Asuka-Fujiwara World Heritage Site | Hotel Nara Sakurai no Sato【Sakurai, Nara】

Q: Which World Heritage sites are closest to the hotel?

Omiwa Shrine (26 min), Ishibutai Tomb (9 min), Takamatsuzuka Tomb (17 min), Kitora Tomb (18 min), and Fujiwara Palace Ruins (13 min) are all easily accessible. Sakurai City itself is included within the constituent asset area.

World Heritage 2026

"Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals"
Officially Inscribed as World Heritage.

July 2026 — UNESCO World Heritage Inscription Confirmed! In July 2026, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting held in Busan, Korea officially inscribed the "Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals." Sakurai City, Nara is included within the constituent asset area.

Spanning Kashihara City, Asuka Village, and Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture, the "Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals" comprises 19 heritage assets — including Ishibutai Tomb, Takamatsuzuka Tomb, and Kitora Tomb — representing the birthplace of Japan's centralized state.

With this historic inscription, visitors from Japan and around the world are expected to flock to southern Nara. We recommend securing your accommodation early.

World Heritage Assets

6th c.~

Asuka Period sites

4th in Nara

Nara's World Heritage sites

Sakurai

Hotel location area

Ishibutai Tomb
Photo: Asuka-Fujiwara World Heritage Promotion Council

Location

All Major Sites
Within 30 Min by Car.

Located in Sakurai City, Hotel Nara Sakurai no Sato is ideally situated for exploring the World Heritage area. Free parking for 28 vehicles — perfect for car-based sightseeing.

26min

World Heritage Area

Omiwa Shrine & Mt. Miwa

One of Japan's oldest shrines, with Mt. Miwa as its sacred deity. Revered for matchmaking and sake brewing — pilgrims come from across Japan.

9min

World Heritage Asset

Ishibutai Tomb

Japan's largest horizontal stone-chamber tomb, said to be the burial mound of Soga no Umako. The central attraction of Asuka Village sightseeing.

25min

Hasedera Temple

The 8th temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. Renowned for its peonies, with a National Treasure stairway and year-round blooms.

18min

World Heritage Asset

Takamatsuzuka & Kitora Tombs

Ancient tombs world-famous for their vivid murals. Reproduction paintings can be viewed at the nearby mural museums.

13min

World Heritage Asset

Fujiwara Palace Ruins

Site of Japan's first full-scale imperial capital, founded in 694 AD. Surrounded by the Yamato Three Mountains — cosmos in autumn, rapeseed flowers in spring.

14min

Tanzan Shrine

Where Prince Naka no Ōe and Nakatomi no Kamatari plotted the Taika Reform. A stunning 13-story pagoda set against autumn foliage.

20min

Kashihara Shrine & Imai-cho

Kashihara Shrine — dedicated to Emperor Jimmu — paired with Imai-cho's beautifully preserved Edo-period townscape. Great for a day trip.

Why Choose Us

Why Guests Choose
Sakurai no Sato.

Nara-grown timber interiors

Warm Spaces Crafted from
Nara-Grown Timber

From doors and walls to furniture — all crafted from Nara-grown timber. The natural warmth of wood grain and the scent of the forest will soothe away the day's travels.

Meals Featuring Yamato Vegetables
and Local Ingredients

We serve dishes made with "Yamato Yasai" — Nara's traditional vegetables — alongside locally sourced ingredients. Farm-to-table cuisine that makes Nara's food culture part of your journey.

Explore World Heritage Sites
by E-bike

Rent an e-bike (electric-assist bicycle) at the hotel and explore the ancient sites of Asuka and Sakurai at your own pace. Access narrow lanes that cars simply cannot reach.

Free Parking for 28 Vehicles —
Ideal for Car-Based Sightseeing

The World Heritage sites are spread across a wide area — a car is the most efficient way to visit them all. Our free 28-space parking lot makes us the ideal sightseeing base.

Reviews

Guest Reviews

4.44

★★★★★

113 reviews

via Rakuten Travel

Here's what our guests are saying

"The perfect base for Asuka and Asuka Village sightseeing. The staff were incredibly kind and gave us detailed guidance on getting to each spot. The timber-scented room was wonderfully relaxing."

"Stayed primarily to visit Omiwa Shrine. The breakfast featuring Yamato vegetables was delicious, and the countryside scenery was so soothing. Plenty of parking too — we'd love to return."

"We visited Hasedera, Ishibutai Tomb, and Tanzan Shrine all in two days. The hotel's location is perfect — every spot was easy to reach from here."

Plans

Recommended Plans

We have curated plans perfect for your World Heritage journey.

From the Asuka Palace Site to the Fujiwara Palace Site
Photo: Asuka-Fujiwara World Heritage Promotion Council

[World Heritage Celebration]
Stay in the 1,300-Year-Old Capital — Asuka-Fujiwara Full Experience

Explore Asuka and Fujiwara Palace Ruins — the birthplace of Japan — and savor history, nature, and Nara's finest cuisine. A special retreat for discerning travelers.

For one person ¥17,400〜
（Tax included; based on double occupancy）

Book This Plan

Omiwa Shrine

World Heritage Special!

[Morning Pilgrimage Plan]
Omiwa Shrine & Hasedera | Start Your Day with Chef's Special Morning Bento (Dinner Included)

A morning pilgrimage to Nara's sacred sites, wrapped in crisp morning air. A journey that goes beyond simply "staying" — taste the morning of Yamato.

