No.299Private Cycling Tour in the first capital of Japan
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Program
feePer person：14,000 JPY Available
time periodAll seasons Required
timeApprox. 3 hours Language Japanese,English 
Explore the nature and history, everyday life in a satoyama settlement.
How about soaking yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of ancient Asuka, where the whole village is protected by the Ancient Capitals Preservation Law.
Even if it is your first visit to Asuka, they say you’ll feel nostalgic somehow, and foreign visitors are no exception.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy solving the mysteries of ancient tombs and ancient stone structures; imagining the ancient city of 1,400 years ago; and strolling along beautiful terraced rice fields that are beyond description.
You’ll also visit and see everyday life in the country side with peaceful views of the satoyama settlement. This cycling tour offers you exquisite experiences; seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking, and imagining.
Why don’t you enjoy a cycling tour while greeting local villagers and communicating with them along the way?
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The terraced rice fields of Inabuchi.
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Autumn flower garden.
| Program | Private Cycling Tour in the first capital of Japan |
|---|---|
| Program fee | Per person:14,000 JPY |
| Available time period | All season program |
| Available time period Detail | Please ask us for the availability during the year-end and New Year holidays. |
| Required time | Approx. 3 hours (9:00-12:00) |
| Schedule | 9:00 Meet at Asuka Station, Kintetsu Railway (then, we will walk to a bicycle rental shop) Introduce each other, adjust a bicycle saddle, and take a lecture on measures in case of emergency. 9:15 Set out for cycling! 1. A short stop at the mausoleum of the 29th emperor, Emperor Kinmei. - What is it like inside an ancient tomb that is managed by the Imperial Household Agency? (Let’s have a look and compare it with "Ishibutai Tumulus" without mounds, where you’ll visit later.) 2. Solve the mysteries of the ancient tortoise stone called "Kameishi." - Mysterious legends and for what purpose was it made in the first place!? 3. Learn about the landscapes in Asuka Village protected by the "Ancient Capitals Preservation Law." - Why do the buildings in Asuka Village, including an elementary school and even convenient stores, have tiled roofs? (The secret of dark gray tiled roofs, plastered walls, and low-rise houses) 4. From the viewing spot at the Former Site of Asukakyo Capital, imagine the days of 1,400 years ago. - It is spectacular to view the place where Japan started as a nation and the capital of ancient Japan was established. 5. Let’s go to Oku-asuka; the place of movie shooting! - Beautiful Inabuchi terraced rice fields, which are one of the best 100 in Japan, as well as gigantic scarecrows are must-sees! - Enjoy crossing a steppingstone bridge over a river, which is assumed to be made in the Asuka period (6th - 8th century). - Explore and see everyday life of Satoyama settlement in Inabuchi area. 6. Visit the Ishibutai Tumulus, a major spot in Asuka Village. - Let’s go inside the Tumulus; horizontal stone chamber. (What is different from the Imperial ancient tomb? Why are there no mounds?) Around 12:00 The tour ends. |
| group / party | -Minimum: 2 participants -Maximum: 6 participants |
| Requirements for participation | Age: 15 or above (Suitable for bicycle beginners and above, provided they can ride a bicycle.) Minimum number of participants: Two (maximum: 6) - Electric assist bicycles (adult size) - A bicycle saddle is adjustable for a height range of approx. 140 cm to 185 cm. - Please let us know beforehand if your height is other than the above range. |
| Things to bring / required items | - Please come in comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for cycling. - Water or drinks of your choice - Maybe useful to bring a backpack type bag, a hat, and sunglasses. - Rainwear (If needed, please bring it.) |
| Included in this fee | - Bicycle rental fee - Local English Speaking Guide(Private) |
| Not included in fees | - Personal expenses |
| Meeting location | Rental cycle store "Himawari" |
| Meeting location Detail | Meeting time (09:00) A one minute walk from Kintetsu Asuka station. |
| Address of meeting location |
560 Koshi, Asuka village, Asuka-mura Takaichi-gun, Nara-prefecture
By car - 20 minutes from Katsuragi Interchange of Minami Hanna Road. - 40 minutes from Tenri Interchange of Nishi Meihan Expressway - 40 minutes from Kouriyama Interchange of Keinawa Expressway. By public transportation Trains - From Osaka: Take limited express for Yoshino at Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station and get off at Kashihara Jingumae Station. 40 minutes by limited express (45 minutes by express) - From Kyoto: Take a train from Kyoto Station, Kintetsu Railway, change trains at Kashihara Jingumae Station, and get off at Asuka Station. 70 minutes by limited express (80 minutes by express) * Please check train routes and connections beforehand.The number of trains is limited. Show Big Map |
| Pick Up Service | None |
| Payment method | Payment by credit card |
| Language |
Japanese,English |
Attention:
If you don’t show up at the meeting place on time, it will be regarded as a cancellation by you.
The tour will be on even if it rains.
* Note that if a weather warning or advisory is issued in Asuka village as of 7:00 AM on the day, the tour will be cancelled with a full refund.
* Please understand that if it is raining, there is a chance that the course will be changed to include sightseeing locations that are indoors, etc.
- Tour end:
At a shop in the Ishibutai Tumulus area of the Asuka Historical National Government Park
- Use of a bicycle after the tour ends:
It is possible for you to use a bicycle after the tour ends, but please return it by 17:00 to the bicycle rental shop near the meeting location.
* Please consult with a local attendant if you’d like to return the bicycle to a different place.
Cancellation:
A cancellation fee shall be charged as following if you cancel your booking.
The tour will be on even if it rains.
* Note that if a weather warning or advisory is issued in Asuka village as of 7:00 AM on the day, the tour will be cancelled with a full refund.
Please accept this cancellation policy before booking.
*From 7 to 4 days before the tour or on the day of the tour: 50% of the tour fee
*3-1 days before the tour: 100% of the tour fee
*After the start of the tour / No show on the day: 100% of the tour fee
*The days in gray mean that this activity is not available on that day.
* Please click on a day in the calendar, enter your information and click submit.
* Submission of this request form does not complete the reservation process.
* Applications are on first-come, first-serve basis. Therefore, even if the application was submitted successfully, there is a possibility that the activity has already been fully booked. If the guide cannot accept your request on your desired date, the guide/instructor may offer you other dates as an alternative.
* After applying, the guide/instructor will reply you about your request within a few days via email.
* If you don't receive a reply from the guide/instructor within a few days after submitting the request form, please kindly contact the guide/instructor directly.
* The deadline for submission of request is 7 days before the desired date to allow for processing time. Therefore please send request early.
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Profile
Nara Visitors Bureau is a DMC (Destination Management Company) based in this ancient city, Nara. We offer various tours that are not just sight-seeing visits, but are cultural and historical experiences in which you can feel, touch and taste the real Nara.
Comments
3-hour cycling tour visiting nature, everyday life in Asuka village, the first capital of Japan.
Company information
Company:Nara Visitor's Bureau
Address:3 Ikeno-cho Nara-city Nara-prefecture
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