Explore Nature in Yoshino with an e-Bike Tour

Nara Prefecture , Japan

Explore Nature in Yoshino with an e-Bike Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the beautiful rural landscape and discover the story of Yoshino Town, a historically important town in the southern mountains of Nara Prefecture.

Description:
Meet your guide in front of the station. From there, hop on an electric bicycle and head towards the first destination of the tour: the Yamaguchi Shrine. Here you will learn about Japanese nature worship and its importance to local life. Next, head to nearby Ryumon Gorge and take a short hike through a thick evergreen forest to Ryumon Waterfall, a natural treasure of Yoshino.
Cycle past terraced rice fields en route to scenic Lake Tsuboro, where you’ll enjoy a fun ride over a suspension bridge before taking a break at an overlook point to enjoy a local snack. Finally, ride back along a woodland road and take in the fragrant aroma of cedar and cypress trees at a riverside lumber auction yard—part of a 500-year tradition of forestry in the Yoshino region. Return to the train station, ready for the next adventure.

Available options

Explore Nature in Yoshino with e-Bike Tour

What's included

Smartphone holder attached on E-BIKE

Rental helmet

All Fees and Taxes

Rental E-BIKE

Insurance

Detailed itinerary

Yoshino Town, known as the sacred place of cherry blossoms with Yoshinoyama, is registered as a World Heritage site for its historical significance. However, on this tour, instead of Yoshinoyama we will explore hidden gems that are not widely featured in guidebooks and are less frequented by tourists. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of rural Japan as you ride an e-Bike exhilaratingly. Please savor the charm of the countryside during your journey.

The meeting and dispersal location for this tour. We will provide a brief overview of the tour route and instructions on how to use the e-Bikes. If you have large luggage, we can assist you with storage here.

A local shrine with a sacred atmosphere, the deity of the mountain has been enshrined and revered by the local people since ancient times.

After parking the bicycles, take a 15 minute stroll through on enchanting cedar forest to reach Ryumon Waterfall. While there, you can relax with Shinrin-yoku forest bathing, experiencing the beneficial effects of phytoncide and negative ions in the forest.

Enjoy a splendid view while riding along a beautiful lakeside road and crossing a suspension bridge. Additionally, we could have a delightful tea time at a hidden lake.

Yoshino has long been known for its abundant supply of high-quality timber, and it continues to be used as a premium wood. In the Iigai district, there is a timber market where, on days when the wood is displayed, you could experience the soothing aroma of the trees.

What's not included

(Available for purchase at the vending machines on the tour)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tour participants must be able to ride a bike.

Minimum height is 144cm and maximum height is 190cm

There are no convenience stores and a few restaurants around the station.

This tour includes crossing a suspension bridge at a height of approximately 10 meters above the lake while riding a bicycle. Please be aware that individuals with a fear of heights should exercise caution.

Meeting point

A guide will be waiting for you right outside of the ticket gate in front of the station at the time of your train arrival. There is only one ticket gate for Yamato-Kamiichi Station, and if there is somehow a mix up, the Information Center is about a 30 second walk to the west (left).

About Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. As the first permanent capital of Japan, it boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Nara Park with its friendly deer and the iconic Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a massive bronze statue of Buddha that is a symbol of Nara.

Historical/Religious 1.5 to 2 hours ¥600

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly wild deer, which are considered messengers of the Shinto gods. The park is a beautiful green space with scenic walking paths and historic temples.

Nature/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (¥200 for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a renowned Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is famous for its lanterns, which are donated by worshippers and hang from the shrine's buildings.

Religious/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours Free (¥500 for the Treasure Museum)

Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, providing insight into Japan's religious and cultural history.

Museum/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours ¥700

Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with a history dating back to the Edo period. It offers stunning views of Mount Wakakusa and the surrounding city.

Nature/Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour ¥310

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

Sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, a traditional Nara delicacy with a unique flavor and aroma

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and rice, may contain allergens

Miso-ni

A comforting miso-based soup with tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat, reflecting Nara's Buddhist culinary traditions

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, may contain soy

Kudzu-mochi

A traditional Japanese sweet made from kudzu starch, often served with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup)

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Yoshino Cycling around Nara Park Tea ceremony at a traditional tea house Strolling through Isuien Garden Visiting historic temples and shrines Participating in a traditional craft workshop Visiting hot springs (onsen) in nearby areas Enjoying winter illuminations at temples

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. These seasons provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect large crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour guides and vendors

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Nara city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km from Nara city center

By train

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station Bus Terminal, Kintetsu Nara Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Nara City Loop Bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Buses are frequent and easy to use, with English announcements and signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nara Park and Todai-ji Area Nakatanicho Sanjo Dori

Day trips

Asuka Village

15 km from Nara • Half day to full day

Asuka Village is a historic site with ancient tombs, temples, and ruins, offering a glimpse into Japan's ancient past. It is known as the birthplace of Japanese civilization and the first permanent capital of Japan.

Mount Yoshino

25 km from Nara • Full day

Mount Yoshino is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful autumn foliage. It is also a sacred site with numerous temples and shrines, including the famous Kinpusen-ji Temple.

Osaka

40 km from Nara • Full day

Osaka is a vibrant city with a mix of modern attractions, historic sites, and delicious street food. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from shopping and dining to cultural and historical exploration.

Festivals

Nara Tokae Shogyo Festival • April 1st Nara Matsuri • October (second weekend) Shinji-kawase Festival • July 14th-15th

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere
Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the friendly deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the park's guidelines
Consider purchasing a Kintetsu Railway Pass for unlimited travel on Kintetsu lines, which can be cost-effective for tourists
Explore Nara-machi, the old town, for a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and local crafts
Try kakinoha-zushi, a unique Nara delicacy made with sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves