Kashihara is home to the Kashihara Jingu Shrine, Asuka Village is famous for the Ishibutai Kofun Tumulus, one of the largest square mounds in Japan, and down south is Kinpusenji Temple and Yoshinoyama, with its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, making it a sightseeing area where history and nature can be enjoyed.
Asuka and Kashihara are home to such tourist attractions as Asuka Temple, Nara Prefecture Complex of Manyo Culture, Kitora Tumulus, Abe Monju-in Temple, and the Imanishi Family.
Omiwa Jinja Shrine, located in Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is widely regarded as one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Its history is recorded in two of Japan's earliest chronicles, the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, and it has been revered since ancient times as the chief shrine of Yamato Province. Unlike most Shinto shrines, Omiwa Jinja has no main sanctuary building. Instead, the sacred ...»
Tanzan Shrine stands amid the forested mountains of Tonomine in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by rich natural scenery, it is a place where Japanese history, religious traditions, and architectural beauty come together. Formerly designated a Special Government Shrine, it is now listed among the important shrines administered by the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is especially renowned for...»
Hasedera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism and is formally known as Buzan Kagura-in. As the eighth temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a famous pilgrimage route dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, Hasedera has attracted worshippers for more than 1,300 years. ...»
Abe Monju-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Kegon school, located in Abe, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Abesan, and its principal deity is Monju Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Monju is widely known in Japan through the saying, “Three people together possess the wisdom of Monju,” which celebrates the value of shared knowledge and insight. The temple is tradi...»
Asuka Historical National Government Park is a national park in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, one of Japan's most important regions for understanding the country's ancient history. Asuka served as the location of royal capitals during the 7th century, when Japan was taking shape as a centralized state. Today, the park preserves this historic landscape, allowing visitors to exp...»
An Ancient Temple That Preserves the Origins of Japanese Buddhism Asuka-dera Temple is located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, and is one of the most important sites in the history of Japanese Buddhism. Often regarded as the starting point of Buddhism in Japan, the temple stands on Mount Torigatayama and belongs to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism. Its formal name is Ang...»
One of Japan’s Largest Square Tombs, with a Stone Chamber Visitors Can Enter Ishibutai Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. It is believed to have been built in the early seventh century, during the late Kofun period. Situated at the heart of the Ishibutai Area of Asuka Historical National Government Park, it is designated a Special Histor...»
An Ancient Temple Renowned for Its Buddhist Heritage and Magnificent Indian Sculptures Minami-Hokke-ji, widely known as Tsubosaka-dera Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Tsubosaka, Takatori Town, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. It is an independent temple belonging to the Shingon Buddhist tradition. Known formally by its mountain name, Tsubosakayama, the temple enshrines the Ele...»
Asuka nabe is a traditional hot pot dish from Nara Prefecture, especially the southern and central parts of the Nara Basin. It combines chicken and a generous variety of vegetables in a creamy broth made with milk and dashi stock. The result is a mild, smooth flavor with a satisfying richness, making it a warming and nourishing meal, particularly popular during the colder months. The broth is typ...»
Nyumen is a traditional Japanese dish made by simmering thin somen noodles in a warm, flavorful broth. Although it is now enjoyed throughout Japan, it is closely associated with Nara Prefecture, particularly the area around Mount Miwa in Sakurai City, which is famous as the birthplace of Miwa somen. The name nyumen is written in Japanese as 煮麺, meaning “cooked noodles.” The dish is simple yet com...»
Asuka Handmade Konjac Kamekon is a distinctive local specialty from Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture. Made entirely from fresh konjac tubers grown in the Oku-Asuka area, this handmade konjac is shaped like a turtle, giving it a playful appearance. Beneath its charming shape lies a rich, earthy flavor and a pleasantly firm, springy texture....»
Yamato nabe is a hot pot dish created by Nara Prefecture as part of its Nara no Umaimono (“Delicious Foods of Nara”) initiative, which was developed in preparation for the 1,300th anniversary of the relocation of Japan’s capital to Heijō-kyō in 2010. Combining chicken, soy milk, and locally associated ingredients, this distinctive hot pot brings a modern touch to Nara’s regional food culture....»
Miwa somen is a renowned variety of thin Japanese wheat noodles produced in the Miwa area of Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. The region is often regarded as the birthplace of somen, and its noodles have become one of Nara’s best-known local specialties. With their exceptionally fine strands and firm, springy texture, Miwa somen are prized throughout Japan. In the Yamato region, somen is enjoyed th...»
Red rice is a traditional grain known in Japan as one of the representative varieties of ancient rice. It is often regarded as the predecessor of sekihan, a celebratory dish of rice cooked with red beans that is commonly served on special occasions in Japan. With its rustic flavor and distinctive color, red rice offers a taste of Japan's ancient food culture....»
Spinach grown in Mitsue Village, Nara Prefecture, is highly regarded in the Kansai region's summer vegetable markets. Located in a mountainous area at an elevation of approximately 400 to 500 meters, Mitsue benefits from a cool climate and abundant water, creating favorable conditions for growing high-quality spinach. Its proximity to major consumer markets has also helped the local industry devel...»
