Nara Travel Guides

Todaiji Temple is one of Japan’s most celebrated Buddhist temples, located in Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Renowned worldwide for the Great Buddha of Nara, an enormous bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha, the temple attracts visitors from across Japan and around the globe. As the head temple of the Kegon school of Buddhism, Todaiji is an important center of religious devotion, Buddhist phil...»

Kofukuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is the head temple of the Hosso school of Japanese Buddhism and one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, the ancient name for Nara. Closely associated with the powerful Fujiwara clan, Kofukuji played a major role in Japanese religious, political, and cultural history from ancient times through th...»

Nara Park is one of Japan’s most celebrated historic parks, extending across the eastern part of central Nara City in Nara Prefecture. Designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan, the park is renowned for its exceptional concentration of historic temples, Shinto shrines, national treasures, and important cultural properties. Several sites within and around the park are also part of the UNESCO ...»

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, located in Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. As the head shrine of approximately 3,000 Kasuga shrines throughout Japan, it holds a distinguished position in the country’s religious and cultural heritage. Historically, it held the rank of Kanpei-taisha, a major shrine supported by the imperial government, and it is now list...»

Yakushiji Temple is a major Buddhist temple located in Nishinokyo, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Hosso school of Buddhism and is counted among the Seven Great Temples of Nara, making it one of the most significant religious institutions in Japanese Buddhist history. The temple was founded under Emperor Tenmu, who is said to have commissioned its construction to p...»

Mount Wakakusa is a scenic hill on the eastern edge of Nara Park in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Rising 342 meters above sea level and covering approximately 33 hectares, it is one of the most recognizable landscapes of ancient Nara. Its gentle slopes are blanketed in grass, creating a distinctive green silhouette that has been admired by visitors for centuries. The mountain is also known as Mount...»

Wakakusayama Yamayaki is a traditional annual event held on Mount Wakakusa, at the eastern edge of Nara Park in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. During this dramatic festival, the grass covering the entire mountainside is set ablaze, creating a spectacular sea of flames that illuminates the winter night sky. The event is a long-standing tradition that heralds the arrival of spring in the ancient capita...»

Yoshikien Garden is a picturesque Japanese garden managed by Nara Prefecture, located in Noborioji-cho, Nara City. Combining historical charm with natural beauty, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the bustle of sightseeing. Along with nearby Isuien Garden and Nara Park, Yoshikien is one of the area's appealing destinations for experiencing the refined beauty of traditional Japanese garden...»

Sarusawa Pond is a scenic pond in Nara Park, in the heart of Nara City, Nara Prefecture. With a circumference of approximately 360 meters, it is renowned for its beautiful reflections of the willow trees along its banks and the historic five-story pagoda of Kofukuji Temple. The combination of water, greenery, and traditional architecture creates a scene reminiscent of a Japanese painting. The vie...»

Isuien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Designed in the pond-strolling style known as chisen kaiyu-shiki, it offers visitors an elegant landscape of ponds, carefully arranged plants, traditional teahouses, and borrowed scenery from the surrounding mountains and historic landmarks. Recognized as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, the garden is...»

Neiraku Museum is an art museum located within Isuien Garden in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Isuien is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government, and the museum is one of Nara Prefecture's registered museums. Together, the museum and garden offer visitors a rich cultural experience that combines traditional Japanese landscape design with the artistic heritage of East Asia. ...»

The Shōsō-in Repository is one of Japan’s most important historic storehouses, located in Nara Park, northwest of the Great Buddha Hall at Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara City. It is renowned for its distinctive traditional wooden architecture, known as azekura-zukuri, in which triangular-section logs are stacked horizontally to form the walls. The building and the treasures associated with it preserve th...»

Yūgayama Garden, also known as the Former Yamaguchi Family Villa Garden, is a tranquil Japanese garden covering approximately 1.3 hectares at the southern edge of Nara Park. Located south of Ukimido Pavilion and Sagi Pond, the garden combines gentle hills, wooded paths, and waterside scenery to create one of the quieter retreats within the park. In 1927, the area encompassing Mount Yūga and Sagi ...»

The Nara National Museum, located in Noborioji-cho, Nara City, is one of Japan’s leading museums specializing in Buddhist art. Operated by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, the museum preserves, studies, and exhibits valuable cultural properties in a setting rich in history and natural beauty within Nara Park. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Te...»

Gangoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Its origins date back to the Asuka period, when it was founded as Hokoji Temple, also known as Asukadera, widely regarded as Japan's first full-scale Buddhist temple. Gangoji is therefore closely associated with the beginnings of Buddhism in Japan. Although much of its once-gran...»

Heijo Palace Site Historical Park preserves and interprets the remains of Heijo Palace, the political and ceremonial heart of Japan’s ancient capital, Heijo-kyo. Founded in 710, when the capital was moved from Fujiwara-kyo, Heijo-kyo served as Japan’s capital during much of the Nara period (710–794). Heijo Palace was the center of imperial life and government, where the emperor resided and importa...»

Shinyakushiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Takabatake, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Kegon school of Buddhism, it is known by the mountain name Nichirin-zan and is dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, who is widely worshipped for protection from illness and the restoration of health. Founded during the Nara period (710–794), the temple has a long an...»

Toshodaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Gojo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and the head temple of the Risshu school of Buddhism. Founded in the eighth century by the eminent Chinese monk Ganjin (Jianzhen), who traveled to Japan from Tang China, the temple played a pivotal role in the development of Japanese Buddhism. The temple preserves an extraordinary collection of cultural treas...»

Ukimido Pavilion stands gracefully over Sagiike Pond in Nara Park, offering one of the area's most picturesque waterside views. The hexagonal pavilion features a traditional cypress-bark roof, and its elegant reflection on the pond creates a peaceful scene that attracts visitors throughout the year. It is also a popular place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Nara....»

Chogakuji Temple is an ancient Shingon Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mount Kamanokuchi in the Yanagimoto area of Tenri, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kamanokuchisan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Affectionately known as “Kamanokuchi no Odaishi-san,” the temple has long attracted worshippers and visitors with its rich hi...»

Himuro Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Noborioji-cho, Nara City, with a rare and distinctive connection to ice. Founded during the Nara period, it preserves the traditions of Japan's ancient ice-making and ice-storage practices and is closely associated with the origins of refrigeration in the country. Today, the shrine attracts worshippers from the ice-making and refrigeration industries, ...»

Isonokami Jingu Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and most historically significant Shinto shrines, located in Furu-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Set amid a tranquil forest along the Yamanobe-no-Michi, widely regarded as Japan’s oldest surviving road, the shrine preserves a spiritual tradition stretching back to the earliest centuries of Japanese history. It has long been affectionately known by...»

Koriyama Castle, located in present-day Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle whose development spanned the medieval and early modern periods. It played an important role from the Warring States period through the Edo period and is particularly associated with Toyotomi Hidenaga, the younger maternal half-brother of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In 1585, Hidenaga made Koriyama ...»

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park is a historic amusement park located near the summit of Mount Ikoma, at an elevation of 642 meters, on the border between Ikoma City in Nara Prefecture and Higashiosaka City in Osaka Prefecture. Owned by Kintetsu Railway and operated by a company within the Kintetsu Group, it has been a popular leisure destination for generations, alongside the nearby Shigi-Ikoma Skyline...»

Hozan-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Shingon Risshu Buddhist school, located on the slopes of Mount Ikoma in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. The temple is dedicated primarily to Fudo Myoo, the Buddhist deity known for protecting the faithful and overcoming obstacles. It is especially famous for its devotion to Daisho Kangiten, a deity enshrined as the temple's guardian and widely worshipped fo...»

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 ...»

Chogosonshi-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shigisan Shingon Buddhist school, located in Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. With a history of more than 1,400 years, it is one of Japan's most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is widely known as Shigisan-ji or affectionately as Shigisan no Bishamonten, referring to its principal deity, Bishamonten. The temple grounds extend acros...»

Tatsuta Park is a prefectural urban park stretching along the Tatsuta River in the southwestern part of Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Covering approximately 14 hectares and extending for about 2 kilometers, the park is a scenic destination where riverside landscapes, wooded hills, and Japanese cultural heritage come together. The Tatsuta area has been celebrated in Japanese poetr...»

Japan's First UNESCO World Heritage Site Horyu-ji Temple is one of Japan's most important Buddhist sites, preserving the architecture and religious traditions of ancient Japan. According to tradition, the temple was founded in 607 during the reign of Empress Suiko under the patronage of Prince Shotoku, a key figure in the early development of Japanese Buddhism. Originally known as Ikaruga-dera, i...»

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...»

Mitarai Valley, located in Kitazumi, Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, is one of the Kansai region’s most beautiful natural destinations. The valley lies along the lower reaches of the Sanjogawa River, a tributary of the Amanogawa River in the Shingu River system, near its confluence with the Kawasako River. Over countless years, flowing water has carved through the rocks to crea...»

Dorogawa Onsen is a historic hot spring destination in Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, renowned for its traditional atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Located at an elevation of approximately 820 meters at the foot of the Omine mountain range, this mountain retreat has been shaped by clear mountain air, abundant nature, and a deep-rooted history of Shugendo, a Japan...»

Menfudo Limestone Cave is a beautiful and mysterious cave known for its richly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Located in the mountains above Dorogawa in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture, it extends for approximately 170 meters. Its largest chambers measure around 5–6 meters in diameter and more than 10 meters in height. Situated at an elevation of 878 meters, the cave maintains a temperature...»

Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha Shrine, commonly known as Tenkawa Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine in Tsubonouchi, Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Revered for centuries, it stands amid the deep forests and mountains of the Kii Peninsula, where a serene and sacred atmosphere welcomes visitors seeking spiritual reflection....»

Tanize Suspension Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Stretching across the clear waters of the Totsukawa River, also known as the Kumano River, it connects the Uenoji and Tanize districts. This impressive pedestrian bridge is more than a tourist attraction: it was originally built to serve as an essential everyday route for local res...»

Roadside Station Yoshinoji Oto is located near the summit of Ten-tsuji Pass along National Route 168 in Sakamoto, Otocho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. It holds a special place in local history as the first roadside station registered in Nara Prefecture and continues to serve as a gateway to the region's mountain attractions. One of its most distinctive features is its futuristic, UFO-shaped exteri...»

Tenri Ramen is a local ramen specialty that originated in Tenri City in north-central Nara Prefecture. Often described as stamina ramen, it is known for its generous portions of vegetables, especially Chinese cabbage, along with plenty of garlic and chives. Its rich, spicy broth and substantial toppings make it a satisfying dish for anyone craving a warming, full-flavored meal. The soup is typica...»

Kakinoha-zushi, or persimmon-leaf sushi, is a traditional specialty of Nara Prefecture, particularly the Gojo and Yoshino areas. This distinctive pressed sushi consists of bite-sized portions of vinegared rice topped with slices of fish, traditionally mackerel, and wrapped individually in aromatic persimmon leaves. When a box is opened, the neatly arranged, square-shaped pieces create an appealing...»

Narazuke is a traditional Japanese pickle believed to have originated in Nara. It is made by salting vegetables such as white gourd, cucumber, watermelon, and ginger, then repeatedly immersing them in sake lees—the fermented rice sediment left over from sake production. The vegetables are aged over an extended period, developing a rich flavor and distinctive fragrance. Known as a premium Japanese...»

Chagayu is a traditional rice porridge cooked with tea and is one of Nara Prefecture's best-known local dishes. Often affectionately called okaisan by local residents, it has long been a familiar part of everyday life, particularly at breakfast. Unlike thick, sticky rice porridge, the Nara-style version is light, watery, and smooth, with little of the starchiness associated with ordinary rice porr...»

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...»

Yakuzen ryori, or traditional medicinal cuisine, is a style of cooking that combines food ingredients valued for their nutritional qualities with ideas rooted in traditional East Asian medicine. In Japan, the origins of this culinary tradition are often traced to the Asuka period (592–710), when knowledge and practices from the Asian continent began to influence Japanese food culture. In earlier ...»

