Uda(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For authentic cultural immersion, stay at Uda no Mori Onsen Ryokan, nestled in the foothills of Mount Shōgoku. This family-run ryokan offers private open-air baths with views of seasonal forests and serves exquisite kaiseki cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Guests can participate in kimono dressing sessions, tea ceremonies, and evening storytelling about the Asuka period, bringing ancient Japanese heritage to life. The serene setting enhances the sense of timelessness, perfect for those seeking deep connection with Nara Prefecture’s spiritual roots.

The central Uda City district is ideal for first-time visitors, located just minutes from Ōmiya Shrine and Asuka River. This walkable zone hosts modern hotels like Uda City Hotel, which provides free shuttle service to Asuka Historical Park and Horyu-ji Temple. With easy access to major archaeological sites and a vibrant local market, it’s the perfect base for experiencing Japan’s earliest imperial culture while enjoying convenient amenities and friendly staff.

Tourists can engage in hands-on experiences such as handmade washi paper workshops at Uda Washi Craft Studio, where they learn techniques used since the 7th century. At Uda no Mori Onsen Ryokan, guests may attend an evening tea ceremony with historical narration, or try on ancient court attire during special events. Some guesthouses also offer reconstructed Asuka-era banquets, serving dishes inspired by the diet of Japan’s first emperors, allowing travelers to taste history through food and ritual.

Yes, Uda Family Inn is a top choice for families, featuring a children’s playroom, outdoor activity deck, and complimentary shuttles to Asuka Historical Park. Kids can enjoy interactive archaeology simulations, digging for replica artifacts in a sandbox, and learning about Kofun period burial mounds through story-based games. The inn also offers family kaiseki meals with child-sized portions and includes a guided forest adventure tour, making it a joyful, educational escape for all ages.

Visit Shirasagi Hill Overlook at sunrise for panoramic views of the Uda River Valley and rare sightings of white egrets. For a peaceful forest hike, explore Kosaka-hara Trail, a shaded path through ancient cedar groves along Mount Shōgoku. In spring, don’t miss Tōdai-ji Cherry Blossom Grove, where thousands of cherry trees bloom across a historic field. All these spots are within 15–20 minutes by car from central hotels, perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon nature retreat.

Must-try dishes include Nara-style soba noodles served with rich miso broth and Asuka mochi—sweet rice cakes filled with red bean paste. Dine at Uda Market’s Ichinoshuku Dining Hall for fresh, handmade meals, or savor a full kaiseki dinner at Uda no Mori Onsen Ryokan, featuring organic vegetables and wild mountain herbs. For a unique experience, book the Emperor’s Meal Reenactment at Asuka Ancient Home Restaurant, where you’ll dine on recreated 7th-century imperial fare using traditional cooking methods.

Uda no Mori Onsen Ryokan features naturally occurring sulfur-rich hot springs, known for their therapeutic benefits on skin and joints. The open-air baths are built into the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of dawn mist and starlit skies. The ryokan also offers traditional spa treatments, including herbal compresses and mineral mud wraps, paired with guided meditation sessions. This blend of natural healing and Zen philosophy creates a deeply restorative experience rooted in Japanese wellness traditions.

Stay at Mifune Lodge, located at the foot of Mount Shōgoku, just steps from the Asuka Ancient Trail. The lodge provides rental gear, detailed maps, and guided morning walks that explain the significance of ancient burial mounds and temples along the route. Rooms come equipped with waterproof shoes and emergency kits. Nearby, the Kasuga River Gorge offers scenic trails suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers, making this the ideal base for exploring Nara’s oldest pilgrimage paths.

The annual Asuka Culture Festival features costumed dance performances reenacting court rituals from the 7th century, held at Ōmiya Shrine. During Washi Paper Festival, visitors can craft traditional Asuka washi and view historical document replicas at Asuka Village Hall. On equinox days, join the Sunrise Ceremony along the Asuka River, where locals gather to honor ancient astronomical practices—a rare opportunity to witness living traditions tied to Japan’s earliest calendar systems.

At night, stroll along the Uda River Lantern Path, where handcrafted lanterns illuminate historic scenes inspired by Asuka-era murals. At Uda no Mori Onsen Ryokan, guests enjoy moonlit tea gatherings with live shamisen music and recitations from the Man'yōshū poetry collection. Occasionally, a costumed procession of performers in ancient garb walks through the streets, recreating nightly courtly travel. These moments transform the city into a living museum of Japan’s pre-Tokyo past, offering unforgettable nocturnal serenity.