Harusame, commonly known as Japanese glass noodles, are thin, translucent noodles that become almost thread-like when cooked. Their name literally means “spring rain,” an apt description of their delicate appearance. Although believed to have originated in China, harusame is said to have been introduced to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), alongside fucha ryori, a style of vegetarian B...»
Asuka Ancient Rice refers to traditional rice varieties that retain characteristics of wild rice, the ancestor of cultivated rice. Compared with ordinary white rice, ancient rice generally contains less carbohydrate and provides more protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its nutritional value and potential health benefits have made it increasingly popular as a wholesome food....»
Asuka Ruby is a distinctive strawberry variety developed in Nara Prefecture, often described as the region’s “red jewel.” Known for its attractive appearance, generous size, and juicy flesh, this strawberry is highly regarded for its sweetness and excellent eating quality. Because it is rarely distributed outside Nara Prefecture, it is also sometimes called a “phantom strawberry,” making it a spec...»
Yamato Beef is a premium brand of Japanese Black Wagyu raised in Nara Prefecture. The name is reserved for cattle that meet strict standards for breeding, rearing, and meat quality. Carefully raised in the region’s natural environment and agricultural tradition, Yamato Beef has become one of Nara’s signature culinary specialties. Its appeal lies in the balance between beautifully marbled fat and ...»
Yamato Nadeshiko Eggs are a branded specialty from Nara Prefecture, produced by feeding laying hens a carefully formulated diet containing powdered Yamato tea, a local specialty, and refined fish oil. This distinctive feed combines regional ingredients with nutritional benefits, creating eggs prized for their quality and flavor....»
Soni Kogen Beer is a craft beer produced in Soni Village, a peaceful mountain village in Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, the village is famous for Soni Kogen, a vast plateau covered in Japanese pampas grass. In autumn, the golden grass sways in the wind, glowing in the setting sun and creating one of the area's most spectacular seasonal scenes. Inspired by the richnes...»
Kimigoromo is a traditional Japanese sweet from Nara Prefecture, renowned for its extraordinarily light, airy texture and gentle sweetness. Resembling a delicate soufflé or marshmallow, this distinctive confection practically melts in your mouth, leaving a soft, sweet impression. Its unique texture comes from carefully whipped egg whites, which are combined with sugar, honey, and agar to create a...»
Fuhonsen Senbei are distinctive Japanese rice crackers modeled after the ancient Fuhonsen coin, which is believed to be one of Japan’s earliest forms of currency. The original coins are thought to have been produced in Japan around 683 AD. In 1998, approximately 560 unfinished examples were discovered at the Asukaike archaeological site, drawing widespread attention to the possibility that Fuhonse...»
Meibutsu Mimuro is a celebrated Japanese confectionery known for its fragrant azuki red bean filling and crisp, aromatic wafer shell. Its traditional recipe has been passed down since the Kōka era (1844–1848), preserving a distinctive flavor that has delighted generations of sweet lovers. The confection is made by Shiratamaya Eiju, a long-established confectionery shop. Its name, Mimuro, comes fr...»
Asuka Curry is a flavorful Japanese curry featuring Yamato chicken, a prized local breed from Nara Prefecture, and an abundance of seasonal vegetables grown in Asuka Village. Combining tender chicken, hearty root vegetables, and aromatic spices, this regional specialty brings together the natural bounty of the Asuka area in a convenient ready-to-eat curry....»
Asuka no So is a traditional Japanese dairy product often compared to cheese, with a history dating back to the Asuka and Heian periods, roughly from the 6th to the 10th centuries. It is believed that the technique for making this milk-based delicacy was introduced to Japan from the Asian continent. Historical documents record its existence, and it was reportedly used as an offering in ancient tim...»
Kashihara City is located in central Nara Prefecture and has a population of approximately 120,000, making it the prefecture's second-largest city after Nara City. It was once a major center of ancient Japanese politics and culture and is widely regarded as one of the places where Japan's history began, where mythology and historical tradition intersect. The city preserves many sites central to J...»
Sakurai City, located in the Chuwa region of central Nara Prefecture, is an area of exceptional importance for understanding Japan's ancient history. Fragments of pottery from the Jomon and Yayoi periods are still occasionally discovered in fields and construction sites, offering tangible evidence that people have lived in this region for thousands of years. From the late Yayoi period to the earl...»
Uda City is a highland city in northeastern Nara Prefecture, blessed with rich natural landscapes and a deep historical heritage. Located at the southern edge of the Yamato Plateau and surrounded by mountains, the area has played an important role in Japanese history and culture from ancient times to the present day. Celebrated in the poetry of the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest surviving anthology of p...»
The Yamato Sanzan, or Three Mountains of Yamato, are three iconic peaks in the southern Nara Basin, near Asuka and Kashihara City in Nara Prefecture. They are Mount Miminashi (Miminashiyama), Mount Unebi (Unebiyama), and Mount Amanokagu (Amanokaguyama). Together, these mountains form a distinctive landscape that represents both the natural beauty of the region and its deep connections with ancient...»