Nara Chamameshi is a traditional rice dish from Nara Prefecture, made by cooking rice with roasted soybeans in tea. With its simple ingredients and subtle roasted aroma, this distinctive local specialty has deep roots in the Buddhist temple cuisine of ancient Nara....»

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....»

Aburakasu is a traditional food enjoyed for generations in Nara Prefecture and the Minamikawachi area of southern Osaka. It is made by slowly deep-frying beef intestines and other offal over an extended period, removing much of their moisture and excess fat while concentrating their savory flavor. The result is a distinctive ingredient with a wonderfully contrasting texture: crisp and fragrant on...»

Kashiwa Sukiyaki is a traditional dish from Nara Prefecture made by simmering chicken and vegetables in a sweet-savory sauce. In the Kansai region of Japan, the word kashiwa is commonly used to refer to chicken meat. The name comes from the resemblance between a chicken’s brownish feathers and the color of oak leaves, known in Japanese as kashiwa. In Nara, chicken sukiyaki has traditionally been ...»

Shishi nabe and shishi-jiru are traditional dishes from the mountainous regions of Nara Prefecture, made with wild boar meat. Shishi nabe is a hearty hot pot, while shishi-jiru is a soup featuring the same distinctive meat. Both are especially comforting during the cold winter months, offering rich flavors and a warming meal inspired by the region’s mountain food culture....»

Yamato mana nimono is a traditional home-style dish from Nara Prefecture, made by gently simmering Yamato mana leafy greens with thin slices of fried tofu in a light soy sauce broth. Simple and comforting, it highlights the vegetable’s natural sweetness, delicate flavor, and pleasantly crisp 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....»

Wakakusa nabe is a distinctive hot pot dish created by Edosan, a traditional Japanese inn and restaurant located within Nara Park. The establishment opened in 1907 as a Japanese restaurant and has long been associated with Nara’s culinary and cultural heritage. The dish was named by the celebrated Japanese novelist Naoya Shiga, who drew inspiration from the lush green slopes of Mount Wakakusa....»

Momiuri is a traditional Japanese cucumber salad seasoned with vinegar. Its name comes from the preparation method: cucumbers are rubbed and massaged with salt until they soften. This simple process helps draw out excess moisture and gives the cucumber a pleasant texture, allowing it to absorb the tangy dressing. Popular in Nara Prefecture, momiuri has long been served as a refreshing side dish, ...»

Kaki namasu is a traditional dish from Nara Prefecture made by combining finely cut daikon radish and carrot with dried persimmons in a sweet-and-sour vinegar dressing. It is a popular part of the region’s New Year osechi cuisine, offering a delightful balance between the refreshing acidity of the vegetables and the natural sweetness of persimmons....»

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...»

Nara zoni, also known as kinako zoni, is a distinctive traditional New Year dish from Nara Prefecture. Unlike many regional varieties of Japanese rice cake soup, this version comes with a delightful twist: the mochi rice cakes are removed from the soup and dipped in sweetened kinako, or roasted soybean flour, much like abekawa mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake confection. The soup, known as...»

Yamato yasai refers to a collection of traditional and specially cultivated vegetables grown in Nara Prefecture, an area historically known as Yamato. Recognized by the prefectural government as local specialties, these vegetables are valued for their distinctive flavors, aromas, shapes, and histories, as well as for the traditional cultivation methods passed down through generations. Many Yamato...»

Yoshino honkuzu is a premium, pure white starch made from the roots of the kudzu plant, a climbing perennial in the legume family that grows wild in the mountains and countryside of the Yoshino region in Nara Prefecture. Renowned for its beautiful whiteness, smooth texture, and delicate mouthfeel, it is one of the region’s most treasured traditional products. The production of Yoshino honkuzu rel...»

Koryo salad eggplant is a distinctive vegetable grown in Koryo Town, Nara Prefecture. Unlike many varieties of eggplant that are usually cooked before eating, this special variety can be enjoyed raw. Both its skin and flesh are exceptionally tender and juicy, making it a refreshing ingredient for salads and other dishes....»

Shiitake mushrooms are prized in Japan for their rich flavor, nutritional value, and distinctive aroma. Their deep, savory taste is sometimes described as the “umami of the mountains,” making them an essential ingredient in traditional Japanese cooking as well as Chinese and Western dishes. Loved for centuries as both a delicious food and a nourishing ingredient, shiitake mushrooms are widely enjo...»

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...»

Persimmons from Nara Prefecture are renowned throughout Japan for their excellent quality and abundant harvests. The prefecture is one of the country's leading producers of this popular autumn fruit, supplying markets nationwide with persimmons prized for their sweetness, texture, and flavor. The harvest season begins with the early-ripening Tone Wase variety, followed by Hiratanenashi and Fuyu. ...»

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....»

Tonewase persimmons are an early-ripening variety of astringent persimmon grown in Nara Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading persimmon-producing regions. Greenhouse cultivation is particularly well established in the prefecture, allowing these sweet, richly flavored fruits to reach the market as early as summer....»

Kaki Cake is an elegant Japanese-style pound cake made with dried persimmons, one of Nara Prefecture’s best-known agricultural specialties. Combining the traditional flavors of Japan with the familiar form of a Western-style cake, this handmade confection is a delicious example of Nara’s distinctive food culture....»

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...»

Ayu, or sweetfish, is a prized seasonal delicacy in Nara Prefecture. The clear rivers of the Yoshino region, including the Yoshino River and the Asuka River, have long been associated with this distinctive fish. Wild ayu grow in clean, flowing water, feeding on algae attached to riverbed stones. Their delicate fragrance and refined flavor make them a favorite ingredient in traditional Japanese cui...»

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 Meat Chicken is a premium local chicken breed raised in Nara Prefecture. It is known for its reddish meat, moderate fat content, and firm, satisfying texture. The meat has a natural sweetness and deep, savory flavor that highlights the distinctive taste of chicken itself. Versatile and flavorful, Yamato Meat Chicken can be enjoyed in many Japanese dishes, including chicken tataki, salt-gri...»

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....»

Yamato Pork is a premium pork brand raised in Nara Prefecture, known for its finely textured, deep-colored lean meat and delicate marbling. The meat contains a well-balanced amount of high-quality fat that melts smoothly in the mouth, releasing a natural sweetness. Its tender, juicy texture and rich flavor make it a prized local specialty....»

Warabi mochi is a traditional Japanese confection made using starch derived from the roots of the bracken fern. Nara has long been known as a region associated with warabi starch, and warabi mochi has been enjoyed as a local specialty since at least the Ashikaga period (1336–1573). To make this distinctive sweet, bracken starch is mixed with water and sugar, then heated and stirred until it becom...»

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...»

Kuzu ame is a traditional Japanese candy made with authentic kudzu starch from Nara Prefecture. It is known for its light, crisp texture, subtle sweetness, and the smooth, delicate mouthfeel of kudzu. This nostalgic confection offers a comforting taste that reflects the region's long-standing confectionery traditions....»

Daibutsu Pudding is a much-loved dessert from Nara Prefecture, created with the gentle, comforting taste of a pudding that a mother might make at home. Made with simple ingredients such as milk, fresh cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla beans, it offers a smooth texture and lets the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients shine through. Great care is taken in selecting the ingredients, with local...»

Deer Muffins are charming little treats from ARCHAIQUE, a specialty baked-goods shop in Nara. Each mini muffin is topped with an adorable icing decoration depicting a young deer playing in a grassy meadow, creating a whimsical scene straight out of a fairy tale. The muffins combine traditional Japanese flavors, including sweet simmered beans known as amanatto and roasted soybean flour called kina...»

Kaki Monaka is a traditional Japanese sweet made with the rich flavor of persimmons grown in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture. The Nishiyoshino area of Gojo City is one of Japan’s leading persimmon-producing regions, and the local fruit is the star ingredient in this distinctive confection from Nara Yoshino Ishii, a specialty shop devoted to persimmons....»

Totsukawa Yubeshi is a traditional preserved food handed down through generations in Totsukawa Village and the surrounding mountainous region of southern Nara Prefecture. Unlike the sweet yubeshi confections found in other parts of Japan, this local specialty is a savory delicacy made using whole yuzu citrus fruits, miso, and other flavorful ingredients. The preparation begins by cutting off the ...»

Mikasa is a beloved Japanese confection from Nara, similar to the sweet known throughout much of Japan as dorayaki. It consists of two soft, sponge-like pancakes made with a castella-style batter, sandwiched around a filling of sweet azuki red bean paste. The combination of a fluffy texture and rich, gently sweet filling makes it a classic treat enjoyed by people of all ages. The name Mikasa come...»

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...»

Narazuke Cookies, known as Horotto, offer a creative twist on one of Nara’s best-known traditional foods. Narazuke are vegetables preserved in sake lees, the nutrient-rich sediment left over from sake production. The sake lees give the pickles their distinctive aroma, mellow sweetness, and savory depth. When incorporated into cakes and cookies, these flavors create a surprisingly harmonious combin...»

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....»

Gojinka no Fun is one of Nara’s most memorable souvenir sweets, thanks to its amusing and unforgettable name. The name roughly translates as “sacred deer droppings,” a playful reference to the deer that roam freely around Nara Park. At first glance, these chocolate-coated peanuts resemble small deer droppings, making them an eye-catching novelty that many visitors cannot resist picking up. The un...»

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...»

Saigyōzakura is an elegant traditional Japanese confection that brings together two prized ingredients from different regions of Japan: Yoshino kudzu starch from Nara Prefecture and Wasanbon sugar from Kagawa Prefecture, in the Sanuki region. Their combination creates a delicate sweetness and exceptionally smooth texture that make this confection a memorable treat....»

Nara Honey is a pure honey produced in Nara Prefecture and supplied through a longstanding relationship between Satōden, a specialist sugar retailer, and local beekeepers. This close partnership reflects a shared commitment to quality and helps ensure that the honey reaches consumers in its natural form....»

Yamazakiya Narazuke is a traditional Japanese preserved food made by pickling vegetables repeatedly in sake lees, the rich fermented rice residue left over from sake production. With more than a century of history as a specialist Narazuke producer, Yamazakiya is known for its beautifully golden-amber pickles and time-honored methods that transform familiar vegetables into a distinctive local delic...»

Floresta Nature Doughnuts began as a mobile doughnut business with a simple idea: to share human warmth and kindness through something as familiar and comforting as a freshly made doughnut. Its doughnuts have a nostalgic charm, offering the kind of gentle sweetness that brings back childhood memories and makes you feel at ease with every bite....»

Nakako Shoyu is a traditional soy sauce producer located in Shinmachi, a district known for its beautifully preserved historic streets. Founded in 1877, the company has maintained the traditional style of an independent soy sauce brewery, using natural fermentation methods to create sauces that bring out the best in a wide range of dishes....»

Naramachi is a charming historic district in Nara City where the atmosphere of Japan's ancient capital lives on in narrow lanes, traditional wooden townhouses, and beautifully preserved streetscapes. With roots extending back to the establishment of Heijō-kyō, Japan's capital in 710, the neighborhood offers a glimpse into centuries of urban life, craftsmanship, commerce, and local culture. The ar...»

Akahada ware is a traditional Japanese pottery associated primarily with Nara City and Yamatokoriyama City in Nara Prefecture. It is distinguished by its warm, reddish, milky-white clay body and charming, rustic decorations known as Nara-e. Combining understated beauty with a welcoming, handmade character, Akahada ware reflects the region's long history of craftsmanship, tea culture, and artistic ...»

Kōshindō is a small shrine located in Nishishinyacho, in the heart of Naramachi, Nara City. Affectionately known by locals as “Kōshin-san,” it is an important local center of Kōshin worship and also serves as a neighborhood meeting place. Its principal deity is Shōmen Kongō, a Buddhist guardian figure traditionally associated with protection against illness and misfortune. Although modest in size...»

The Taikichi Irie Memorial Nara City Museum of Photography is a specialist photography museum located in Takabatake, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Dedicated to the work and legacy of photographer Taikichi Irie, the museum is particularly renowned for images of Nara and the historic Yamato region, including its landscapes, Buddhist temples, cultural treasures, and seasonal scenery. At the heart of t...»

The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Festival is a grand traditional religious festival held at Wakamiya Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Kasuga Taisha in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Centered on December 17 and extending over several days, this historic event brings the area around Nara Park to life with solemn ceremonies, elegant processions, and traditional Japanese performing arts. Against the atmosphe...»

The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival is a captivating candlelight event held every year in early August throughout the Nara Park area of Nara City, Nara Prefecture. First held in 1999, the festival usually runs for approximately ten days and has become one of Nara’s most beloved summer traditions. As night falls, thousands of candles illuminate the grounds surrounding the city’s historic temples, shri...»

The Nara Prefectural Museum of Art is a public art museum located in Noborioji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Set in a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, the museum houses a diverse collection spanning traditional Japanese art, modern works, and contemporary artistic expression. Through its exhibitions, visitors can discover the evolution of Japanese art and appreciate the...»

The Yamato Bunkakan Museum is a private art museum in the peaceful western suburbs of Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It specializes in outstanding works of traditional East Asian art from Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula. With its carefully curated collections, distinctive architecture, tranquil gardens, and educational programs, the museum offers visitors an enriching encounter with the region...»

Kasugayama Primeval Forest lies east of central Nara City, Nara Prefecture, and covers approximately 250 hectares. Protected for centuries as sacred land associated with Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the forest has traditionally been shielded from hunting and tree felling. This long-standing conservation practice has allowed a remarkable natural environment to survive close to a major urban area, preservi...»

Nara City, located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture, is the prefectural capital and its most populous city. Known as one of Japan's ancient capitals, Nara flourished as the seat of government during the Nara period (710–794). It has also traditionally been called Nanto, meaning the Southern Capital, in contrast with Kyoto's historical role as the capital farther north. Today, Nara combines...»

The Nakano Museum of Art, located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, opened in 1984. Operated by the Nakano Museum of Art Foundation, it was established through the efforts of businessman Kanji Nakano, who devoted much of his life to collecting Japanese art. By making his extensive collection accessible to the public, the museum provides a welcoming space for cultural exchange and art education....»

The Great Buddha of Nara, officially known as the Bronze Seated Statue of Rushana Buddha, is a monumental National Treasure enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall, or Daibutsuden, at Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Widely known in Japan as the Tōdai-ji Great Buddha or simply the Nara Great Buddha, it is one of the country's most celebrated Buddhist statues. Its immense scale, long hist...»

The Great Buddha Hall of Tōdai-ji, located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, is the central building of Tōdai-ji Temple. Its formal name is the Kondō, or Main Hall, although it is widely known as the Daibutsuden, meaning Great Buddha Hall. Inside stands the temple's principal image, the monumental seated statue of Rushana Buddha, better known as the Great Buddha of Nara. Renowned for its extraordina...»

Nandaimon Gate is the magnificent main southern gate of Todaiji Temple in Nara, Nara Prefecture. Designated a National Treasure of Japan, it is renowned for its immense scale, distinctive architecture, and outstanding historical significance. The present gate was reconstructed in 1199 during the Kamakura period under the direction of Chogen, the Buddhist monk who led the revival of Todaiji Temple ...»

Nigatsudo Hall is one of the most celebrated buildings within Todaiji Temple in Nara, Nara Prefecture. Originally established during the Nara period in the 8th century, the hall has a long history of Buddhist worship and is particularly famous as the setting for Omizutori, a series of solemn rituals held every early spring. The present building was reconstructed in 1669, during the Edo period, and...»

Ikoma City is located in northwestern Nara Prefecture, bordering Osaka Prefecture across the Ikoma Mountains. Officially becoming a city in 1971, it has a population of approximately 100,000 and is the third most populous city in Nara Prefecture. Its strategic location between Osaka and Nara has made it an important crossroads for transportation and cultural exchange since ancient times. Today, I...»

Ikoma Furusato Museum is a local history museum located in Yamazaki-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. It offers visitors an opportunity to discover the region’s history, traditional culture, and everyday life through historical materials and hands-on learning experiences. The museum opened on February 1, 2014, in the former Ikoma Town Hall, a historically significant building dating from the early...»

Takayama chasen are traditional bamboo tea whisks made in Takayama-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. These finely crafted utensils are among Japan’s most renowned tea ceremony tools. A chasen is used to mix powdered green tea, known as matcha, with hot water in a tea bowl, helping create a smooth, evenly blended drink and, depending on the preparation, a delicate layer of foam. Every stage of pro...»

Obitoke-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Kegon school located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Koyasan, and its principal image is Jizo Bodhisattva, a Buddhist figure associated with compassion and the protection of people. The temple is particularly famous throughout Japan as a place to pray for safe childbirth and the blessing of children. Affectionately known...»

Heijo Palace was the political and administrative center of Heijo-kyo, the capital of Japan during the Nara period (710–794). This expansive palace complex included the emperor’s residence, known as the Dairi, as well as ceremonial courtyards, government offices, and other facilities essential to the administration of the ancient state. Covering approximately 120 hectares, it was one of the most i...»

Tsukigase Plum Grove is a historic plum-growing area in Tsukigase Oyama and the surrounding district of Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Approximately 13,000 plum trees spread across the scenic valley of the Satsuki River, creating a spectacular landscape known as Tsukigase Baikei, or the Tsukigase Plum Valley. Renowned for its natural beauty and long history, the area was among the earliest places in ...»

Ikoma Taisha Shrine, officially known as Ikoma ni Imasu Ikoma Tsuhiko Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been revered as a place of worship for the deities associated with Mount Ikoma and is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, an important tenth-century register of Shinto shrines. In the modern shrine classification system established before World War II...»

Former Daijoin Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in Takabatake, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It was originally created as the garden of Daijoin, a prestigious monastic residence associated with Kofukuji Temple. With a history spanning centuries, the garden is valued for its cultural and historical significance and was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1958....»

Chokyuji Temple is a Shingon Risshu Buddhist temple located in Mayumi, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Mayumizan, and its principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. According to tradition, the temple was founded in the 8th century by the revered monk Gyoki. Chokyuji is associated with fascinating legends about its foundation ...»

Heijo-kyo Sakyo Sanjo Nibo Palace Garden Ruins is an archaeological site in Sanjo-oji, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, preserving the remains of an ancient Japanese garden dating from the Nara period (710–794). It is one of the rare surviving sites that reveal how gardens were designed and enjoyed more than 1,200 years ago. Since 1975, the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties has ...»

Enshoji Temple is a historic Shingon Risshu Buddhist temple in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Its principal object of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical Buddha. The temple is closely associated with the Tsutsui clan, a powerful family in the Warring States period of Japanese history, and has played an important role in preserving the region's religious and cultural heritage. Today, Enshoj...»

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Formerly classified as a prefectural shrine, it is also known as Tamukeyama Jinja. The shrine stands at the eastern edge of central Nara, just east of the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple. Nearby to the north is Todaiji's Hokke-do Hall, also known as Sangatsu-do, placing the shrine in an area rich in religio...»

Chofukuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple quietly nestled in Tawaraguchi-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Shingon Risshu school of Buddhism and bears the mountain name Kinryuzan, meaning “Golden Dragon Mountain.” The temple is traditionally believed to have been founded by Gyoki, a renowned Buddhist monk of the Nara period (710–794). Its principal object of worship is a ser...»

Chikurin-ji Temple is a Risshu Buddhist temple nestled in the quiet mountain foothills of Arisato-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. The temple is best known as the burial site of Gyoki, a prominent Buddhist monk of the Nara period (710–794), who played an important role in the spread of Buddhism and the development of public infrastructure in Japan. For centuries, Chikurin-ji has attracted worship...»

Sugawara Tenmangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Sugawara Higashi 1-chome, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been known as Sugawara Jinja and is closely associated with the ancient Haji and Sugawara clans, families that played important roles in early Japanese society. The shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a register of Shinto shrines compiled in 927, making it one...»

Isagawa Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Honkomoricho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been affectionately known as Komori Myojin, meaning a revered deity associated with the care and protection of children. The shrine is an auxiliary shrine located outside the main grounds of Omiwa Shrine. Its formal name is Isagawa ni Masu Omiwa no Mikogami no Yashiro, which refers to the sh...»

Kangō Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, that has attracted worshippers for centuries. It is listed among the shrines recorded in the Engishiki, an important compilation of regulations and shrine records from the Heian period, although its classification as a specific shrine is subject to scholarly discussion. The shrine formerly held the official rank of prefectural...»

Enpuku-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple of the Shingon Risshū school, located in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Ryūgezan. Situated on a hillside overlooking the Ikoma Valley, the temple is surrounded by seasonal natural beauty and offers visitors a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of everyday life....»

Naratsuhiko Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the northern part of Nara City, in an area known as Nara Kitamachi. With a long history of religious worship, it has been known by several names, including Narasaka Kasuga Shrine, Kasuga Shrine, and Hachiman Shrine. These different names reflect the area's rich traditions of worshipping a variety of deities. The shrine is generally regarde...»

Shimada Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yashima-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is listed among the small shrines recorded in the ancient Engishiki, a collection of regulations and official records compiled during the Heian period. The shrine was formerly classified as a village shrine and was also designated to receive offerings of food and cloth from the government, reflecting ...»

Goryo Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yakushido-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It has also been known as Nanto Goryo Shrine and Kibi Goryo. Formerly classified as a village shrine, it is believed to have been founded in 800 at the command of Emperor Kanmu. Today, it remains one of the few shrines in Nara City dedicated to the ancient tradition of goryo shinko, the worship and pacif...»

Sudo Tenno Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Nishikidera-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It was formerly classified as a village shrine and was also designated to receive official offerings of food and cloth for religious ceremonies. Locally, it is known as Kidera Tenno and was traditionally revered as the guardian shrine of Renjo-ji Temple, historically known as Kidera. Together wit...»

The Jigokudani Rock-Cut Buddhas are a group of Buddhist images carved into rock in a quiet mountain area of Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Closely associated with ancient mountain worship, they are among the historic Buddhist carvings scattered along the Takisaka Trail, part of the historic Yagyu Kaido route through the Kasuga Mountains. The site is also locally known as Shonin-kutsu, me...»

The Kasugayama Rock-Cut Buddhas are a historic group of Buddhist images carved directly into rock in the mountains of eastern Nara City, Nara Prefecture. They lie near Ishikiri Pass along the historic Yagyu Kaido route, quietly surrounded by dense forest. Because the site is secluded and difficult to spot, local people have affectionately called the carvings Anabutsu, meaning the Cave Buddhas, for...»

The Yagyu Kaido Trail is a historic route in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, that connects the old town of Nara with the mountain village of Yagyu. From Naramachi, the trail passes through the valleys between Mount Kasuga and Mount Takamado, continues through Ninnikusen, and reaches Yagyu. Beyond Yagyu, routes extend toward Kasagi, Tsukigase, and Ueno. The section between central Nara and Mount Kasug...»

Kuragari Pass lies on the border between Nishihata-cho in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, and Higashitoyoura-cho in Higashiosaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The pass is crossed by National Route 308 and Osaka Prefectural Route 702, also known as the Osaka-Hiraoka-Nara Line. Historically, its name was sometimes written as “暗峠” or “闇峠,” both read as Kuragari Toge. The name is often associated with the dens...»

Takayama Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Takayama-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Formerly designated as a village shrine, it has long been an important center of local worship. Today, its historical and architectural significance is recognized through the designation of its main sanctuary as a National Important Cultural Property of Japan. The shrine stands in a peacef...»

Takayama Chikurin-en Bamboo Garden is a municipal park in Takayama-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, where visitors can discover the beauty of bamboo and experience traditional Japanese culture. The area is renowned as a major center for producing bamboo tea utensils, particularly chasen, the delicate whisks used to prepare matcha. The garden opened in 1989 to preserve and promote the region’s tra...»

Saidaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Saidaiji Shibamachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Shingon Risshu school of Buddhism and has played an important role in Japanese Buddhist history from the Nara period (710–794) to the present day. The temple's mountain name is Shohozan, and its principal object of worship is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. A...»

Ikoma Sanroku Park is a spacious urban park located on the northern slopes of Mount Ikoma in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. Covering approximately 303,000 square meters, the park combines rich natural surroundings with facilities for outdoor recreation, overnight stays, sports, educational programs, and group activities. Whether you are looking for a family day out, an outdoor adventure, or a place ...»

The Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Line, commonly known as the Ikoma Cable Car, is a funicular railway operated by Kintetsu Railway in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture. It connects Torii-mae Station with Ikoma-Sanjo Station via Hozanji Station, providing access to both Hozanji Temple, a well-known center of religious worship, and Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park at the summit of Mount Ikoma. With a history dating bac...»

Hokkeji Temple is one of Japan’s most historically significant Buddhist convents, located in Hokkeji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its principal object of worship is a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. During the Nara period (710–794), the temple served as the central convent overseeing Buddhist convents throughout Japan, giving it an important role in the relig...»

Ryosenji Temple is the head temple of the Ryosenji Shingon Buddhist sect, located in Naka-machi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is also known by the mountain names Tomisan and Bikozan. The temple’s principal object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine, who is revered for healing illness and bringing peace to body and mind. The temple is traditionally associated with two eminent Bud...»

Imanishi-ke Shoin is a remarkably valuable historic building located in Fukuchiin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It preserves the architectural style of the Muromachi period (1336–1573) and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Standing quietly amid the traditional streets of Naramachi, the historic district of Nara, it is regarded as an important surviving example of shoin-styl...»

Hannya-ji Temple is a temple of the Shingon Risshu school of Buddhism located in Hannyaji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hōshōzan, and its principal deity is Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri), the bodhisattva of wisdom. For centuries, people have visited the temple to pray for academic success and the development of wisdom. In recent years, Hannya-ji has also become widely known as ...»

Jurinin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Jurinin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism and bears the mountain name Uhozan. Its principal object of worship is a stone statue of Jizo Bosatsu, the bodhisattva of compassion, carved from granite. The temple stands in Naramachi, a historic district where traditional townhouses dating from the...»

Hokkedo Hall, also known as Sangatsudo Hall, is a historic Buddhist hall located in the eastern part of the grounds of Todaiji Temple in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, near the foothills of Mount Kasuga. Built during the Nara period in the eighth century, it is considered the oldest surviving building at Todaiji and is recognized as one of Japan's most important National Treasure structures. The hall...»

Akishino-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist temple quietly nestled in Akishino-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It is an independent temple that does not belong to any specific Buddhist denomination. The temple has no mountain name, and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine, who is revered for healing illness and bringing peace to both body and mind. Akishino-dera is partic...»

Kairyūōji Temple is a historic temple of the Shingon Risshū school of Buddhism, located in Hokkejikita-machi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Sahoyama, and its principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. The temple is an important site for experiencing the Buddhist culture of the Nara Period (710–794), particularly the flourishing Tenpyō...»

Enjōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Ninnikusen-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Ninnikusen, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Nestled among wooded hills along the historic Yagyū Kaidō, a road connecting central Nara with Yagyū, a village renowned for its samura...»

Shōmyōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Seizan branch of Jōdo Buddhism, located in Shōbuike-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Nichirinzan. Although situated close to the center of Nara, the temple grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere where centuries of religious devotion and cultural tradition continue to thrive. Shōmyōji is particularly known for its history as a ...»

Kikōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Sugawara-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Hossō school of Buddhism and holds the status of a special head temple. Its mountain name is Seiryōzan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. The temple is traditionally attributed to Gyōki, one of the most influential Buddhist mon...»

Byakugōji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Byakugōji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Shingon Risshū school of Buddhism and is situated at the foot of Mount Takamado, south of Mount Kasuga in the southeastern part of Nara. The temple's mountain name is Takamado-san, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Its foun...»

Zutō is an exceptionally rare earthen Buddhist monument dating from the Nara period (710–794), located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It stands approximately one kilometer south of the Great South Gate of Tōdai-ji Temple. Today, surrounded by greenery in a peaceful setting, this unusual structure offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious architecture of ancient Japan. The monument has a squ...»

Nara Women's University Memorial Hall is one of the most iconic buildings on the campus of Nara Women's University in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Completed in 1909, during the Meiji period (1868–1912), the former main building and the adjacent guardhouse, together with the main gate, have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Originally constructed as the main building of Nara Wo...»

Daian-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Koyasan Shingon school located in Daianji 2-chome, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It has no formal mountain name, and its principal object of worship is a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Traditionally believed to have been founded under Emperor Jomei, Daian-ji once flourished alongside Todaiji and Kofuku-ji as one of the S...»

Roadside Station Hari T.R.S., commonly known as Hari Terrace, is located in Hari Town, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, at the junction of National Route 25, which includes the Meihan National Highway, and National Route 369. One of the largest roadside stations in western Japan, it is much more than a place to take a break during a drive. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of experiences, including din...»

Jōkyōji Temple is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Hongwanji-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū, or True Pure Land Buddhism, located in Kamisanjocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kujōzan, and its principal object of worship is a standing statue of Amida Buddha. Despite its central urban location, within walking distance of both Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station, the temple of...»

Nanmyōji Temple is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Sakaharacho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Iōzan. Situated along the historic Yagyū Kaidō, a route connecting central Nara with the village of Yagyū, the temple has long attracted pilgrims and Buddhist practitioners. The surrounding area retains the peaceful atmosphere of a tradit...»

Shōryakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Bodaisancho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Bodaisan Shingon Buddhist tradition. Its mountain name is Bodaisan, and its principal object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. The temple's formal name is Bodaisan Ryūgejuin. Nestled in the mountains roughly midway between Nara City and Tenri C...»

Kōninji Temple is a Kōyasan Shingon Buddhist temple located in Kokūzō-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kokūzō-san, and its principal image is Kokūzō Bosatsu, the bodhisattva associated with wisdom, memory, and good fortune. For centuries, the temple has attracted worshippers seeking guidance and blessings. Nestled on the hillside of Mount Kokūzō in southern Nara, near Tenri C...»

Konbuin Temple is a Jōdo (Pure Land) Buddhist convent located in Hōren-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hōren-san, and its principal object of worship is Amida Buddha accompanied by two attendant bodhisattvas. Although relatively little known among visitors, the temple has a long history dating back to the Nara period (710–794). It also has significant historical and cultural ...»

Enshōji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist convent belonging to the Myōshinji school, located in Yama-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Fumon-san. Founded in the early Edo period by Princess Bunshi, the eldest daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, the temple has a distinguished history and is counted as one of the Three Imperial Convents of Yamato, alongside Chūgūji Temple in Ikaruga an...»

Ikaruga Town is located in northwestern Nara Prefecture, within Ikoma District. Rich in ancient temples, burial mounds, and natural scenery, the town preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s early history and Buddhist culture. It is best known for Horyu-ji Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist sites in Japan and part of the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage listing. Beyond its celebrated te...»

Hoki-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Okamoto, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Its formal mountain name is Okamoto-san, and its principal object of worship is a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion. The temple was also historically known as Okamoto-dera and Ikejiri-dera. Hoki-ji is sometimes counted among the seven temples tra...»

Horyu-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most important ancient Buddhist temples, located in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Shotoku sect of Buddhism and has no formal mountain name. Its principal object of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha. When it was first established, the temple was known as Ikaruga-dera, also written with the characters for Ikaruga Templ...»

Chūgū-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist convent of the Shōtoku sect, located just north of the eastern precincts of Hōryū-ji Temple in Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hōkō-san, and its principal object of worship is a statue of Nyoirin Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. According to tradition, the temple was founded by Prince Shōtoku in honor of his mother, Princ...»

Kichiden-ji Temple is a historic temple of the Jōdo (Pure Land) school of Buddhism, located in Koyoshida, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Seisuizan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. The temple is widely known by the affectionate nickname Pokkuridera, which reflects the belief that praying here brings a ...»

Hōrin-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Shōtoku sect, located in Mitsui, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Myōken-san, and its principal object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing. For centuries, worshippers have visited the temple to pray for recovery from illness, good health, and longevity. The temple is also affectiona...»

Ikaruga Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It stands on Mount Tenman, northeast of Horyu-ji Temple, and is dedicated primarily to Sugawara no Michizane, a renowned scholar and statesman of the Heian period (794–1185). Michizane is revered throughout Japan as the deity of learning, making the shrine a place where students and worshippers pra...»

Tatsuta Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It has been revered since ancient times and is listed in the Engishiki, a major tenth-century compilation of Japanese laws and religious institutions. The shrine formerly held the rank of prefectural shrine and is one of the region's important places of worship, alongside Tatsuta Taisha Shrine in S...»

Mount Mimuro is a small hill rising 82 meters above sea level in Jinnan 4-chome, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It stands beside the right bank of the lower reaches of the Tatsuta River and has long been closely associated with Japanese poetry, religious traditions, and the natural landscape. Today, Mount Mimuro forms part of Tatsuta Park, a prefectural park celebrated for its che...»

The Tatsuta River is a first-class river within the Yamato River system, flowing through Nara Prefecture near the border with Osaka Prefecture. Rising along the eastern foothills of Mount Ikoma, which reaches 642 meters above sea level, the river flows south for approximately 15 kilometers before joining the Yamato River near Ikaruga Town. Its catchment area covers approximately 54 square kilomet...»

Fujinoki Kofun is a circular burial mound dating from the late Kofun period (approximately the 6th century), located in Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Situated about 350 meters west of the Western Precinct of Horyu-ji Temple, it is designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. Its name comes from the local place-name Fujinoki, although historical documents associated with Horyu-...»

Hotoketsuka Kofun is a square burial mound located in Horyu-ji, Ikaruga Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It is protected as a Prefectural Historic Site of Nara. The mound was built at the tip of a small ridge extending northward from Terayama, a low hill north of Horyu-ji Temple in the northwestern part of the Nara Basin. The name “Hotoketsuka,” which can be translated as “Buddha Mound,” re...»

Daruma-ji Temple is a temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, located in Oji Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kataokayama. The temple enshrines statues of Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion; Bodhidharma, the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism; and Prince Shotoku, one of the most influential figures in early Japa...»

Mount Myojin is a 274-meter-high mountain in Oji Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture, near the northern end of the Kongo Mountain Range. Its distinctive terrain and long history have made it an object of religious devotion since ancient times. Today, it is registered as a National Monument of Japan under the name “Myojin-yama (Hirume-yama)” and is a popular destination for sightseeing an...»

Located in north-central Nara Prefecture, Tenri City is a distinctive destination where Japan’s ancient history meets modern religious culture. The city center is home to numerous facilities associated with Tenrikyo, a Japanese religious movement, creating a unique urban landscape that has earned Tenri a nationwide reputation as a religious city. Even the city’s name comes from Tenrikyo, reflectin...»

Yamanobe-no-Michi is regarded as one of the oldest surviving roads in Japan and holds exceptional importance in the country’s history. Located in Nara Prefecture, its name refers to the ancient Yamabe District, through which the route once passed. It has also been written as Yamanobe-no-Michi using different historical characters. The road appears in some of Japan’s oldest surviving chronicles, in...»

Nishitonozuka Kofun is a large keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Nakayama-chō, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It is an important component of the Nakayama group within the Yamato Kofun complex, one of the region’s significant concentrations of ancient tombs. The Imperial Household Agency officially identifies the mound as Fusumada-no-Misasagi, the imperial mausoleum of Princess Tashiraka, cons...»

Kushiyama Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Yanagimoto-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It was constructed during the latter half of the early Kofun period, when powerful ruling families built monumental tombs to demonstrate their authority. The tumulus belongs to the Yanagimoto Kofun Group and stands on elevated ground beside Andonyama Kofun, traditionally identified as the tomb of Emp...»

Kurozuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Yanagimoto-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites for understanding Japan's early history. Its distinctive burial chamber, remarkable collection of bronze mirrors, and carefully arranged grave goods provide invaluable evidence of funerary customs, craftsmanship, and social organization duri...»

The Tenri City Kurozuka Kofun Museum is a historical museum located in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It opened on October 12, 2002, to introduce visitors to the archaeological discoveries and cultural heritage of the Kofun period, an era when powerful leaders built monumental burial mounds across Japan. The museum was established following the major archaeological excavations at Kurozuka Kofun in ...»

Nishiyamazuka Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Kayō-chō, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It is a key feature of the Kayō subcluster of the Yamato Kofun Group, an area known for its concentration of large burial mounds associated with Japan's early rulers. The tumulus is shaped like a keyhole, with a circular rear section and a rectangular front section. Although it has not been designated ...»

Akatsuchiyama Kofun, also known as Akadoyama Kofun or Akandoyama Kofun, is an ancient burial mound located in Ichinomoto-chō, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Believed to have been built between the early and middle Kofun periods, it is one of the principal tumuli in the Tōdaijiyama Kofun Group. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1992 and has since been developed as a histori...»

Nishiyama Kofun, also known as Nagariyama or Magariyama, is an ancient burial mound located in Somanouchi-chō, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Built around the fourth century during the early Kofun period, it is one of the most distinctive archaeological sites in the region. The mound stands on the grounds of Tenri High School and was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1927. With a tota...»

Andonyama Kofun, also known as Andon-yama Kofun, is an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Yanagimoto-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Believed to have been constructed during the early Kofun period in the first half of the 4th century, it forms part of the Yanagimoto Kofun Group, a concentration of large burial mounds in the region. Among these ancient monuments, Andonyama Kofun is pa...»

Shibutani Mukaiyama Kofun is a massive keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Shibutani-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the principal tombs in the Yanagimoto Kofun Group and is particularly notable for its enormous size, measuring approximately 300 meters in total length. Today, the Imperial Household Agency officially designates and manages the site as the mausoleum of Emperor Keik...»

Ōyamato Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Hoshiyama, Niizumi-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been regarded as a shrine of exceptional standing in Japanese religious history. It was listed among the prestigious shrines known as Myōjin Taisha in the Engishiki, an ancient compilation of court regulations, and was included among the Twenty-Two Shrines, a group of influential ...»

Yatsugi Shrine stands in Otogi, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, where it has been a place of worship for the local community since ancient times. Its name is also written as Yatsuki Shrine or Yatogi Shrine, and alternative pronunciations, including “Yatsuki” and “Yatogi,” have been passed down through the region. The shrine was formerly classified as a village shrine. It is also associated with an e...»

Sangō Town is located in Ikoma District in western Nara Prefecture. Blessed with scenic landscapes and a rich historical heritage, the town combines the natural beauty of the Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park with convenient access from Osaka, making it a popular destination for visitors and hikers. One of the area's most prominent landmarks is Mount Shigi, a sacred mountain where religious t...»

Uchiyama Eikyūji was once a renowned Buddhist temple located in Somanouchi-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Closely associated with Daijō-in, a major subtemple of Kōfukuji Temple in Nara, it flourished as one of the largest and most prestigious religious complexes in the historic province of Yamato. Its extensive grounds and magnificent buildings made it one of the region's most impressive temple...»

Ryūōzan Castle was a mountain fortress that once stood on Mount Ryūōzan, near the Tashiro area of Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. During Japan's Warring States period (1467–1615), it served as an important strategic stronghold in Yamato Province, the historical region that roughly corresponds to present-day Nara Prefecture. Built high on the mountain ridge marking the boundary between the Yamato Plai...»

Fukusumi Nakasada Castle was a medieval Japanese fortification located in Fukusumi-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. Classified as a hilltop or low mountain castle, it occupies a wooded area where many of its original defensive features remain remarkably well preserved. Its layout, earthen ramparts, and other surviving structures make it a valuable historical site for understanding the design and ...»

Yuga Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located halfway up Mount Yuga in Takabatake, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Situated east of the Nara Hotel, its first torii gate stands just off National Route 169, where a quiet approach leads visitors into a peaceful mountain setting. Despite being close to the city center, the shrine offers a tranquil atmosphere that evokes the ancient history and timeless ...»

Yake Kasuga Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Byakugōji-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, with deep ties to the tradition of Kasuga worship. It stands at the northwestern foot of Mount Takamado, south of the Noto River, in an area that has been an important location along ancient routes through the Nara region since antiquity. Surrounded by nature, the shrine retains a quiet, timeless atmospher...»

Roadside Station Crossway Nakamachi is a modern roadside rest and tourism facility located in Nakamachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, along Prefectural Route 7, which connects Hirakata and Yamatokōriyama. It is conveniently situated just off the Nakamachi Interchange on the Daini Hanna Road, making it an ideal gateway to northwestern Nara Prefecture. The facility opened on November 30, 2024, and ha...»

Nara Okuyama Driveway is a toll road approximately 12 kilometers long that connects three mountains in eastern Nara City: Mount Wakakusa, Mount Kasuga, and Mount Takamado. Running along the eastern side of Nara Park, this distinctive sightseeing road passes through areas overlooking the historic city, near ancient temples and shrines, and into primeval forest recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage ...»

Sanjo-dori Street is one of the main thoroughfares in central Nara, running from east to west through the city. It connects JR Nara Station with Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, making it a natural starting point for exploring the city’s historic attractions. With roots stretching back to the days of Heijo-kyo, Japan’s ancient capital, the street combines the energy of a modern shopping distric...»

Gangoji Temple – Gokurakubo is a historic Buddhist temple located in Chuin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It continues the legacy of Gokurakubo, a sub-temple of Gangoji, which once flourished as one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. The temple belongs to the Shingon Risshu school of Buddhism and is renowned for its principal object of worship, the Chiko Mandala, a pictorial representation of t...»

Shika senbei, or deer crackers, are special rice-bran crackers sold to visitors who want to feed the wild deer living in and around Nara Park in Nara City. Available from vendors throughout the park and its surroundings, these crackers are an iconic part of the Nara sightseeing experience. For many travelers, the image of Nara is inseparable from its friendly-looking deer and the familiar sight of...»

Yamatokoriyama City is located in the northern part of Nara Prefecture, near the center of the Nara Basin. With a history stretching from ancient times through the medieval and early modern periods, the city has preserved a rich cultural heritage and much of the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese castle town. Yamatokoriyama is particularly famous throughout Japan for its goldfish. Goldfish-bree...»

Genkuro Inari Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Dosenji-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Set amid the traditional streets of this former castle town, the shrine has long been cherished by local residents. Affectionately known as “Genkuro-san,” it remains an important place of worship for the community as well as an intriguing destination for visitors. The shrine is famous fo...»

Tsutsui Castle was a medieval Japanese castle located in Tsutsui-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. From the Muromachi period (1336–1573) through the Sengoku period (c. 1467–1603), it served as the principal stronghold of the Tsutsui clan, a powerful family associated with the warrior-monks and followers of Kofukuji Temple. The castle played an important role in the political and military ...»

Koizumi Castle was a lowland castle located in Koizumi-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Also known as Katagiri Castle and Koizumi Jinya, it originated as the residence of the Koizumi clan, a family associated with the warrior-monks of Kofukuji Temple. During the Edo period (1603–1868), it became the administrative center of the Koizumi Domain, ruled by the Katagiri clan until the Meiji R...»

Koizumi Otsuka Kofun is an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Koizumi-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. It stands on a ridge at the southeastern edge of the Yata Hills, in the northwestern part of the Nara Basin. Designated a Nara Prefectural Historic Site on March 19, 1999, the tomb is an important archaeological landmark that offers insights into the power, burial customs, a...»

Jikoin Temple is a temple of the Daitokuji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism, located in Koizumi-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Entsuizan, and its principal object of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha. The temple was founded in the early Edo period by Katagiri Sadamasa, also known as Sekishu, the lord of the Koizumi Domain and a celebrated tea master. He established the tem...»

The Nara Prefectural Folklore Museum is located within Yamato Folk Park, a spacious 26.6-hectare park in Yata-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Through everyday household objects, farming tools from the Taisho period (1912–1926) and early Showa period (1926–1989), and collections such as the nationally designated Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property known as the Tools of Yoshino Fore...»

Yanagisawa Bunko Library is a historical library in Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture, dedicated primarily to preserving and making accessible documents and historical materials associated with the Yanagisawa family, who once ruled the Koriyama Domain. Since its establishment in 1960, the library has played an important role in preserving and sharing the history and cultural heritage of the loc...»

Eikeiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Eikeiji-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, the temple bears the mountain name Ryugezan and enshrines Shaka Sanzon, a triad centered on Shakyamuni Buddha. Its peaceful surroundings offer visitors a quiet place to reflect while discovering the history and culture of the Yanagisawa family, o...»

Matsuodera Temple is an important head temple of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Widely known as Japan's oldest temple dedicated to protection from misfortune, it has a history stretching back nearly 1,300 years. The temple is associated with Mount Matsuo and is also known by the mountain name Fudarakusan. Its principal object of worship is Se...»

Jikoin Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Daitokuji branch of the Rinzai school, located in Koizumi, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Entsuzan, and its principal object of worship is Shakyamuni Buddha. The temple was founded by Katagiri Sadamasa, also known as Katagiri Sekishu, a renowned tea master of the Edo period (1603–1868) and the founder of the Sekish...»

Kakuanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple belonging to the Shingon Risshu school, located in Nukatabe Teramachi, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Kumagorisan, and its principal object of worship is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The temple's name is officially pronounced “Kakuanji,” rather than “Gakuanji.” Situated at the southern edge of Ya...»

Yatadera Temple, officially known as Kongōsenji, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Yata-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism and has the mountain name Yata-san. Its principal object of worship is Jizo Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva who protects and guides people, whose gentle appearance brings comfort to worshippers. Yatadera is particul...»

Yataniimasu Kushitamahiko Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yata-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been revered as an important place of worship and is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a 10th-century register of Shinto shrines. In the ancient province of Yamato, it was listed first among the ten shrines in the Soegami District and was classified as a major shri...»

Meta Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Hieda-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Situated at the edge of the ancient moated settlement of Hieda, it has long been closely connected with the history and community life of this traditional farming village. The shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a register of Shinto shrines compiled in the 10th century, and was once ranked ...»

Machiya Monogatari-kan is a historic traditional townhouse complex in Tosenji-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Located in the southeastern part of the city's central district, this area developed as part of a castle town and still retains traces of its historic streetscape. The building offers visitors a glimpse into the architecture, social customs, and everyday life of an earlier era....»

The Hamoto Family Residence is a historic merchant house built during the Meiji era (1868–1912), located in Nishikannonji-cho, Yamatokoriyama City, Nara Prefecture. Facing east along an old road that once connected the castle town of Koriyama with Nara, the residence is a valuable example of traditional Japanese townhouse architecture and preserves the atmosphere of the town's historic streets. T...»

Located in northern Nara Prefecture, Yamatokoriyama City is widely known throughout Japan as the “City of Goldfish.” It is considered one of Japan's three major goldfish-producing centers, alongside Yatomi City in Aichi Prefecture and Tokyo's Edogawa area. Here, the history of a castle town dating back to the Sengoku period (1467–1615) blends with a goldfish-breeding tradition that developed from ...»

Heguri is a town in Ikoma District, northwestern Nara Prefecture, near the border with Osaka Prefecture. The town spreads across a small valley plain, with the Ikoma Mountains and Mount Shigi rising to the west and the Yata Hills to the east. The Tatsuta River flows from north to south through the center of the town before joining the Yamato River, sustaining local communities and their culture fo...»

Ando Town is located in Ikoma District in the northwestern part of the Nara Basin, Nara Prefecture. Covering just 4.31 square kilometers, it is one of Japan's smallest municipalities by area, ranking third-smallest after Tadaoka Town in Osaka Prefecture and Miyake Village in Nara Prefecture. Despite its compact size, Ando preserves a remarkable range of historical and cultural heritage spanning fr...»

