What‘s Included

What To Expect

Reviews

• Memorable and fun

  rebeccabS6879PA,

  Nov 8, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a wonderful guide to this excellent hike down a fascinating road. We learned so much about the history of this area and the culture. Well, enjoy enjoying the beautiful scenery. Our guide spoke excellent in English and was very knowledgeable. I would rate this activity as a highlight of our trip here in Japan.

  

  

  

  

  

• Rural Heaven

  KcireD A,

  Nov 7, 2022

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This tour was not exciting, but it was not meant to be exciting. It is a leisurely walk through rural Japan. Yamanobe Road is old. I have to wonder how many people have walked along that road. it boggles my mind. I felt at peace walking. The guide was great. She proved to be a great resource for history. We also interacted a bit with the locals, which was pretty cool. If you want glitz and glamour then this tour is not for you. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in rural Japan. I also recommend this to Japanese who form the diaspora from the early 20th century. I am Japanese American and I imagine this is closer to how my ancestors lived (I am fourth generation) than what I see in modern urban Japan.

• Truly off the beaten path experience of Japan

  Jasmine N,

  Nov 6, 2022

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Michiko very kindly met us at our hotel, guided us around the highlights of Naramachi, before helping us to pick up a picnic lunch that we would later enjoy on the Yamanobe Trail. After hearing about my son's love of Japanese history, she added on a trip to a nearby kofun and adjoining museum. This really was one of our highlights of Japan - I can't imagine a more 'off the beaten track' experience (indeed, the entire day we saw perhaps one other foreigner), and seeing so many other Japanese people out enjoying the trail, we felt very much immersed in a traditional Japanese experience. Michiko has a great knowledge of Nara's local history (and neighbourhood - she pointed out a lot of local details, such as the home of a local geisha, and a well known local artist!). The trail is absolutely beautiful and the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Nara Park or other areas like Kyoto and Osaka, and really connect with more 'old fashioned' or traditional Japan. And Michiko herself is just lovely: it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to get to know her, and we sincerely hope we're able to meet her again in future.

  

  

• Relaxed

  Derick H,

  Oct 28, 2022

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It was a long stroll through the countryside. Not tiring as it was mostly flat. Pace was easy. Guide was knowledgeable and we got along well. The local People we met were also very helpful.

• Morning in Nara and afternoon on the Yamanobe-no-michi ancient trail.

  49geoffp,

  Feb 8, 2019

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  During my day with Chisato we first met at the Nara train station and spent the morning visiting the Todaji-ji Shrine, Nara Park and other key sites. From there we boarded the JR train and headed to the trailhead of the Yamanobe no Michi ancient trail. After lunch at a "local" spot, we "sauntered" along the trail visiting the Mika Shrine, the Hirara Shrine, Genpien Temple, Stone Pagoda and garden, a waterfall, fruit farms, a medicinal plant garden, and stoppws to chat with local gardeners and other denizens along the way. It was a fabulous spring day accented by beautiful cherry blossoms all along the way. The hike is a unique way to visit another slice of Japanese daily life away from what one gardener described " the noise of Kyoto." Chisato planned a great day for me and made sure all my needs were cared for. All together, we walked 8 miles. I was most impressed with Chisato's knowledge of topics ranging from native and edible plants to the cultural and historical significance of the sites we visited. My day with Chisato was one of the best days of my recent three weeks in Japan