Kashihara Jingu Shrine is located in Kume-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. It is an important Shinto sanctuary symbolizing the origins of Japan's history and spiritual culture. Formerly designated a Kanpei Taisha, a shrine supported by the imperial government, it is also a shrine visited by imperial envoys for important ceremonies. Today, it is listed among the specially designated shrines of...»
Uneo Tsutamoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, located at the northwestern foot of Mount Amanokagu. It stands near Uneo ni Masu Takehaya-yasu Shrine, another ancient shrine recorded in Japan's historical registers. Uneo Tsutamoto Shrine is also known by names such as Nakisawa Shrine and is affectionately called Nakisawa no Mori by local residents. The shrine...»
Ame-no-Futodama-no-Mikoto Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in Inbe-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. It is traditionally identified with a shrine listed as a Myojin Taisha, one of the prestigious shrines recorded in the tenth-century Engishiki, a compilation of Japanese laws and ritual regulations. Formerly classified as a village shrine, it is closely associated with the ancient Inb...»
A Shrine with Deep Roots in Ancient Japan Soga ni Masu Sogatsuhiko Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Soga-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been associated with the powerful Soga clan, one of the influential families in ancient Japan, and preserves traditions connected with the clan's history. The shrine is listed as a major shrine in the Engishiki, a 10th-century comp...»
An Ancient Shrine on the Western Slope of Mount Unebi Unebi Yamaguchi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, on the western slope of Mount Unebi. Also known locally as Omine-san, it has long been cherished by the surrounding community. The shrine is listed in the Engishiki, a 10th-century compilation of court regulations and shrine records, and was ranked a...»
An Ancient Temple Linked to Kobo Daishi Kukai Kumedera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kume-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism and is known by the mountain name Reizenzan. Its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing. According to tradition, the temple was founded by Prince Kume, a younger brother ...»
A Temple Shaped by the History of Imai-cho Shonenji Temple, also written as 称念寺 or 稱念寺, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Imai-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Honganji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, the temple is known by the mountain name Imaizan and enshrines Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Also known as Imai Gobō, Shonenji was one of the ma...»
One of Japan’s Major Clusters of Ancient Burial Mounds The Niizawa Senzuka Kofun Group is one of Japan’s most significant clusters of ancient burial mounds, located in the Kitakoshi-cho and Kawanishi-cho areas of Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. The site is designated a National Historic Site, and artifacts excavated from Kofun No. 126 have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan, ...»
A Remarkable Stone Structure in the Asuka Region Masuda Iwafune is a gigantic stone structure located in Shira-kashi-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. Designated a Historic Site by Nara Prefecture, it is one of the Asuka region’s best-known ancient stone monuments, alongside the Turtle Stone and Sakafuneishi. Among these remarkable structures, Masuda Iwafune is particularly impressive for its...»
A Beautiful Temple Surrounded by Flowers Ofusa Kannon, officially known as Jumuryozan Kannonji, is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist tradition located in Obusa-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. Its principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion. The temple is affectionately known as the “Temple of the Floral Mandala,” thanks to the many ...»
An Important Buddhist Center of the Fujiwara-kyo Capital Motoyakushiji Temple was an important Buddhist temple located in the southeastern part of present-day Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. It once served as the Yakushiji Temple of Fujiwara-kyo, Japan’s ancient capital. According to historical records, Emperor Tenmu vowed to establish the temple in 680 to pray for the recovery of his ailing con...»
Located in present-day Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, Fujiwara-kyo is recognized as Japan’s first full-scale planned capital. Established in 694 under Empress Jito, it served as the political and cultural center of Japan for 16 years, until the capital moved to Heijo-kyo in 710. Its carefully planned streets and extensive palace grounds provide valuable insight into the advanced urban planning a...»
Toriya Misanzai Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Toriya-cho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. Based on its shape and scale, it is believed to have been built in the first half of the 6th century, during the latter part of the Kofun period. The Imperial Household Agency identifies it as the mausoleum of Emperor Senka, the 28th emperor of Japan, and his consort, Princess Tachibana n...»
The Imanishi Family Residence is a historic traditional Japanese house located in Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Edo period, with the main house believed to have been built in the middle of that era. Over the centuries, the property underwent various additions and renovations, gradually taking on its present form. Recognized for its architectural and cultural si...»
Imai-cho, located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, is a historic district renowned for its remarkably well-preserved traditional streetscape. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it retains numerous historic homes and merchant houses. Its distinctive atmosphere has even earned it the nickname “the Venice of the East.” Imai-cho flourished as a me...»
Anashiniimasu Hyozu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It has ancient origins and is listed among Japan’s traditional shrines recorded in the Engishiki, a compilation of laws and rituals from the Heian period. The shrine was formerly classified as a prefectural shrine. The shrine as it exists today was formed through the merger of three separate shrines: Anashini...»