Shigisan Nodoka Village Agricultural Park is a spacious farm and recreation park in Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it offers visitors the chance to enjoy seasonal produce, outdoor activities, and traditional food-making experiences throughout the year. The park features fruit and vegetable picking, barbecue facilities, athletic activities, and hands-on works...»

Gokurakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Higashi-Ando, Ando Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Kokubunji branch of Shingon Buddhism, the temple is known by the mountain name Shiunzan and enshrines Amida Buddha as its principal deity. It is also home to the remarkable statue known as the Hiroshima Great Buddha, a large seated image of Amida Buddha with a histo...»

Senkoji Temple is a historic temple of the Daigo branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. Its formal name is Narukawasan Senkoji. Known for its long association with Shugendo, a Japanese spiritual tradition that combines Buddhist beliefs with ascetic practices in the mountains, it is also called Motoyama-jo Senkoji, meaning the original mountain of Shuge...»

Udotsuka Kofun is an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Kasugaoka, Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It is believed to have been constructed around the middle of the 6th century, during the late Kofun period (approximately the 3rd to 7th centuries). Designated a National Historic Site of Japan, the tomb is an important archaeological monument, notable for its impressive sca...»

Senjuin Temple is a subtemple of Chogosonshi-ji, the head temple of the Shigisan Shingon Buddhist tradition, located on Mount Shigi in Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It is regarded as the oldest subtemple within the Chogosonshi-ji complex and is home to the oldest building in the complex, a historic reception hall known as the shoin. The temple's principal deity is Bishamonten, the ...»

Discover the Spiritual Beauty of Mount Shigi Mount Shigi is a mountain approximately 437 meters above sea level in Heguri Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. For centuries, it has been revered as a sacred place where religious traditions, history, and rich natural scenery come together. Part of the Ikoma Mountain Range along the western edge of the Nara Basin, it features gentle rural landscap...»

Tatsuta Taisha Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Tatsunominami, Sango Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. For centuries, it has been revered as a sacred place dedicated to the gods of wind. Historically known as Tatsuta Jinja, it is one of Japan's most important centers of wind worship, a tradition that is relatively rare among Shinto shrines. The shrine was designated a Myōjin Tai...»

The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is a toll road running north to south along the Ikoma Mountain Range, which forms part of the boundary between Osaka Prefecture and Nara Prefecture. Owned by Kintetsu Railway and managed by Kintetsu Ikoma Leisure, a member of the Kintetsu Group, this approximately 21-kilometer road is one of the region's most popular destinations for scenic driving. The road follows the mo...»

Kaiun Bridge is a striking vermilion-painted bridge spanning Daimon Pond in Sango Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It forms part of the approach to Chogosonshi-ji Temple on Mount Shigi, a mountain with a long history of religious worship. The bridge connects Minamihata in Sango Town with Shigisan in neighboring Heguri Town. Completed in 1931, it was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property...»

Discovering the Tatsuta-goe Nara Kaido The Tatsuta-goe Nara Kaido, also known as the Tatsuta Ancient Road, is one of several historic routes that connected Osaka and Nara. From ancient times through the early modern period, it played an important role in Japan’s political development, cultural exchange, and transportation network. The route passed through the Tatsuta area of present-day Ikaruga T...»

Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO is a distinctive accommodation and cultural experience created through the careful renovation of the birthplace of Kenkichi Tomimoto, one of Japan’s most influential modern ceramic artists and a recipient of the prestigious title of Living National Treasure. Located in Ando Town, Nara Prefecture, near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Horyuji Temple, the property brings ne...»

The Nakake Residence, located in Ando Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture, is one of the finest surviving examples of a moated residence in the Yamato region. The entire estate is surrounded by two concentric moats, preserving the defensive layout of a medieval samurai residence while incorporating architectural features associated with farming households from the Edo period (1603–1868) onward. ...»

The Ando Town Historical and Folklore Museum is located in Ando Town, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture. It introduces the area's history, traditional industries, cultural heritage, and everyday life through a collection of historical documents, folk artifacts, and hands-on activities. The museum occupies the former residence of the Imamura family, who served as village headmen for generations from ...»

Iwazononiimasu Takumushitama Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Katashio-cho, Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. It is also known as Isononiimasu Takumushitama Shrine and is affectionately called Ryuomiyа, or the Dragon King Shrine, by local residents. With a history rooted in ancient religious traditions, it has long served as an important place of worship and a spiritual center for t...»

Tenjinsha Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Sanwa-cho, Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. It is also affectionately known by local residents as Takada Tenjinsha. Formerly called Tenjingu, the shrine is said to have acquired its present name following changes to Japan's shrine administration system during the Meiji period (1868–1912). For centuries, it has served as an important center...»

Yamatotakada City is located in west-central Nara Prefecture and serves as an important urban center in the Chuwa and Katsuragi areas. Although its municipal area is relatively compact, it is known for having the highest population density of any city in Nara Prefecture. Its proximity to Osaka has made it an important transportation and commercial hub for centuries, and today it remains a convenie...»

Hasehonji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism, located in Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. It is regarded as the oldest temple in the city and is also known by its mountain name, Myoonzan. Its principal object of worship is a statue of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, or Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, in the style associated with Hasedera Temple. The statue is desi...»

Senryuji Temple is a Jōdo Shinshū Hongwanji-ha Buddhist temple located in Uchinomotocho, Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Nyoizan, and its principal object of worship is a standing statue of Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. Founded in 1600, the temple has a long and distinguished history and is widely known as Takada Gobō. Senryuji is one of the five pr...»

Fudōin Temple is a Buddhist temple belonging to the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Hongōchō, Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. Although surrounded by the modern city, its grounds offer a peaceful atmosphere and have long been a place of worship for the local community. The temple's main hall is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, making Fudōin significant from bo...»

Jūnisha Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Fujimori, Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. Formerly classified as a village shrine, it has been carefully maintained by the local community for generations. Fujimori lies in the northeastern part of the city and is known as one of the medieval settlements in the Yamato Basin that were surrounded by defensive moats. Sections of the moat remai...»

Mirokuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Doko district of Yamatotakada City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, its formal name is Chūdōzan Mirokuji. The peaceful temple grounds have long been cherished by the local community. The temple is especially renowned for its principal image, a wooden seated statue of Miroku Buddha, which is designated ...»

Katsuragi City is located in west-central Nara Prefecture, bordering Osaka Prefecture. Blessed with rich natural surroundings and a long history, the city stretches along the eastern foothills of the mountains extending from Mount Katsuragi to Mount Nijō. Since ancient times, this area has served as an important crossroads for transportation, culture, and religious worship. Ancient burial mounds, ...»

Michi-no-Eki Katsuragi is a roadside station in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, located along National Route 166, beside the Minami-Hanna Road. Opened in 2016, it is conveniently situated just a short distance from the Katsuragi Interchange on the expressway. More than a place to take a break while driving, it serves as an important tourism hub where visitors can discover local food, regional cul...»

A Sacred Shrine in the Historic Katsuragi Region Nagao Shrine stands in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, and has long served as the chief shrine of the former Katsuge District in Yamato Province. It was recognized as a prestigious shrine in the ancient court's official shrine system and was later classified as a village shrine under the modern shrine ranking system. The surrounding Nagao Forest c...»

Discover the History and Culture of Sumo The Katsuragi City Sumo Museum, officially known as Katsuragi City Sumo Museum “Kehaya-za”, is a municipal museum located in Taima, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Opened in May 1990, it is one of Japan's few museums dedicated exclusively to sumo, the country's traditional wrestling sport. Through historical artifacts, educational displays, and hands-on e...»

A Sacred Place of History, Faith, Art, and Architecture Taimadera Temple, located in Taima, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, is one of Japan's historically and spiritually significant Buddhist temples. Unusually, it has maintained traditions associated with both Shingon Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism. For more than 1,300 years, it has been an important center of devotion to the Taima Mandala, an...»

A Sacred Shrine on Mount Nijo Katsuragi Futakami Shrine, also known as Katsuragi Nijō Shrine, stands near the summit of Mount Odake, one of the two peaks of Mount Nijo, in Sōno, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Historically, it was known as Futakami Shrine or Katsuragi-ni-imasu-Futakami-no-Jinja. It is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, an important ancient register of Shinto shrines, as a pres...»

Mount Nijo stands on the border between Katsuragi City in Nara Prefecture and Taishi Town in Minamikawachi District, Osaka Prefecture. Historically, it was also known by its ancient Japanese name, Futakamiyama. Located in the northern part of the Kongo Mountains, it is characterized by two distinctive peaks: Mount Odake to the north, approximately 517 meters high, and Mount Medake to the south, ap...»

Michi-no-Eki Futakami Park Taima is a roadside station located along National Route 165 in Shinzaike, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Its name comes from Futakami Furusato Park, which lies immediately to the west, and Taima, the name of the former town in this area. Bringing together nature, history, and local food culture, the facility is a popular stop for both travelers and residents....»

Shiawase no Mori Park is a nature-rich park located beside Michi-no-Eki Katsuragi in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It is an inviting place to take a break while shopping or enjoying a meal at the roadside station. With seasonal scenery and open spaces, the park is popular with families and tourists looking for a peaceful outdoor escape....»

Yashikiyama Park is a spacious historic park in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, combining important archaeological heritage with a rich natural environment. Covering approximately 58,000 square meters at the foot of Mount Katsuragi, the park is centered on Yashikiyama Kofun, a burial mound designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. It also features a variety of cultural, sporting, and recre...»

Katsuragi Sanroku Park is a nature-rich park at the foot of majestic Mount Katsuragi in the western part of Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Covering approximately 12.1 hectares, it is a popular local destination offering seasonal flowers, scenic views, and plenty of space to relax. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy outdoor activities with your family, or simply escape into nature...»

Katsuragi ni Imasu Hono Ikazuchi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Fuefuki, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It has long been affectionately known as Fuefuki Shrine, or Fuefuki-no-Miya. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, a tenth-century register of Shinto shrines, it was classified as a Myojin Taisha, a prestigious category of shrine. Its historical standing suggests that it once enjoy...»

Sekkoji Temple is an ancient Jodo Buddhist temple located in Someno, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Jiunzan, and its principal object of worship is Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life. The temple is believed to have been founded approximately 1,300 years ago, during the Hakuho period of the late Asuka era. Archaeological discoveries and historical documents c...»

Kakinomoto Shrine is located in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture, and is dedicated to Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, one of the most celebrated poets of the Nara period and a major figure in the Man'yoshu, Japan's oldest surviving poetry anthology. Revered in later generations as a poetic sage, Hitomaro holds an important place in Japanese literary history. The shrine is more than a historical site: it is...»

Hakanishi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Shinjo, Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It stands west of Yashikiyama Kofun, a large ancient burial mound designated as a National Historic Site. The shrine’s name reflects this close connection with the surrounding archaeological landscape and has also been written using characters meaning “west of the mausoleum” or “west of the tomb.” Alth...»

Gonen-in is one of the subtemples of Taimadera, a historic Buddhist temple in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It is widely known as a temple associated with Princess Chujo, a legendary figure central to the development of Pure Land Buddhist faith at Taimadera. Although it stands quietly within the larger temple complex, Gonen-in plays an important role in preserving the religious traditions and c...»

Okunoin is one of the largest subtemples within the historic Taimadera temple complex in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. It was established as the “Inner Sanctuary” of Chion-in, the head temple of Jodo Buddhism in Kyoto, and has a distinguished history closely connected with the spread of Pure Land Buddhist faith. Its official religious corporation name remains Okunoin, and it continues to serve ...»

Sainai-in is one of the historic subtemples within Taimadera, a celebrated Buddhist temple complex in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Traditionally, it has played an important role in protecting the temple grounds’ southwest direction, known in Japanese geomancy as the ura-kimon, or “rear demon gate.” According to tradition, Sainai-in was founded in 683, during the Hakuho period. Over the centuri...»

