What is
Discover Nara?
Discover Nara Tours is a locally based tour service specializing in historical tours of Nara, Japan—particularly the Asuka and Fujiwara regions, known as the birthplace of Japanese civilization.
We offer carefully curated Nara tours for travelers seeking a deeper, more authentic experience of Japan, beyond crowded tourist destinations.
Meet Your Guide
Hi, I am the founder
and your guide!
Thank you for visiting
Discover Nara.
My name is Shige, the founder and your guide.
I was born and raised in Kashihara, Nara, and I have always loved the quiet atmosphere of this region—where history feels alive wherever you walk.
The Asuka and Fujiwara area (modern-day Kashihara) is not as widely known as Nara City, home to the famous deer and the Great Buddha. Because of this, it remains peaceful and relatively untouched, with far fewer international visitors.
Yet it is here that the foundations of Japan were first formed. As you explore ancient palace sites, hidden temples, and tranquil countryside, you can truly feel the presence of a world that existed over 1,400 years ago.
If you are looking for a deeper, more authentic experience of Japan—away from crowds and typical tourist routes—this region offers something truly special.
I would be delighted to welcome you to Asuka and Fujiwara, and to guide you through places that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
Shige
Why Discover Nara
Many visitors to Nara focus only on famous sites such as Nara Park.
However, the Asuka and Fujiwara region offers something very different.
Here, you will find ancient temples, kofun burial mounds, and imperial palace ruins dating back over 1,400 years—set in peaceful countryside landscapes.
Our tours are designed to help you explore these historic sites at a relaxed pace, avoiding crowds while gaining a deeper understanding of early Japanese history.
Our Tours
We offer a range of Nara tours, including half-day tours, full-day historical tours, and private custom tours.
Each tour is carefully designed to highlight the most important historical sites in Asuka and Fujiwara, while allowing time to appreciate the natural surroundings and cultural atmosphere.
Whether you are interested in ancient Japan, archaeology, or off-the-beaten-path travel, our tours provide a unique and meaningful experience.
Who We Are – Local Guide of Asuka & Fujiwara Tours
Discover Nara is a local tour company specializing in guided tours of Asuka and Fujiwara, the cradle of Japan’s ancient civilization. Founded by locals from Kashihara City in Nara Prefecture, our mission is to connect travelers with the spiritual heart of Japan.
We are just ordinary locals who grew up among the historic landscapes, sacred temples, and ancient ruins of this region. Because this has always been our home, we know its stories, rhythms, and hidden gems better than anyone.
Why We Offer Asuka & Fujiwara Tours
We created these Asuka and Fujiwara heritage tours to help foreign visitors discover a side of Japan that many never see - peaceful countryside, authentic traditions, and deeply rooted history.
While famous spots such as Nara Park - home to the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple and its charming deer - attract large crowds (and are indeed filled with international visitors), the quiet countryside of Asuka and Fujiwara remains largely untouched by foreign tourism. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, the authentic heart of traditional Japan still lives on.
These ancient capitals - dating back over 1,400 years - offer a rare chance to explore Japan’s beginnings without the distractions of modern tourism.
If you're searching for a meaningful travel experience that blends nature, culture, and quiet reflection, we believe you’ll fall in love with Asuka and Fujiwara just like we did.
What’s Included in Our Ancient Japan Tours
Each tour is led by a local guide-driver who provides personal support throughout your journey.
At each location, we provide a brief explanation, but you are generally free to explore ancient temples, burial mounds, museums, and other sites at your own pace. We make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy each place in the way that suits you best.
Your guide will assist with ticket purchases, share important cultural guidelines, warnings, and information, and help bridge any language barriers, so even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can relax and fully enjoy this journey into historic Japan.
