Head to the hills for a scenic, spiritual trek near Nara. Follow the path of Japan’s oldest road, winding through forests and rice paddies. Visit ancient Shinto shrines and tranquil Buddhist temples along the way, experiencing the harmonious blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders that makes Japan so special.
Programme Details
Today’s tour will start at 10:00. Get the blood pumping with a scenic and spiritual hike near Nara. Meet with a local guide around 10:00 for a short walk to the hills. Cross through Nara’s Tenri Hondori arcade, a massive shopping area housing more than 200 shopfronts and cafés. Continue to walk away from town, passing by the impressive Tenri-kyo Shinto-sect church along the way to the trail.
The rest of the day’s trek is along Yamanobe-no-michi, a section of the road that once linked Nara to Tokyo. Referred to as Japan’s oldest road, the trail features dozens of historic shrines and ruins.
Two of the highlights of the trail are Chogaku-ji Temple and Omiwa Shrine. At Chogaku-ji, stop to admire the Buddhist temple’s beautiful surroundings. Depending on the season this may be cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, maple leaves or other colourful flowers and foliage. Omiwa Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, is a fabulous place to learn about Shinto culture. Discover why it is referred to by locals as Japan’s first shrine and how it served as a sacred ground for various philosophical religious groups.
After this insightful walk in the woods, return to Nara, say farewell to the guide and enjoy a well-deserved rest at the hotel. (L)
Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kyoto Station to Tenri Station: 1 h
Nara Station to Tenri Station: 15 min
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- The hike is not recommended during the months of January, February, March, July and August.
- The hike is 13 km long and takes approximately 5 hours, depending on the level of fitness and time for sightseeing along the way.
- This hike is an easy hike, however proper hiking shoes and raincoat in rainy weather are required.
- Guide for the trek, starting at Tenri Station and finishing at Miwa Station. Hotel pick-up can be arranged at additional charge.
- The tour will not run in extreme weather conditions.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and/or physical conditions that you may have.
- We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation).
- Please note that all of the above services and tours have yet to be booked. They are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation.
- If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the time of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes in the programme.
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Nick Ghosh
Global Director of SalesEXO Sales Team
Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
Lucas Arruda
Sales Manager, Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Hailing from Brazil, Lucas leverages a deep well of professional experience, destination knowledge and love of travel to his role as Sales Manager for Latin America. He initially joined EXO in our China offices, gaining a strong understanding of EXO services and products, which he brings to this new role.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Manager UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Sophie's passion for travel began when she was young, joining her parents for trips abroad. Captivated by the allure of new destinations and diverse cultures, she went on to pursue a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. After a decade working for a renowned UK travel agent, she transitioned to her role as EXO’s Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland.
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager German MarketEXO Sales Team
Born in Bangkok, Pantanida began her career in the travel industry in the early 2000's. After travelling around Southeast Asia for a period of time, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to help start up the German department for EXO Travel. She has been based in Germany since 2008, where she looks after our German-speaking clients.
Amanda Pilar
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Amanda is a graduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management and calls Boston home. She first fell in love with Asia in 2012 then worked as a travel specialist creating bespoke luxury journeys to Asia for a leading US tour operator. Her passion to bring unforgettable travel experiences for all clients ensures she brings the best in terms of support for our trade partners in North America.
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager, North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.
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Alice caught the travel bug early, accompanying her parents on cultural and architectural trips as a young child. She went on to study tourism and work for a well-known tour operator before taking a solo trip across three continents. In 2017, Alice joined EXO Malaysia as Inbound & Product Manager and, in 2023, returned to Paris as Sales Manager to support EXO's partners in the French-speaking market.