For one person ¥16,100〜
（Tax included; based on double occupancy）

Book This Plan

Scenery of Nara

Explore Nara

[Nara World Heritage Journey]
Immerse in Historical Romance | Perfect Sightseeing Base (Dinner & Breakfast Included)

Visit Nara's World Heritage sites including Sacred Sites of the Kii Mountain Range, Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area, Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, and the newly inscribed Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals.

For one person ¥17,400〜
（Tax included; based on double occupancy）

Book This Plan

Parent-child cooking using harvested vegetables

Family Fun

[Limited Period]
Summer Family Stay with Food Experience in Sakurai

A 2-day family stay in nature-rich Sakurai City, where parents and children experience the joy of food together.

For one person ¥20,300〜
（Tax included; based on double occupancy）

Book This Plan

Kirishima Wagyu

Seasonal Special

Premium Adult Getaway:
Kirishima Wagyu Beef & Ancient Capital Strolls

Indulge in a Japanese-Western dinner course featuring our own ranch's Kirishima Wagyu beef, paired with a colorful breakfast rich in local ingredients.

For one person ¥20,700〜
（Tax included; based on double occupancy）

Book This Plan

Room Image

Great Value

Breakfast Included Plan
— For the Free-Spirited Traveler

A flexible plan without dinner, perfect for those who want to dine out and explore. We'll be happy to recommend local restaurants.

For one person ¥9,700〜
（Tax included; based on double occupancy）

Book This Plan

※ Plans and prices listed above are for reference. Please check the booking page for current availability and rates.
※ Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy (tax included).

Name	Hotel Nara Sakurai no Sato
Address	2220-1 Takaya, Sakurai City, Nara 633-0044, Japan
TEL	0744-48-0620
IN / OUT	Check-in from 15:00 Check-out by 11:00
Parking	Free · 28 spaces (first-come, first-served)
Train	Approx. 10 min by car from Sakurai Station (Kintetsu / JR)
From Osaka	Mihara JCT → Bennosho Ramp → Hotel (approx. 40 min)
From Kyoto	Jōyō IC → Hotel (approx. 70 min)
From Nagoya	Nagoya Nishi IC → Kameyama IC → Hari IC → Hotel (approx. 2h 20min)
E-bike	6 available for rent (fee applies · advance reservation required)

Hotel Detail

About the Hotel

Spaces Crafted from Nara's Natural Materials

Doors, walls, and furniture are all crafted from Nara-grown timber. The scent of wood greets you from the moment of check-in, setting the tone for your journey.

Meals with Yamato Vegetables & Local Ingredients

We serve seasonal dishes featuring "Yamato Yasai" — Nara's traditional vegetables — sourced directly from local producers. Farm-to-table cuisine that embodies Nara's food culture.

Nature from Dawn to Dusk

Mornings bring birdsong and verdant countryside vistas. Evenings offer a crisp breeze, city lights in the distance, and a canopy of stars. Nature surrounds you from sunrise to sunset.

Cycle the World Heritage Sites by E-bike

6 e-bikes (electric-assist bicycles) available for rent. Explore the ancient sites of Asuka and Asuka Village at a leisurely pace — including narrow farm lanes inaccessible by car. (Fee applies · advance reservation required)

3-Day / 2-Night Complete World Heritage Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Osaka / Nagoya / Kyoto → Omiwa Shrine & Mt. Miwa (20 min drive) → Hasedera Temple (25 min drive) → Check in → Dinner

Day 2

After breakfast → Ishibutai Tomb (13 min) → Takamatsuzuka Mural Hall (8 min) → Kitora Tomb (4 min) → Return to hotel · Dinner

Day 3

After breakfast, check out → Fujiwara Palace Ruins (13 min) → Kashihara Shrine & Imai-cho (11 min) → Tanzan Shrine (23 min) → Depart for home

※ Travel times are approximate. Feel free to customize the itinerary to your preferences.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the hotel from Asuka Village? ＋

About 10 min by car from Ishibutai Tomb and 6 min from Asuka. Even after visiting all the spots in Asuka Village, you'll have plenty of time for an evening check-in.

Is there a shuttle from the nearest station? ＋

We do not offer a shuttle service, but Nara Kotsu buses run from Sakurai Station South Exit — 3 departures on weekdays and 6 on weekends/holidays — stopping at the NAFIC Abe Campus.

Do I need to reserve an e-bike in advance? ＋

Yes — e-bikes are limited to 6 units, so advance reservation is recommended. Please let us know at the time of booking or upon check-in.

Which World Heritage sites are closest to the hotel? ＋

You can easily access Omiwa Shrine, Ishibutai Tomb, Takamatsuzuka Tomb, Kitora Tomb, and Fujiwara Palace Ruins. Sakurai City itself is included within the "Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals" constituent asset area.

Is it suitable for families with children? ＋

Absolutely. Ishibutai Tomb and the Asuka Historical Museum are popular with children. Facilities are barrier-free, and the wide open spaces are perfect for families.

Asuka & Fujiwara,
Your Base for a
World Heritage Journey.

"Asuka-Fujiwara Imperial Capitals"
Officially Inscribed as World Heritage.

All Major Sites
Within 30 Min by Car.

Nestled in the Countryside,
Authentically Nara.

Why Guests Choose
Sakurai no Sato.

Warm Spaces Crafted from
Nara-Grown Timber