Asuka Village, Nara | Travel to the origins of Japan | Asuka Village Premium Stay: Unraveling the legacy of the Empress

The story scrolls

In the place where the
Japanese nation was born,
experience the governance and
succession shaped by empresses
— as a stay.

Tracing the legacy of women
to the origins of nation
-building across 1,300 years

A tranquil stay where the
past and present intersect,
found only here

6th–7th Century.
Empress Suiko. Empress Saimei. Empress Jitō.
In this land, multiple empresses ascended the throne,
shaping the very framework of the state through governance, diplomacy, religion, and urban vision.
What you will encounter here is not a journey to intellectually “learn” history through explanation.
Women’s governance and succession.
The philosophy that lies at the foundation of Japan’s origins.
This program is designed for you to experience that legacy quietly and multidimensionally
within the span of a one-night, two-day stay.

The stage extends beyond the historic sites, temples, shrines, and landscapes recognized under Japan Heritage.
Through private encounters with contemporary women who continue to preserve culture and carry forward the spirit of this land,
you will encounter a living legacy — where past and present remain in continuity.
Re-enactments and touristic dramatizations are intentionally excluded.
Cuisine. Attire. Physical awareness. Ritual gesture.
Each element is carefully designed as a contemporary interpretation grounded in historical fact and regional culture.
Without disrupting the layers of time —
yet with sufficient intellectual depth to engage globally minded and high-value guests.
This stay is an experience that can exist only in Asuka.
A selectively curated program for discerning travelers.

Japan Heritage identifies this region as the birthplace of state formation.
Rooted in that authentic historical context,
this stay program has been conceived.

Its focus:
The governance and succession led by women at the dawn of Japan.
The setting extends beyond historic sites and sacred spaces.
Through intimate and private encounters with contemporary women who safeguard Asuka’s cultural and spiritual inheritance,
time layers gently overlap and are woven into the stay.

This is not a journey to deepen knowledge of historical romance.
It is time for understanding to settle deeply within.
Cuisine. Attire. Physical awareness. Gesture.
All are designed as refined, contemporary interpretations grounded in historical truth and regional culture.
Above all,
this is a stay that can only be realized in Asuka —
a distinctive program for selected guests.

The story scrolls

This stay program is composed of six curated experiences.
Each holds independent value,
while collectively forming a single narrative —
The Legacy of Women.

Dialogue with a female priest and formal worship

Herbal tea and special breakfast inspired by the Empress's court events

Wearing the attire of an empress: ancient costume experience and portrait photography

A space of composure and understated elegance, quietly resonating with the landscape of Asuka.
A retreat from noise, where one may absorb the lingering resonance of the day.
In a land that serves as a stage for history and culture,
we present a modest yet refined one-night, two-day stay plan,
accompanied by accommodation at
Auberge de Senvie.

− 01 −

Women Empowerment Story

1,700-Year Legacy: Exclusive Worship & Dialogue with a Female Shinto Priest

At one of Japan’s oldest shrines, you will have a formal visit and time for dialogue with a female priest. It is an experience where you can quietly sense the role and spirituality of women that are alive in this place of prayer.

Experience Investment
JPY 15,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate): Guest Capacity
Designed for 2–15 guests: Duration
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes: Scheduled Commencement
10:00: Minimum Guests Required
2 guests: Maximum Guests per Reservation
15 guests

Sutra Copying with an Abbess at an Empress Temple

− 02 −

Empress & Buddhism

Sutra Copying with an Abbess at an Empress Temple

At the temple where copying sutras is said to have been the first practiced in Japan, you will interact with the female head priest and experience copying sutras (matcha tea included). Experience the relationship between the Empress and Buddhism through the practice and silence.

Experience Investment
JPY 15,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate): Optional Enhancement
A private sutra chanting ritual may be arranged for an additional JPY 10,000 per guest.: Guest Capacity
Program operates with a minimum of 2 guests.: Duration
Approximately 2 hours: Scheduled Commencement
15:00: Minimum Guests Required
2 guests: Maximum Guests per Reservation
15 guests

− 03 −

Gastronomy of Empresses

Special Empress-themed
dinner menu

This special dinner, made with an abundance of local ingredients, is themed around the empress’s character and the historical background of her time. It’s a gastronomic experience that will appeal to all five senses, allowing you to “taste” history.

Experience Investment
JPY 35,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate): Guest Capacity
Program operates with a minimum of 2 guests.: Duration
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes: Scheduled Commencement
17:50: Minimum Guests Required
2 guests: Maximum Guests per Reservation
15 guests

− 04 −

Wellbeing: Relaxation & Beauty

Early Morning Yoga
in Asuka

A yoga experience surrounded by the nature and tranquility of Asuka. This is a time to release travel tension and restore your mind and body.

Experience Investment
JPY 15,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate): Guest Capacity
Program operates with a minimum of 2 guests.: Duration
Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes: Scheduled Commencement
7:20: Minimum Guests Required
2 guests: Maximum Guests per Reservation
15 guests

− 05 −

The Empress’s Herbal Morning

An Herbal Tea Workshop & Seasonal Breakfast Inspired by the Imperial Herb-Gathering Ritual

A herbal tea workshop inspired by ancient court ceremonies and a special breakfast incorporating medicinal herbs will be held. Experience the culture of “healing” and “health care” that has been carried out by women.

① Herbal Tea Workshop Experience
JPY 15,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate) Minimum of 2 guests required: ② Herbal Tea Workshop + Curated Herbal Breakfast Experience
JPY 25,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate): Guest Capacity
Designed for 2–10 guests: Duration
Approximately 2 hours: Scheduled Commencement
8:20: Minimum Guests Required
2 guests: Maximum Guests per Reservation
10 guests

An Herbal Tea Workshop & Seasonal Breakfast Inspired by the Imperial Herb-Gathering Ritual

Experience ancient Empress costumes and take photos

− 06 −

Women Ancient Fashion

Wear the Empress: An Ancient Court Attire & Portrait Experience

This is a special experience where you will dress up in a replica of the empress’s ancient costume and have your portrait taken. It’s the perfect way to end your visit, bringing home both a memory and a tangible symbol of history.

Experience Investment
JPY 20,000 per guest (Adults and children at the same rate): Guest Capacity
Designed for 2–15 guests: Duration
Approximately 2 hours: Scheduled Commencement
10:20: Minimum Guests Required
2 guests: Maximum Guests per Reservation
15 guests

Inquiriesお問い合わせ

Email
WEB（Homestay）: https://yamatoasuka.or.jp
WEB（Experience）: https://asuka-experience.com
Instagram: discover_asuka_wonders
Tel: 0744-54-1525
Fax: 0744-54-1526
Address: 〒634-0112 奈良県高市郡明日香村島庄５番地

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