Sai Shrine, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, is an auxiliary shrine of Omiwa Shrine. Its formal name is Sai-ni-Imasu Omiwa-no-Aramitama Shrine. Nestled in a tranquil natural setting at the western foot of Mount Miwa, its sacred grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can experience a tradition of worship that has continued since ancient times. Sai Shrine enshrines the aramitam...»
Tomi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, where nature and ancient traditions come together. It has long been an important center of local worship. Listed among the shrines recorded in the ancient Engishiki as a small shrine, it was later classified as a prefectural shrine. It is traditionally identified with Tomi Shrine, recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho as being...»
Hokki-in Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism, located in Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It is known as a subtemple of Hasedera Temple and enshrines a statue of the revered monk Tokudo Shonin as its principal object of worship. The temple is also an extra pilgrimage site on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a traditional circuit of 33 temples dedicated to Kannon, ...»
Munakata Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in the Tobi district of Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It is listed as a Myōjin Taisha, a designation given to shrines of particularly high standing in Japan’s ancient shrine classification system, and is recorded in the Engishiki, a tenth-century compilation of laws and regulations. Long revered as a guardian deity of the local area, the shrine ...»
Kita Art Museum is a private museum specializing in modern and contemporary Western art, located in Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, at the foot of sacred Mount Miwa. It opened in the spring of 1988 to commemorate the Silk Road Expo held that year. The museum stands at the southern end of Yamanobe-no-Michi, often described as Japan’s oldest road, directly opposite the Kanaya Stone Buddha, an ...»
Mount Miwa is a gently sloping, conical mountain rising 467.1 meters above sea level in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Its graceful silhouette forms a distinctive feature of the southeastern Nara Basin. With a circumference of approximately 16 kilometers and an area of around 350 hectares, the mountain has been deeply revered since ancient times as both the dwelling place of a deity and a sacred p...»
Shorinji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, belonging to the Muroji branch of Shingon Buddhism. Its mountain name is Ryoonzan, and its principal image of worship is Jizo Bodhisattva, the guardian of children and travelers. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded by Jōe, the eldest son of the influential statesman Fujiwara no Kamatari, and its origi...»
Byodoin Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Miwasan, and its principal image of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. In the past, Byodoin served as a Buddhist temple associated with Miwa Myojin, now known as Omiwa Jinja, alongside Daigorinji and Joganji. Because of this close connection with the sh...»
Monjuin Nishi Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Abe, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It is believed to be a circular tomb dating to the late seventh century, the final phase of the Kofun period. Designated a Special Historic Site of Japan, it is an exceptionally valuable archaeological monument that offers insight into the history and burial traditions of ancient Japan....»
Hashihaka Kofun, also known as Hashinakayama Kofun, is an enormous ancient burial mound located in Hashinaka, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Widely regarded as one of the earliest keyhole-shaped burial mounds in the Japanese archipelago, it is an important archaeological site for understanding the emergence of early Japanese political authority and state formation. The Imperial Household Agency m...»
Kusahaka Kofun, also known as Karato Kofun, is an ancient square burial mound located in Tani, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1974, it is considered an important archaeological monument from the final phase of the Kofun period, when elaborate burial structures were built for powerful individuals and ruling families. The tomb stands along the eastern...»
Muroji Temple, located in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, is one of Japan’s historic Buddhist temples, renowned for its tranquil mountain setting and deep spiritual atmosphere. It serves as the head temple of the Muroji school of Shingon Buddhism and is affectionately known as “Nyonin Koya,” or “Koya for Women,” because women were traditionally permitted to worship here even when Mount Koya restricted ...»
Ono-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Muro Ono, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Muroji school of Shingon Buddhism, it stands in a scenic setting beside the clear waters of the Uda River. Often regarded as the western gateway to Muroji Temple, Ono-dera is especially beautiful in spring, when its elegant weeping cherry trees burst into bloom. The temple's principal im...»
Yatagarasu Shrine, located in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Yatagarasu, the sacred three-legged crow that appears in Japanese mythology. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a tenth-century register of shrines, it was classified as a prefectural shrine under Japan’s modern shrine-ranking system. For centuries, worshippers have revered it as a place to pray for g...»
Butsuryuji Temple (also written as 佛立寺) is a historic Buddhist temple nestled in the mountain village of Akabane, Haibara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Muroji school of Shingon Buddhism, it bears the mountain name Manisan and enshrines an Eleven-Headed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, as its principal image. Although the temple stands in a quiet rural setting, it is known for...»
Kaichoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kaiba, Haibara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism and bears the mountain name Kaibasan. Situated on the slopes of Mount Kaiba, at an elevation of 737.6 meters, the temple is surrounded by rich natural scenery and enjoys a peaceful, secluded atmosphere. The temple is especially beautiful in autumn,...»
Uda Mikumari Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Furumichiba, Utano, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. For centuries, it has served as an important center of water-deity worship in the ancient province of Yamato. It is listed as a major shrine in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a tenth-century register of Shinto shrines, and was classified as a prefectural shrine under Japan’s former shrine-ranking sy...»
