Asuka Village, Nara

A registered tangible cultural property, this inn occupies a 150-year-old private house. This low, two-story machiya-style house has been comfortably furnished with modern equipment and convenient amenities, yet it retains its traditional appearance. There are two distinctive guest rooms, Akane-no-Ma and Yamabuki-no-Ma, each with its own private garden.

• Address :

  660 Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)6-6203-2565

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  9 minutes by bus from Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station to Asuka Station, then 5-minute walk from Asuka Station bus stop

• Check-in :

  3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. (dinner-plan guests: until 10:00 p.m.)

• Check-out :

  11:00 a.m.

• Rates :

  From ¥59,700 per night with two meals for two people each

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB

• Bedroom :

  Private room for up to eight people; bed or Japanese futon

• Bathroom :

  Bathrooms with bathtubs in each room, available from check-in to Check-out

• Toilet :

  Western style

• Meals :

  Dinner, Breakfast

• Wi-Fi :

  Available

This inn, renovated from an old private house in Asuka Village, is located near the historic Kitora Tumulus. The building retains the atmosphere of a traditional farmhouse, allowing guests to experience the customs and ways of ancient Japan. Enjoy delicious rural cuisine made with seasonal vegetables and served around a hearth—and spend some fascinating moments with the famous proprietress.

• Address :

  204 Abeyama, Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture

• Access :

  12-minute walk from Kintetsu Tsubosakayama Station

• Check-in :

  From 3:00 p.m.

• Check-out :

  11:00 a.m.

• Rates :

  From ¥16,500 per person per night (includes two meals)

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  None

• Bedroom :

  Three Japanese-style rooms with space for up to seven people each (with lock); Japanese futon

• Bathroom :

  Bathroom available (with lock); bathtub available from check-in to Check-out

• Toilet :

  Western style

• Meals :

  Dinner, Breakfast

• Wi-Fi :

  Available

This rustic café was renovated from a former sake brewery built 200 years ago. For lunch, enjoy flavorful dishes that include fresh vegetables and ingredients purchased by the chef each morning, and at teatime, tuck into seasonal sweets and drinks. This is the most popular restaurant in the village, known for its relaxed atmosphere.

• Instagram :

  cafe.kotodama

• Address :

  1223 Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)744-54-4010

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  From Kintetsu Asuka Station or Kashiharajingu-mae Station, take the Asuka Tour Bus (Kame Bus) and get off at Shimanosho or Okadera-mae bus stop (15–20 minutes). The restaurant is right by the bus stop.

• Opening Hours :

  10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)

• Closed :

  Tuesdays and the 3rd Wednesday of the month (please inquire if the day falls on a national holiday)

• Cuisine :

  Café

• Foreign Language Menu :

  Not available

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  None

Indulge in delicious homemade food prepared by a talented female chef who uses local Nara Prefecture additive-free ingredients. The roast-beef rice bowl, prepared with carefully selected Japanese beef and complemented by plenty of tasty vegetables, makes a luxurious lunch.

• Address :

  1156 Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)744-55-5867

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  From Kintetsu Asuka Station or Kashiharajingu-mae Station, take the Asuka Tour Bus (Kame Bus) and get off at Okadera-mae bus stop (15–20 minutes). The restaurant is right by the bus stop.

• Opening Hours :

  11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

• Closed :

  Thursdays and the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays

• Cuisine :

  Café

• Foreign Language Menu :

  Available (Tablet Device)

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB

Tokuboshi Soy Sauce Factory is the only soy sauce brewery in the village with over 100 years of history. After seeing the 100-year-old cedar barrels and learning about soy sauce production, visitors will have the opportunity to make their own soy sauce, which they will then use on the delicious mitarashi dumplings that they will make themselves.
Those who choose the dinner plan can also enjoy a special Italian dinner using Tokuboshi soy sauce.

• Meeting Place :

  7 Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture (Asuka Stand)

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)744-54-2068 (Asuka Village commercial and industrial Association)

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese and English

• Access :

  From Kintetsu Asuka Station or Kashiharajingu-mae Station, take Asuka Tour Bus (Kame Bus) and get off at Oka-hashimoto or Okadera-mae bus stop (15–20 minutes). The meeting place is a one-minute walk from either bus stop.

• Duration :

  Three hours (about five and a half hours with dinner)

• Fee :

  ¥12,000 for soy sauce brewery tour and making your own soy sauce (with mitarashi dumplings); ¥33,000 with dinner

• Languages Supported :

  Japanese, English

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB

The untouched virgin landscape of Asuka Village is sometimes referred to as the “birthplace of Japan”. The village was the birthplace of the important historical figure Prince Shotoku, as well as the location of the ‘Taika Reformation’ and setting for the decree of ‘Taika’ as the first ever Japanese era on record. The village’s ancient burial mounds and historical sites still remain shrouded in mystery to this day. Embark on a guided cycling tour that recounts the fascinating story of how this area became the birthplace of Japan.

• Meeting place :

  Kintetsu Asuka Station Rotary, Koshi, Asuka Village, Takaichi-gun, Nara Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)744-54-2068 (Asuka Village commercial and industrial Association)

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese, English

• Access :

  Short walk from Kintetsu Asuka Station

• Duration :

  Three hours

• Fee :

  ¥13,000

• Languages Supported :

  Japanese, English

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB/Diners Club