Green Tourism in the Rural and Historical Village of Asuka in Nara Prefecture

Asuka, located in Nara Prefecture, is a historic village where Japan’s first capital was established over 1,400 years ago. Today, it is a serene rural destination, home to ancient Buddhist temples, burial mounds (tumuli), and archaeological sites that reveal the grandeur of Japan’s early history. Visitors to Asuka can also enjoy its natural landscapes and local agriculture, experiencing a slower, more immersive pace of travel that allows for unique discoveries often missed on a rushed itinerary.

Walking or Cycling in the Heart of Asuka Village 

The village is not very large, and it is possible to walk to its main sites. However, I advise you to rent a bicycle because there is a lot to explore in Asuka, and being able to move faster allows you to leave the marked routes to explore areas off the beaten path.

The landscapes of Asuka are protected because of their historical importance. As a result, no modern buildings are visible on the horizon. The village is full of charm and exudes a timeless atmosphere. It is not necessary to travel far from the center to discover beautiful rural Japanese landscapes: endless rows of rice fields and traditional houses along roads too narrow to be navigated by cars. If you want to learn more about the history of this town, check out my article here.

The Terraced Rice Fields of Inabuchi Tanada

Slightly further south of central Asuka, we reach the terraced rice fields of Inabuchi Tanada. The rice fields follow one another over a large hilly area, and the landscape changes in beauty through the seasons and times of the day. The most popular times to visit them are in early summer, when the sunset is reflected on the flooded plots, and from the middle to the end of September, when they are covered with red flowers called higanbana. At the time I visited, the fields were lush green under heavy summer rains, which did not distract from their beauty in the least.

To discover the most beautiful views, don’t be afraid to leave the main road for the small paths that weave through the fields. But please, be considerate of the farmers by staying on the paths and not going inside the private property or walking on the edges of the fields. 

In addition to rice, Asuka’s strawberries are also famous, and it is not uncommon to see greenhouses on the side of the road. If you want to taste them, some farms offer visitors the opportunity to pick them themselves.

In the Footsteps of Filmmaker Naomi Kawase

Naomi Kawase, the director of the film Sweet Bean, is from Nara. One of her other films, Hanezu no Tsuki, is set in Asuka. When I asked the tourist office where to find the locations where the film was shot, they immediately indicated the one I had in mind: the little shrine with the big name Asuka Kawakami-ni-Imasu Usutakihime-no-Mikoto Shrine. By bike, it is a short distance from the Inabuchi Tanada rice fields.

It was under heavy rain that I arrived at the foot of the flights of stairs leading up to the shrine. This small sanctuary, nestled in the heights of the forest, slightly overgrown but not abandoned, as evidenced by a few cans of sake left as an offering, exudes a breathtaking mystical charm and power. There are many small shrines like this one in the Japanese countryside, hidden away for the most diligent travelers to find.

Glassmakers and Farmstay in Asuka

It was in Asuka that the first Japanese glass workshop was established, and the original techniques and traditions have been perpetuated to this day. There are still many workshops of glassblowers and other glass craftsmen. I had the chance to visit the village during an exhibition of their creations, but you can see them all year round in the shops and restaurants of Asuka.

When we talk about green tourism, one type of accommodation comes to mind right away: farmstay. I had the chance to spend a night at Tomaryanse (closed now). The house, which is more than 200 years old, offers a timeless environment ideal for relaxation. A delicious cuisine is served, prepared with fresh, local produce, and it is even possible to accompany the owners to work in the fields.

Gourmet Breaks to Discover Local Products

As you explore the Asuka countryside and its many farms, you will likely develop a desire to sample the local products, not to mention a big appetite from walking or riding a bicycle around the village.

In my two days of exploring Asuka, I came across four locations that are both restaurants and cafés: two where I had lunch, and two where I took a coffee and pastry break. Although not all the products are 100% local, in each place I was able to appreciate the quality of the cuisine and the lovely atmosphere.

Café Kotodama

Undoubtedly, Asuka’s most popular address, and we understood why after trying a delicious meal prepared with local products: a creative and subtle cuisine that blends typical Japanese flavors with Western inspirations. This café is also selling crafts.

Coffee Sanpo

This small restaurant set up in an old house is a real favorite, for the cooking and decoration as well as for the hospitality. The simplicity of the meal belies the attention paid to the smallest details and to quality. Hainan chicken, a dish from Southeast Asia, is a subtly flavored treat, and the coffee is excellent.

Matsuyama Cafe

Located in an old warehouse near the station, Matsuyama is undoubtedly Asuka’s trendiest café: a spacious area decorated entirely in wood and metal, and homemade cuisine based on local products.

Misono Cafe

Serving customers near Asuka Station for 40 years, Misono is an authentic café. The British accent decor is, in fact, quite typical of this type of establishment in Japan from that period. You can enjoy a coffee prepared in a siphon while relaxing to the sound of soft music.

More Information About Asuka

You can find more information on Visit Nara and on Asuka Navi (you can translate this page to English manually). You can also follow @asukanavi on Instagram.

I also recommend you to read the copy of the naranara guide dedicated to Asuka. You can easily find the paper version in Asuka, but also download the PDF version (in English and Japanese).

Access and Transportation to Asuka

Asuka is located less than 50 minutes by train from Nara. From Kintetsu-Nara Station, take the limited express train to Asuka station. Asuka Station is accessible in less than 80 minutes from Kintetsu-Kyoto or JR Osaka.

In Asuka, it is most convenient to ride a bike or in a mini electric car called michimo (rental is available near the station). It is also possible to walk or use the Asuka Aka Kame bus (schedules and information here in Japanese).

Visiting Asuka through the lens of green tourism is more than a trip — it’s an opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and experience the authentic rhythms of rural Japan. From cycling through ancient rice fields to exploring historical temples and tasting locally grown produce, every moment in Asuka is a chance to discover a sustainable, mindful way of traveling.

_{Sponsored by Asuka Mura village, Nara
Originally written in August 2019}