Standing quietly in Hongo, Ouda, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, the Matabei Cherry Tree is one of the region’s most celebrated cherry trees. Its magnificent spreading branches and association with Japanese samurai history attract large numbers of visitors and photographers every spring. Estimated to be around 300 years old, this tree is a weeping cherry, known in Japanese as shidarezakura. It is also...»
Matsuyama, also known as Uda Matsuyama, is a historic district in the Ouda area of Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Once the center of the former Matsuyama Town in Uda District, the area is known for its well-preserved historical streets and rich cultural heritage. During the Edo period (1603–1868), Matsuyama flourished as a castle town serving the Matsuyama domain of Uda. Many traditional buildings ha...»
The Gassan Memorial Museum is a distinctive cultural facility in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Miwa near Omiwa Jinja Shrine. Situated beside the quiet Sai River, which flows through a valley on Mount Miwa, the museum offers a setting where nature, spiritual tradition, and the craftsmanship of Japanese swords come together. One of the museum’s defining features is that it is ...»
Murou Art Forest is an open-air museum in Muroo, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, where contemporary art blends harmoniously with the natural landscape. Located high in the mountains of Muroo, on elevated ground overlooking Muroo-ji Temple from afar, the park covers approximately 7.8 hectares of forested valleys. The entire site has been designed as a unified work of art rather than simply a park contai...»
Hanano Sato Takidani Iris Garden is a spacious botanical attraction in the Takidani area of Muroo, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and located near Muroo-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple known as “Nyonin Koya,” the garden offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy seasonal flowers in a tranquil natural setting. Its grounds cover approximately 33,000 square meters, or...»
Muro Ryuketsu Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in Muro, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been revered as a sacred place dedicated to the dragon deity associated with water. Officially known as Ryuketsu Shrine, it enshrines Takaokami-no-Kami, a deity traditionally associated with rain. Because rainfall is essential to agriculture, the shrine has been an important center of worship f...»
Roadside Station Udaji Ouda is a popular tourism and rest stop located in Shuo, Ouda, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, along National Route 166. Opened in 1997, it has become an important hub for introducing visitors to the area's history, culture, local products, and natural attractions. In 2015, it was also selected as a candidate for the national Priority Roadside Station program. Its official name u...»
Roadside Station Udaji Muro is located in Sanbonmatsu, Muro, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, along National Route 165. Situated near the border between Nara and Mie prefectures, the area once flourished as a post town on the Ise Kaido, a historic route connecting the former province of Yamato with Ise. Today, the roadside station serves as a gateway to eastern Nara Prefecture and a convenient stop for ...»
Takatori Town is located in the central part of Nara Prefecture, in Takaichi District. Rich in history and natural beauty, the town lies south of the ancient Asuka region and has been an important area for transportation and cultural exchange since ancient times. Its historic streets, archaeological sites, and mountain scenery make it an appealing destination for travelers interested in Japan's pa...»
Asuka Village is located in Takaichi District, near the southern edge of the Nara Basin in central Nara Prefecture. Although relatively small in area, it holds an exceptionally important place in Japanese history. For approximately a century from the late sixth to the seventh century, Asuka served as a center of political power, culture, and religion, helping shape the foundations of the Japanese ...»
Takatori Castle, also known as Takatoriyama Castle, was once one of Japan's most impressive fortresses. Located in Takatori Town, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, it served as an important administrative center for the Takatori Domain during the Edo period (1603–1868). Although its buildings are gone, the castle's extensive stone walls and other remains continue to fascinate history enthusiasts...»
Kojima-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school, located in Kankakuji, Takatori Town, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. The temple's mountain name is Kojima-san, although it is also known as Hōon-san. Its principal object of worship is Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha. According to temple tradition, it was founded by the Buddhist monk Hōon. With a hist...»
Kitora Kofun is an ancient circular burial mound located on the southern slope of Mount Abeyama in the southwestern part of Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Designated a Special Historic Site of Japan, it is one of the country's most significant archaeological treasures. Its remarkably preserved burial chamber and intricate wall paintings provide valuable insights into the art, b...»
Takamatsuzuka Kofun is a late-period burial mound located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, within Asuka Historical National Government Park. Believed to have been constructed during the Fujiwara-kyō period (694–710), it is a circular tomb built in two tiers. The lower tier measures approximately 23 meters in diameter, the upper tier about 18 meters, and the mound stands around...»
Miyakozuka Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Sakata, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Also known as Kintorizuka, this square-shaped tomb is believed to date from the latter half of the 6th century, during the Late Kofun period. Designated a National Historic Site, it is an important archaeological landmark that offers clues to the political power, burial customs, and in...»
Kengoshizuka Kofun is an ancient burial mound in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. This remarkable archaeological site is closely connected with the history of Japan's early imperial court. Designated a National Historic Site, it has also yielded artifacts recognized as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The tomb is particularly notable for its rare octagonal shape. Excavati...»
