Ancient Capitals: Nara & Asuka

Combines perfectly with any of our Kumano Kodo tours, and perfect if you would like to explore further cultural highlights of Japan.

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Solo Travellers

As the activity is flexible and your choice on this tour, we grade this tour as easy.

In Asuka you will stay in a small Minshuku and in Nara you will stay in a lovely hot-spring Ryokan.

The classic Japanese inn, Ryokan come in many styles, but are united by flawless service and exquisitely-prepared food. Ryokan may be in modern or traditional wooden buildings, but rooms are always Japanese style, with Tatami (straw mat) floors and futons for sleeping laid out in the evening by the Ryokan staff. Minshuku are similar to Ryokan but family-run and with less formal service. Rooms are more simply-furnished and guests typically lay out their own futons. Regardless if you have requested a double or a twin room you will get 2 separate futons to sleep on in your traditional Japanese room. Ryokan rooms sometimes have private bathrooms. Minshuku offer toilet and bathing facilities ‘along the corridor’. Baths may be smaller rooms, used privately in turn by guests; or they may be larger communal bathing suites, one for men and one for women.

As availability is limited we cannot guarantee or inform you in advance of booking which type of Japanese Inn you will overnight in.

We provide you with detailed information on the etiquette of staying in these beautiful traditional Japanese Inns.

Meals

Japanese cuisine is the highlight of many people’s visit to Japan and this is especially the case on this tour. Your trip includes 4 breakfasts and 2 evening meals.

Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included with meals. Tipping is not customary at hotels and restaurants in Japan.

Single Rooms

This trip is available to solo walkers and a limited number of single rooms are available, although a single/solo supplement is payable.

You can start this tour on any day of the week subject to availability. Accommodations are busy and may charge extra during the following Japanese holiday periods: New Year (29 December to 04 January), Golden Week (29 April to 05 May) and O-bon (13 - 15 August).

Time of Year

It is tough to beat the spring months of April and May but the summer months from June to September are also great as are the autumn colours in October and November. Japan can get very hot and humid during the summer months so you should keep this in mind if planning to travel at this time as it will make walking more difficult. Japan also experiences occasional tropical cyclones from June through to October. However, we usually get plenty of notice of these and very rarely should they affect your walk. 

By Air: The best airport to arrive at is Osaka International Airport (KIX), which has flights from many international destinations.

Getting around

Your package includes round trip train tickets from either Kyoto or Asuka. The public transport system in Japan is world-class and your pre-departure information pack has detailed information on how to use your tickets and the trains. Local buses are not included and should be paid for locally. Again your information pack will have detailed information on how to do this and it is very easy.

You will need to take your baggage with you on the public transport to/from the start of this tour. You will have access to your baggage every night.

On arrival in Asuka you need to leave your baggage in a coin locker at the train station. After your hike you pick up your baggage and proceed to your accommodation for the next 2 nights.

When you leave Asuka (on day 3 of the standard tour), you will go by taxi to the start of the trail where you will leave the taxi and start your hike. The taxi will then continue with your baggage onto your accommodation in Nara. You will then have your baggage for the 2 nights in Nara. When you leave Nara you take your baggage with you.