Stay in a minshuku in Asuka
Guest rooms made in Asuka
Surprisingly, the small village of Asuka, not far from Nara, is in fact the first capital of Japan! It is now a traditional village, all that is most picturesque.
Between rice fields and traditional houses, why not take advantage of a trip to Asuka to sleep in a minshuku , a kind of Japanese guest house, for a total immersion in 7th century Japan? Japan Experience presents its selection of the best minshuku in Asuka:
Noka Minshuku
This small minshuku seems to be the most authentic. Spend the night in a traditional Japanese house, over 150 years old and covered with tiles. You will be welcomed by a young couple, with whom you will share dinner and breakfast. On the menu: typical dishes from the region and in particular Asuka Nabe, the local fondue. For a complete experience, do not hesitate to participate in the activities offered by the Era couple: taking care of the rice fields or the vegetable garden, for which they ensure that they do not use any chemical products.
See also: Nabemono, Japanese fondues
Minshuku Wakimoto Toshio
About a 15 minute walk from Asuka, this small guesthouse is also very quaint. You will be entitled to a quiet room, overlooking the garden. You will have to pay 1,000 yen (7€80) per meal taken in the minshuku , once again made with local products. From the main hall, you can see a statue of Emperor Temnu.
Minshuku Tamiya Kitamura
This minshuku is the most central. The "Hakusa no Oka" mansion is not far from the guest house , and you are close to lovely walks. In particular, you can access the highest point of the city, with a view of the whole of Asuka.
Minshuku Hanai Yoshinori
Here, you will be able to benefit from a room, with toilets, in a house independent from the main house. In addition, the host offers you the use of his bamboo charcoal bathtub, in order to relax after a good day's walk. An offer not to be missed!
Minshuku Wakaba
Less family-friendly than the previous ones, this minshuku remains a nice place to spend the night. Book one of the eight rooms and take advantage of the small café in the guest room. Breakfast and dinner are not provided. It is also possible to rent bicycles, perfect for visiting Asuka. The hosts will lend you yukata for the duration of your stay: don't hesitate to put them on and live like an Asuka-era Japanese.
It is sometimes difficult to contact these minshuku , which do not necessarily have websites in English. Similarly, Asuka is a relatively untouristy village and the inhabitants are not necessarily familiar with the language of Shakespeare: do not hesitate to ask a Japanese person to help you book.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
1h30 from Nara by train: Kintetsu-Nara line to Yamato-Saidaji station, then Kintestu-Kashihara line to Kashiharajingu-mae station, then take the Kintestu-Minamiosaka line to Shakudo station.Price
From 5,000 to 9,500 yen per night (between 40 and 75 euros)