Omiashi Shrine stands in Hinokuma, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. With deep roots in ancient Japanese history and religious tradition, the shrine preserves the memory of a time when immigrant communities, indigenous beliefs, and Buddhism played important roles in shaping Japanese culture. It was formerly listed in the Engishiki, a collection of regulations and records of shrine...»
Oka-dera is a historic Buddhist temple located in Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, it is formally known as Tōkōzan Shinjūin Ryūgaiji, although it has long been commonly called Oka-dera. The temple is deeply rooted in the history and religious traditions of the Asuka region and continues to welcome worshippers from across Jap...»
Asuka-imasu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Kannabi area of Asuka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Its long history is documented in ancient records, including the Engishiki, a collection of laws and regulations compiled in 927. The shrine was listed as a Myōjin Taisha, a category of highly revered shrines, and was later classified as a village shrine under the...»
Tachibana-dera is a historic Buddhist temple located in Tachibana, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Tendai school of Buddhism and is formally known as Buttōzan Jōgūōin Bodai-ji. The temple has a long-standing connection with Prince Shōtoku, one of the most influential figures in early Japanese history, and is traditionally regarded as his birthplace. The temple...»
The Asuka-kyō Ruins refer to a collection of archaeological sites spread throughout Asuka Village in Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Formerly also known as the Asuka Kokyō Ruins, this historic landscape preserves the remains of one of Japan's earliest political and urban centers. From the late sixth century through the late seventh century, Asuka served as a major center of government, where t...»
The Stone Monuments of Asuka are a collection of ancient stone structures and artifacts found mainly in Asuka Village, Nara Prefecture. Many were carved from granite during the Asuka period (late 6th to early 8th century). Their unusual shapes, distinctive designs, and uncertain original purposes have made them some of the most intriguing archaeological remains in Japan....»
The Sakafune-ishi Archaeological Site is located in Oka, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. It is an archaeological complex centered on a group of unusual stone structures dating to ancient Japan. For many years, only some of the stone features were known. However, excavations in 2000 revealed additional remains, bringing renewed attention to the site. Today, the name Sakafune-ish...»
The Nara Prefecture Complex of Manyo Culture is a cultural institution in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Combining the functions of an art museum and a history museum, it explores the world of the Manyoshu, Japan's oldest surviving anthology of poetry. The facility opened on September 15, 2001, in Nara, a region closely associated with the collection. Its activities center on t...»
Michi-no-Eki Asuka is a roadside station located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, along National Route 169 and immediately beside Kintetsu Asuka Station on the Yoshino Line. Conveniently positioned near the village's main railway station, it serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Asuka, a region where the history of ancient Japan and its traditional rural landscapes r...»
The Asuka Historical Museum is a cultural institution in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, dedicated to the archaeology and history of ancient Japan. Operated as part of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, it introduces the history and culture of Asuka through archaeological discoveries and research. Since opening in 1975, the museum has helped visitors e...»
Soni Village is a nature-rich community in Uda District, eastern Nara Prefecture. It is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan, an organization dedicated to preserving the distinctive landscapes, culture, and traditions of rural communities. The village is especially famous for Soni Plateau, where vast fields of Japanese silver grass create breathtaking scenery through...»
Mitsue Village is a nature-rich community in Uda District, eastern Nara Prefecture, near the border with Mie Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and clear streams, the village offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and a glimpse of traditional rural Japan. With its fresh mountain air, changing seasonal landscapes, and long history, Mitsue ...»
Soni Plateau is a magnificent highland landscape in Tarōji, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. Stretching across the western slopes and foothills of Mount Kuroso and Mount Kameyama, it is celebrated as one of the most scenic destinations in the Kansai region. The plateau lies within the first-class special protection zone of Muro-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park, where the natural enviro...»
Mitsue Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kozue, Mitsue Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture. It is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a tenth-century register of officially recognized shrines, as a minor shrine of the ancient ritual system. It formerly held the status of a village shrine and has long been an important center of faith and local history. Situated in the easternmost pa...»
Michi-no-Eki Ise Honkaido Mitsue is a roadside station located in Kozue, Mitsue Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture, along National Route 368. It takes its name from the historic Ise Honkaido, a road that once connected the ancient Yamato region with Ise, home to the revered Ise Grand Shrine. Today, the roadside station continues this tradition of welcoming travelers, offering a comfortable pla...»
Tawaramoto Town is located in Shiki District, in the central part of Nara Prefecture. Situated in the heart of the Nara Basin, it is part of the Chūwa region, an area rich in ancient history, cultural traditions, and rural landscapes. Archaeological sites, historic shrines, and Buddhist temples are scattered throughout the town, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the origins of Japanese c...»
Ōniimasu Mishiritsuhiko Shrine, commonly known as Ō Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. It has been revered since ancient times and is also known by names such as Tasha, Ōza Shrine, Taisha, and Ofu Shrine. The shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a 10th-century register of officially recognized shrines, as a Myōjin Taisha, a cate...»
Kagamitsukuri ni Masu Amaterumitama Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a tenth-century register of Shinto shrines, it was once recognized as a prefectural shrine, a status reflecting its historical importance. The shrine is closely associated with the Kagamitsukuribe, a group of skilled artisans who li...»
