, you can stroll around the grounds surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens, take photos of the pavilion mirrored on the water, and learn about the history of the shoguns and Japanese art.

Lunch

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an iconic bamboo forest where soaring stalks create one of Kyoto's most famous vistas. The walking path through the bamboo grove is peaceful and serene, making it a perfect spot to unwind. Stroll through the grove and capture photos of the towering bamboo framing the path.

Next, visit Gion District, Kyoto's historic geisha district filled with traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and fine restaurants. Gion is a vibrant cultural area that retains its rich traditions. You may spot a geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking along the streets. Stroll down Hanami-koji Street, lined with historic teahouses and traditional wooden buildings, capture the timeless atmosphere in photos, shop for souvenirs, and experience authentic Japanese culture.

Dinner

Afterward, we take you back to Nara (approx. 40 km, around 1 hour) and check in to your hotel.

hotel Overnight Hotel Ligare Kasugano (3 stars)

After breakfast at the hotel, spend a relaxing morning exploring Nara, enjoying a peaceful stroll through the historic old town.

We take you to visit Kofuku-ji Temple, a charming temple located near Nara Deer Park known for its simple and elegant architecture, especially the Five-Story Pagoda, which is one of the tallest in Japan. Built in 710 AD by the Fujiwara clan—a powerful family during the Nara period—this historic temple complex also houses the Kofuku-ji National Treasure Museum, showcasing revered Buddha statues and precious temple relics.

Next, take a stroll through Naramachi, an old merchant quarter filled with traditional wooden townhouses and narrow alleyways that preserve an authentic historic Japanese atmosphere. Enjoy the quiet ambiance while browsing artisan craft shops, souvenir stores, and traditional sweets shops.

Feel free to stop by local shops for pottery and regional specialties, and be sure to sample local delicacies like yomogi mochi.

Lunch.

When it is time, we transfer you to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your flight back to Thailand with wonderful memories. If time permits, you can enjoy some last-minute duty-free shopping at the airport.