Taima-dera Nakanobo is the oldest of the subtemples at Taima-dera, located in Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture. Its origins date back to the Hakuho period (late 7th century). According to tradition, it was established by En no Gyoja, the legendary founder of Shugendo, as a place for ascetic training when Taima-dera was first founded. During the Nara period, under the 11th-generation abbot Jitsuga,...»

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 ...»

Oji Town is located in northwestern Nara Prefecture and has long played an important role as a transportation hub connecting Nara and Osaka. Although the town covers a compact area of approximately seven square kilometers, it offers a remarkable blend of history, culture, and natural scenery....»

Kanmaki Town is located in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture, in the western section of the Nara Basin. Although relatively small, covering an area of approximately 7 square kilometers, the town brings together a rich blend of history, culture, and nature. Gentle hills and remnants of traditional rural landscapes give parts of the area a nostalgic atmosphere. The town’s name is believed to ...»

Izanagi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kanmaki Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Listed in the ancient Engishiki Jinmyōchō, a register of shrines compiled during the Heian period, it is recognized as a Shikinaisha, or shrine officially recorded in that historical text. Its former shrine rank was that of a village shrine. The shrine stands on elevated ground near the so...»

Eifukuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Jodo school, located in Oji Town, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Raigozan, and it has long been an important place of worship for the local community. According to tradition, the temple was founded by Gyoki, a prominent Buddhist monk of the Nara period who devoted himself to spreading Buddhism among ordinary people and carrying out public...»

Hobata Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Oji Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. It is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, an official register of shrines compiled in the Heian period, and is traditionally classified as a Myōjin Taisha, a shrine of particularly high standing. In the Meiji period, it was designated a village shrine under the former shrine-ranking system. The ...»

Kataoka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Honmachi 2-chome, Oji Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, an official register of shrines compiled during the Heian period, it is classified as a Myōjin Taisha, a shrine of particularly high standing. In the Meiji period, it was designated a Gōsha, or district shrine, under the former shrine-ranking...»

Kawai Town is located in Kitakatsuragi District in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture, on the western side of the Nara Basin. Covering approximately 8.23 square kilometers, the town spreads across the northeastern part of the gently rolling Umami Hills and has a population of around 20,000. People have lived in this area since prehistoric times. Today, Kawai combines a rich natural environm...»

Koryo Town is located in the southeastern part of Kitakatsuragi District in Nara Prefecture, in the west-central part of the Nara Basin. Blessed with a favorable location, the town has developed over the centuries through a blend of agriculture, industry, and culture. Ancient burial mounds, shrines, and parks are scattered throughout the area, creating a landscape where historical heritage blends...»

Umami Hills Prefectural Park is a large urban park extending across Koryo Town and Kawai Town in Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. The park was developed to preserve and make accessible the Umami Kofun Group, an important collection of ancient burial mounds. The project began in 1984, and the park was fully opened in 2012. The park is divided into four areas: the Greenway Area, North Area,...»

Hirose Taisha Shrine stands in Kawai, Kawai Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. With a history stretching back to ancient Japan, it has long been revered as a shrine protecting water, agriculture, and abundant harvests. It was classified as a Myōjin Taisha, one of the highest-ranking shrines listed in the ancient Engishiki regulations, and is also one of the 22 prestigious shrines known...»

Samita Takarazuka Kofun is a keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Kawai Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. It forms part of the central group of the Umami Kofun Group, an important concentration of ancient burial mounds in the southwestern Nara Basin. Designated a National Historic Site, the mound and its artifacts provide valuable insights into the authority, culture, and daily life...»

Sanuki Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in Mitsuyoshi, Koryo Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyōchō, an important tenth-century register of shrines, it has a long history of religious worship and was formerly classified as a village shrine under Japan's traditional shrine ranking system. The shrine is particularly famous for its association with...»

Kudara-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Koyasan Shingon school, located in Koryo Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Although its exact founding date remains uncertain, the temple has a long history and is associated with traditions dating back to ancient Japan. Its peaceful grounds and historic buildings offer visitors an opportunity to experience the region's religious heritage a...»

The Umami Kofun Group is an extensive collection of ancient burial mounds spread across the Umami Hills and surrounding areas in southwestern Nara Prefecture. The group extends across Kawai Town and Koryo Town in Kitakatsuragi District, as well as parts of Kashiba City and Yamatotakada City. With more than 250 burial mounds, it is recognized as one of the Three Great Kofun Groups of Yamato, alongs...»

Suyama Kofun is a large keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Mitsuyoshi, Koryo Town, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the most important tombs in the central group of the Umami Kofun Group, an extensive collection of ancient burial mounds in southwestern Nara. Designated a Special Historic Site of Japan, Suyama Kofun is valued for its impressive scale, well-preserved structu...»

Nunome Dam is a multipurpose dam built across the Nunome River in Kitanoyama-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. The river is a tributary of the Kizu River, which forms part of the Yodo River system. As one of the dams in the upper Kizu River basin, Nunome Dam plays an important role in flood control, agricultural water supply, and providing tap water to Nara City. Beyond its essential infrastructur...»

Yamazoe Village is a nature-rich highland community in northeastern Nara Prefecture, along the border with Mie Prefecture. Located roughly midway between Osaka and Nagoya, it offers convenient access from major urban areas while preserving traditional rural landscapes and a peaceful way of life. The village embodies the appealing concept of being close to the city yet immersed in the countryside. ...»

Tenjin Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the Kitano district of Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. It retains distinctive architectural features from the Muromachi period (1336–1573) and stands on elevated ground overlooking the village's northern settlements to the south. Surrounded by peaceful rural scenery, the shrine offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere and a glimp...»

Konoji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism and is known by the mountain name Hoshōzan. Its principal object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing and Medicine. The temple stands quietly on the southwestern slope of Mount Kono, a mountain that has long been revered as a s...»

Mee Mee Ranch is a popular attraction in Forest Park Kono-yama, located within Tsukigase Kono-yama Prefectural Natural Park in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Set amid gently rolling highland scenery, the ranch offers visitors the chance to relax while watching fluffy, adorable sheep grazing peacefully in the fields. The sight of these gentle animals in the open countryside pro...»

Forest Park Kono-yama is a nature park located in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. It forms the heart of Tsukigase Kono-yama Prefectural Natural Park and encompasses Mount Kono, which rises to 618.8 meters above sea level. With its gently rolling ridgelines and broad, graceful slopes, the mountain has long been admired as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Yamato Highlan...»

Nabekura Gorge is a remarkable rocky landscape on the slopes of Mount Kono, within Tsukigase Kono-yama Prefectural Natural Park in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Along a natural ravine, enormous, dark rocks made of hornblende andesite form a striking formation extending approximately 650 meters, with an average width of about 25 meters. The rugged rocks resemble a river of lava...»

Hanakobo is a direct-sales shop specializing in local agricultural products and flowers, located in Yamazoe Village, Nara Prefecture. Conveniently situated just off the Yamazoe Interchange on the Meihan National Highway, it is a popular stop for travelers exploring the area or driving through the countryside. The shop offers visitors an easy way to discover fresh local produce and beautifully cult...»

Wanpaku Animal Zoo is a small, welcoming animal park set amid the natural beauty of Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Visitors can get close to a variety of friendly animals, including goats, ducks, and rabbits, making it an enjoyable destination for families and animal lovers. A bakery café is located on the same premises, adding to the appeal of this peaceful countryside attract...»

Country Park Ōko is a nature and recreation park in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Developed to preserve and make use of the Ōko Archaeological Site, an important settlement dating to the Early Jōmon period, the park offers visitors an opportunity to explore Japan's prehistoric past while enjoying the surrounding natural landscape. Located on a river terrace overlooking the Nab...»

Chōju-iwa, or Longevity Rock, is a remarkable natural landmark in Ōnishi, Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Measuring approximately 7 meters in diameter and weighing an estimated 600 tons, this enormous, nearly spherical rock is an impressive sight. Its unusual size and beautifully rounded shape have made it one of the symbols of Yamazoe Village, attracting visitors who are fascin...»

The Yamazoe Village Historical and Folklore Museum in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture, introduces the area's history and cultural heritage through archaeological discoveries and artifacts that illustrate everyday life in earlier times. From the Jōmon period to the modern era, the museum allows visitors to explore the lives of the people who lived in this rural community through a...»

Kasuga Shrine, also known as Yamazoe Kasuga, is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yamazoe Village, Yamabe District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the countryside, its peaceful grounds have long served as a center of local worship. Today, the shrine continues to preserve its traditions through annual festivals and classical performing arts....»

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...»

Hiranotsuka Anayama Kofun is an ancient burial mound located in Hirano, Kashiba City, Nara Prefecture. It is part of the Hirano Kofun Group and is an important archaeological site that sheds light on the burial customs and political culture of ancient Japan. Designated a National Historic Site in 1973, the mound is believed to have been built for a person of royal or otherwise high status. One the...»

Donzurubo, located in Kashiba City in western Nara Prefecture, is a striking natural attraction known for its unusual rock formations, pale cliffs, and distinctive geological landscape. Part of Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, this area combines remarkable natural scenery with an important wartime history. Donzurubo is also the starting point of the Diamond Trail, a long-distance hiking rou...»

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...»

Kashiba City is located in west-central Nara Prefecture, where historic sites and natural landscapes coexist with modern residential neighborhoods and convenient urban facilities. With a population of approximately 78,000, the city has experienced notable population growth in recent decades, reflecting its appeal as a place to live, commute, and raise a family....»

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...»

Gufukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, located in Kawahara, Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Buddha-zan, and its principal image is the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. The temple stands on the site of Kawaharadera, a major state-sponsored Buddhist monastery that flourished during the Asuka period (la...»

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...»

The Ninji Temple Ruins are the remains of an ancient Buddhist temple believed to have been founded during the latter part of the Asuka period, in the seventh century. Located in the hilly area north of Mount Nijo in the western part of the Nara Basin, the site occupies a region that once served as an important transportation corridor connecting ancient Yamato, corresponding broadly to present-day ...»

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 ...»

Oyodo Town is located in central Nara Prefecture, along the right bank of the Yoshino River. Blessed with beautiful natural surroundings and a long history, it serves as an important gateway to the mountainous Yoshino region. The town is also within commuting distance of the Osaka metropolitan area, with a journey from Osaka-Abenobashi Station taking approximately one hour by Kintetsu Railway. As...»

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...»

Located near the center of Nara Prefecture, Shimoichi is a town blessed with beautiful natural surroundings and a rich historical heritage. Situated south of the Yoshino River, the town developed as an important gateway to the Yoshino region as early as the Heian period (794–1185). Its historic streets, traditional industries, and distinctive local customs preserve the character of a community sha...»

Kurotaki Village lies in Yoshino District in central Nara Prefecture, where magnificent natural scenery and a rich historical heritage come together. Forests cover approximately 97% of the village's total area, making it one of the important production areas for Yoshino cedar, a prized timber known throughout Japan. Surrounded by steep mountains and abundant woodland, Kurotaki is affectionately kn...»

Sesonji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Hiso, Oyodo Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism and is known by the mountain name Ryōjusen, meaning Vulture Peak. The temple's principal image is a seated statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha), traditionally associated with a miraculous radiant camphor tree. Sesonji is also the seventh tem...»

Niukawakami Shrine Shimo-sha is a historic Shinto shrine located in Hase, Shimoichi Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It preserves an ancient tradition of worshipping water deities, reflecting the vital role of rivers, rainfall, and water sources in Japanese spiritual life. The shrine is classified as a Myōjin Taisha, a prestigious category of shrine recorded in the ancient Engishiki regula...»

Gangyoji Temple, also known as Shimoichi Gobō, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Shimoichi Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of Mount Gobō on the left bank of the Akino River, it belongs to the Honganji-ha branch of Jōdo Shinshū, or Shin Buddhism. Its formal mountain name is Shishinzan, and it has long served as an important center of religious life and Buddhist l...»

Kawawake Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Nakato, Kurotaki Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. For generations, it has served as the local guardian shrine, or ubusuna-jinja, for six districts of the village: Akataki, Nakato, Terado, Wakigawa, Dōhara, and Miyoshino. Deeply rooted in the community's spiritual life, the shrine remains an important place of worship in this seclude...»