Muraya ni Masu Mifutsuhime Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. It was ranked as a major shrine, or Shikinaisha Taisha, in the ancient shrine classification system and was later designated a prefectural shrine under Japan's modern shrine ranking system. The shrine stands beside the ancient Nakatsu-michi Road, now associated with the Tachi...»
Ike ni Masu Asagiri Kihatahime Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. It has been worshipped by the local community since ancient times and is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a tenth-century register of Shinto shrines. Under Japan's former shrine ranking system, it was designated a village shrine. The shrine's history is closely connected with H...»
Jinrakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Hatasho, Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. Affiliated with the Shingon Risshū school of Buddhism, it is also known by its formal name, Kōnichizan Jōdoin. Set quietly within the Nara Basin, the temple preserves a rich collection of historical traditions and legends associated with some of Japan's most influential religious an...»
Jōshōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. Affiliated with the Honganji-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū, or True Pure Land Buddhism, it is affectionately known locally as Tawaramoto Gobō. Its formal name is Shōkeizan Jōshōji, and its principal image is Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Jōshōji was more than a local place of worsh...»
The Karako-Kagi Archaeological Site, located in Tawaramoto Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most significant settlements from the Yayoi period (approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE, although dates vary by region and archaeological chronology). Covering an extensive area of approximately 300,000 square meters, the site contains the remains of a large settlement surrounded by moat...»
Morino Kyu-Yakuen is a historic medicinal herb garden located in Kami-Shin, Ouda, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Established during the Kyoho era (1716–1736), it is designated a National Historic Site and is an exceptionally valuable part of Japan’s cultural heritage. Comparable in age to the Koishikawa Medicinal Herb Garden in Edo, now part of Koishikawa Botanical Garden in Tokyo, it is regarded as t...»
Uda Animal Park is a prefectural animal interaction park located in Otsuke, Oudacho, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Set amid the area's beautiful natural surroundings, the park encourages visitors to meet animals up close while learning about the importance of life. Both admission and parking are free, making it an appealing destination for families and visitors of all ages. Covering approximately 8.2...»
Aki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Hazama, Oudacho, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Recognized as a shrine listed in the ancient Engishiki records, it has long been associated with imperial worship. During the Meiji period, it was ranked as a prefectural shrine. Also known locally as Kambe Myōjin, it remains an important place of worship for the surrounding community. Surrounded by tall...»
Nara Kaede no Sato Hirara is a unique botanical garden in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, dedicated to the beauty and diversity of maple trees. Often described as Japan's only full-scale maple botanical garden, it occupies the former Uda Elementary School, a wooden school building constructed in 1935 and closed in 2006. The school has been thoughtfully repurposed, preserving its nostalgic atmosphere an...»
Haibara Torimiyama Park is a beautiful natural retreat in Haibara Hagihara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Located near the summit of Mount Torimi at an elevation of approximately 735 meters, the park lies within Muro-Akame-Aoyama Quasi-National Park. It is a popular destination for visitors and hikers who come to enjoy its changing seasonal scenery, sweeping views, and tranquil atmosphere, where hist...»
Kusuri no Yakata, the Uda City Historical and Cultural Museum of Medicine, is located in the historic streets of Ouda in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The museum occupies the former residence of the Hosokawa family, a merchant family involved in the pharmaceutical trade. Built in the late Edo period (1603–1868), the house has been carefully restored and opened to the public, offering an engaging intr...»
The Inabuchi Rice Terraces stretch across the Oku-Asuka area of Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, creating one of the region’s most beautiful historic landscapes. Believed to have been developed between the Heian period (794–1185) and the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the terraces consist of approximately 300 rice paddies and fields arranged along gentle hillsides. Their cultural and scenic valu...»
Gojo City is located in the southwestern part of the Nara Basin, in central Nara Prefecture. The landscape is defined by the meeting of mountains and plains: Mount Kongo and Mount Yamato Katsuragi rise along the western side, while the basin stretches eastward. In ancient times, this area was known as Katsuragi, a region that played an important role in Japan’s early history. Today, Gojo preserves...»
Kuhonji Temple is a historic temple of the Jodo school of Buddhism located in Narahara, Gose City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kainazan, and its principal image is Amida Buddha. Surrounded by peaceful rural hills, the temple preserves centuries of religious devotion and stories that connect the local community with Japan’s spiritual and historical past....»
Kamokimi no Yu is a day-use hot spring facility in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, nestled at the foot of the Katsuragi Mountains. Located next to the Aqua Center water treatment facility, it is surrounded by a spacious park featuring an athletic play area, herb garden, and walking paths. With its natural hot springs and peaceful green surroundings, it is an inviting place to relax and recharge while ...»
Mount Yamato Katsuragi stands at an elevation of 959.2 meters on the border between Gose City in Nara Prefecture and Chihayaakasaka Village in Osaka Prefecture. Long known simply as Mount Katsuragi, it is a popular destination for hikers and sightseers alike. The mountain is recognized as one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains and forms part of Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park. Its appeal lies i...»
The Katsuragi Ropeway connects Katsuragi Tozanguchi Station in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, with Katsuragi Sanjo Station near the summit of Mount Yamato Katsuragi, at an elevation of approximately 960 meters. Officially known as the Katsuragi Cableway Line, it is operated by Kintetsu Railway and is unique among Japan’s major private railway companies as its only ropeway. Offering convenient access ...»
The Katsuragi Highlands spread across the summit area of Mount Yamato Katsuragi, which rises to approximately 960 meters along the border between Gose City in Nara Prefecture and Chihayaakasaka Village in Osaka Prefecture. With its gently rolling terrain and unobstructed horizons, the highlands offer spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. Combining magnificent natural scenery with a rich heritage...»
Katsuragi Hitokotonushi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, and has served as an important center of worship in the Katsuragi region since ancient times. Officially known as Katsuragi ni Imasu Hitokotonushi Jinja, it was recognized as a prestigious shrine in the ancient court system and is listed among the major shrines recorded in the Engishiki, a 10th-century compil...»
Kamotsuba Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Gose City, Nara Prefecture. It is listed among the prestigious Myojin Taisha, major shrines recorded in the ancient Engishiki regulations. Formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine, it has long been known as Shimogamo Shrine, or the “Lower Kamo Shrine,” in contrast to Takakamo Shrine, known as Kamigamo, and Katsuragi Mikotoshi Shrine, known as Nakagamo...»
The Katsuragi Kodo is a historic trail stretching approximately 13 kilometers from north to south along the eastern foothills of Mount Kongo and Mount Yamato Katsuragi, primarily through Gose City in Nara Prefecture. Also known as the Katsuragi Road, it is often called the “Western Mountain Foothills Trail,” in contrast to the famous Yamanobe-no-Michi on the eastern side of the Nara Basin. Before ...»
Takakamo Shrine is a historic Shinto sanctuary located in Kamo, Gose City, Nara Prefecture, surrounded by the rich natural scenery of the eastern foothills of Mount Kongo. It is recorded as a Myojin Taisha, a shrine of particularly high standing, in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a register of shrines compiled during the Heian period (794–1185). It has long been an important center of state-sponsored re...»
Nagara Shrine is a historic Shinto sanctuary located in Nagara, Gose City, Nara Prefecture. Listed among the shrines recorded in the ancient Engishiki, a compilation of laws and regulations from the Heian period, it has long served as an important center of local worship. Formerly classified as a village shrine, it stands quietly in the peaceful countryside at the foot of the Katsuragi Mountains, ...»
Takamahiko Shrine is a historic Shinto sanctuary located in Kitakubo, Gose City, Nara Prefecture, on the eastern foothills of Mount Kongo. Recorded in the Engishiki, a collection of laws and regulations compiled during the Heian period (794–1185), it is classified as a Myojin Taisha, a shrine of particularly high religious standing. Surrounded by dense woodland, this peaceful sanctuary has attract...»
The Katsuragi-no-Michi History and Culture Center is a cultural facility in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, serving as an information and community hub for visitors exploring the historic Katsuragi-no-Michi trail. The surrounding region is known for its peaceful rural landscapes, which change beautifully with the seasons, and its rich heritage stretching back to ancient times. With its traditional cou...»
The Sankogan Medicine Museum, located in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, introduces visitors to the history and culture of traditional Japanese medicine, particularly the practice of household medicine distribution, a system historically associated with the Yamato region. Through historical documents, medicinal herb specimens, traditional pharmaceutical tools, and interactive exhibits, the museum offe...»
The Suiheisha Museum in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, preserves the history of the National Levelers' Association, known as the Suiheisha, which was founded in 1922 to promote freedom, equality, human dignity, and the elimination of Buraku discrimination in Japan. Through the stories of the people who devoted their lives to this movement, the museum explores the struggle for human rights and its con...»
Kamo Yamaguchi Shrine is a historic Shinto sanctuary in Gose City, Nara Prefecture. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a Heian-period register of shrines, it is classified as a major shrine known as a Shiki Taisha. It has long been an important place of worship for the local community and was designated a village shrine under Japan's modern shrine-ranking system. Located near an entrance to the Ka...»
Katsuragi Mitoshi Shrine, also known as Katsuragi Mitoshi or Mitose Shrine, is a historic Shinto sanctuary in Higashimochida, Gose City, Nara Prefecture. Listed as a Myojin Taisha in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a Heian-period register of shrines, it was classified as a district shrine under Japan's modern shrine-ranking system. The shrine is regarded as the head shrine of the many Mitoshi and Otoshi ...»
Kisshosoji Temple is a historic temple of the Honzan Shugen sect of Buddhism, located in Chihara, Gose City, Nara Prefecture. Its full name is Chiharazan Kongojui-in, and it is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of En no Gyoja, also known as En no Ozunu, the legendary founder of Shugendo, a Japanese spiritual tradition that combines mountain asceticism with Buddhist and indigenous religious ...»