Hōkakuji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Kurotaki Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Hōkakuji school of Shingon Buddhism and has long been associated with the mountain ascetic tradition of Shugendō. The temple's mountain name is Hyakurasan, and its principal object of worship is Nyoirin Kannon, a bodhisattva revered for compassion and the fulfil...»

Kawanishi Town is located in Shiki District, Nara Prefecture, in the heart of the historic Yamato region. Combining a long cultural heritage with peaceful rural scenery, the town offers visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese life, ancient burial mounds, and shrines that preserve centuries of local religious traditions. Its landscape is closely connected with the rivers that flow across the Ya...»

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...»

Shimanoyama Kofun is a large keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Tōin, Kawanishi Town, Shiki District, Nara Prefecture. It is an important archaeological site that preserves evidence of the ancient Yamato region, one of the political and cultural centers of early Japan. The mound is designated as a National Historic Site, and numerous artifacts excavated from it have been designated as Importan...»

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...»

Yoshino Town lies in central Nara Prefecture, surrounded by forested mountains, clear rivers, and beautiful natural landscapes. For centuries, the area has been an important center of Shugendō, a Japanese mountain ascetic tradition that combines elements of Buddhism and Shinto. Its mountains, temples, shrines, and historic sites preserve a rich spiritual and cultural heritage. In 2004, sites in t...»

Tsuburo Dam is located in the Kawaraya area of Yoshino Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Built across the Tsuburo River, part of the Kinokawa River system, it is a gravity-type concrete dam designed primarily to supply agricultural and domestic water. Today, it plays an important role in supporting the water needs of the Nara Basin. The reservoir created by the dam, known as Lake Tsuburo, ...»

The Yoshino Ropeway is widely known as Japan’s oldest surviving passenger cableway. Officially called the Yoshinoyama Passenger Cableway, it is operated by Yoshino Ōmine Cable Car Co., Ltd. and connects Senbon-guchi Station at the foot of Mount Yoshino with Yoshinoyama Station farther up the mountain. This historic transport system provides convenient access to Yoshino’s celebrated mountain scene...»

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...»

Yoshino Mikumari Shrine stands in the Kami-senbon area of Mount Yoshino in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. Located within a landscape renowned for its spiritual heritage and celebrated cherry blossoms, the shrine has attracted worshippers for centuries. It is also known as Komori-no-miya, or the Shrine of Child Protection, and is revered as a deity of water and a place to pray for conception, safe ...»

Kinpu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine nestled in the Oku-senbon area, deep in the mountains of Yoshino, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. Located near Mount Aone-ga-mine in the innermost part of Mount Yoshino, it is dedicated to a deity regarded as the guardian of the land of Yoshino. The shrine has long been an important center of worship associated with Kinpusen, a sacred mountain believed to ho...»

Kinpusenji Temple is located on Mount Yoshino in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture, and serves as the head temple of Kinpusen-Shugendo. For centuries, it has been a major center of Japanese mountain worship, welcoming ascetic practitioners who train in the mountains and carry on the traditions of Shugendo. The temple's mountain name is Kokujikuzan, and its founding is traditionally attributed to En no...»

A Sacred Path Through the Kii Mountains The Omine Okugake Trail is a spectacular mountain pilgrimage route stretching approximately 170 kilometers between Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and the Kumano Sanzan, the three great shrines of Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture. Following the rugged main ridgeline of the Omine Mountains, where many peaks rise between 1,000 and 1,900 meters, the trail has served a...»

An Ancient Sanctuary on the Banks of the Yoshino River Onamochi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kawaraya, Yoshino Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Known locally as Onamuchi-no-miya, it has been revered since ancient times and was recognized as a prestigious shrine of the highest category, known as a Myojin Taisha, in the imperial court's religious system. In the modern shrin...»

A Shrine Dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo Yoshino Jingu Shrine stands in the Yoshino Mountains of Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. Dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, the shrine was established during the Meiji period and is one of the 15 shrines associated with the Kenmu Restoration, the movement that sought to restore imperial rule in the fourteenth century. It was formerly classified as a Kanpei Taisha,...»

A Historic Center of Shugendo and Mountain Worship Sakuramotobo Temple, officially written as 櫻本坊 in Japanese, is a distinguished temple of the Kinpusan Shugen Honshu tradition, located in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by the forests and mountains of Yoshino, it has long been an important center of mountain worship and Shugendo, a Japanese religious tradition that combines Buddhist te...»

A Temple Rooted in the Traditions of Shugendo Chikurin-in Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Yoshinoyama, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. Closely associated with the mountain ascetic tradition of Shugendo, it has long served as an important center of religious practice in the sacred mountains of Yoshino. Today, it operates as an independent temple, with principal objects of worship th...»

A Temple Deeply Connected with the History of Yoshino Nyoirinji Temple is a historic Jodo Buddhist temple located in Yoshinoyama, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Tonoo-san, and its principal image is Nyoirin Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion who is traditionally depicted holding a wish-fulfilling jewel and a wheel of Buddhist teachings. The temple has a particularly stron...»

An Important Center of Buddhist Faith and Culture Honzenji Temple is a historic Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple located in Yoshino Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Honganji-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu and is also widely known locally as Hangai Gobo. Its formal mountain name is Mutsuozan. With a history stretching back to the 15th century, Honzenji has played an important rol...»

Discover the Natural and Spiritual Beauty of Tenkawa Tenkawa Village lies in southern Nara Prefecture, surrounded by magnificent mountains, dense forests, and clear rivers. The village promotes itself through the themes of “the land of heaven,” “the land of forests,” and “the land of rivers,” reflecting its close relationship with the natural environment. For centuries, this remote mountain regi...»

A Shrine with a Remarkable Historical Legacy Yoshimizu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yoshinoyama, Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture. It was originally established as a sub-temple of Kinpusenji Temple and was known as Kissu-in. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage property known as the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, attracting visitors intereste...»

A Remote Village Surrounded by the Mountains of the Kii Range Nosegawa Village is a small, nature-rich community in southern Nara Prefecture. According to Japan's 2020 national census, it had the smallest population of any municipality in Japan outside the country's remote islands. Surrounded by majestic mountains and clear streams, the village promotes itself as a “Land in the Sky” and is partic...»

A Remote Village in the Heart of the Kii Mountains Kamikitayama Village is a beautiful mountain community in Yoshino District, southeastern Nara Prefecture. It is one of the prefecture's most sparsely populated municipalities, and its landscape is dominated by vast forests. Approximately 97% of the village's total area is covered by woodland, creating an expansive natural environment that attract...»

A Remote Village Surrounded by Forests and Mountains Shimokitayama Village is a scenic mountain community in Yoshino District, southern Nara Prefecture. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, much of the village lies within Yoshino-Kumano National Park. The historic Omine Okugakemichi pilgrimage route, part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mounta...»

A Vast Mountain Wilderness Shaped by Nature, History, and Faith Totsukawa Village lies at the southernmost tip of Nara Prefecture, deep in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula. Bordering Mie and Wakayama prefectures, it is Japan’s largest village by area, covering approximately 672.38 square kilometers. The village stretches about 33.4 kilometers from east to west and 32.8 kilometers from north to ...»

Kawakami Village is a beautiful, forest-covered community in southeastern Nara Prefecture, renowned as one of the traditional centers of Yoshino forestry. For centuries, the area has been known for cultivating Yoshino cedar, prized for its fine grain, strength, and quality. Surrounded by dense forests and blessed with abundant water, the village preserves a remarkable blend of natural beauty, hist...»

Higashiyoshino Village is a tranquil mountain community in eastern Nara Prefecture, near the border with Mie Prefecture. Situated along the northern edge of the Daiko Mountains and west of Mount Takami, the village is covered largely by rich forests. Clear rivers, deep green woodlands, and mountains that change dramatically with the seasons create a peaceful landscape that invites visitors to slow...»

Ōminesanji Temple is one of the most important religious sites associated with Shugendō, Japan's traditional mountain ascetic tradition. Located in Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, the temple stands near the summit of Mount Sanjōgatake, which rises to 1,719.2 meters in the Ōmine mountain range. Surrounded by rugged terrain and demanding mountain conditions, it has served for cen...»

Mount Ōmine is a celebrated sacred mountain in southern Nara Prefecture and one of Japan's most important centers of Shugendō, a traditional spiritual practice that combines Buddhist teachings, Shinto beliefs, and rigorous mountain asceticism. The name Ōmine can refer broadly to the entire Ōmine mountain range or, more specifically, to Mount Sanjōgatake. Historically, the peaks extending south fr...»

Sōmon Falls, located in Tenkawa Village in southern Nara Prefecture, is one of Japan's most spectacular waterfalls and is included in the country's selection of the 100 Best Waterfalls of Japan. With a total drop of approximately 70 meters, it presents a dramatic combination of cascading water, sheer rock walls, and a rugged mountain landscape. The waterfall has a distinctive two-part appearance....»

Located in Tenkawa Village in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Mount Misen is one of the most captivating peaks in the Ōmine Mountains, which stretch across the heart of the Kii Peninsula. Rising to an elevation of 1,895 meters, it is the second-highest mountain in Nara Prefecture, after Mount Hakkyo. Its magnificent mountain scenery, rich natural environment, and long history of religious devot...»

Mount Hakkyo stands on the border between Tenkawa Village and Kamikitayama Village in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Rising to an elevation of 1,915 meters, it is the highest mountain in both Nara Prefecture and the entire Kinki region of western Japan. Its imposing summit, rich natural environment, and long association with mountain worship make it a destination cherished by hikers and religi...»

The Dorogawa Spring Water Group refers to the natural springs and underground waters that emerge from limestone caves and other geological formations around Dorogawa in Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by lush mountain forests, this area lies within Yoshino-Kumano National Park and has long been valued for both its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Tenkawa V...»

Ryūsenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Dorogawa, Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It serves as the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism and has long been an important destination for religious practitioners and pilgrims. The temple's mountain name is Ōminesan, and its principal object of worship is Miroku Bosatsu, the Bodhisattva Maitreya. Ryūsenji also...»

Mount Takami is a striking mountain rising to 1,248.9 meters along the border between Higashiyoshino Village in Nara Prefecture and Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture, in the area formerly known as Iinan District's Iitaka Town. Standing at the northern end of the Daikō Mountain Range, it is famous for its elegant, sharply defined silhouette. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname the “Matt...»

Ōtaki Dam is a large multipurpose dam on the upper reaches of the Kinokawa River in Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. This gravity concrete dam stands 100 meters high and is one of Japan's major infrastructure projects, serving several essential functions, including flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation. The reservoir created by the dam is known as Ōta...»

Shionoha Onsen is a secluded hot spring resort nestled deep in the mountains of Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Located in the upper reaches of the Yoshino River basin and surrounded by forested mountains, this peaceful retreat is known for its distinctive mineral-rich waters and traditional hot spring atmosphere. Far from busy tourist destinations, it offers a quiet place to ...»

Tateri Kōjin Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Iketsugawa, Nosegawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Its official name is Kōjin Shrine, but it is widely known as Tateri Kōjin Shrine among local residents and visitors. According to tradition, the shrine was established by Kūkai, the Buddhist monk posthumously known as Kōbō Daishi, when he founded Mount Kōya. He is said to ha...»

Mount Gomadan is a mountain standing on the border between Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture and Totsukawa Village in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It rises to an elevation of 1,372 meters and forms part of the Kii Mountains in the heart of the Kii Peninsula. Long associated with religious traditions, historical legends, and rich natural environments, the mountain is a distinctive destinatio...»

Fudō Nanae Falls is a spectacular natural attraction in Shimokitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Located within a specially protected zone of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, it is recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls and is considered one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Kansai region. Nearby, Ikehara Dam, one of Japan's largest arch dams, creates a striking contr...»

Ikehara Dam is a large hydroelectric dam located in Shimokitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of southern Nara, it was built on the Kitayama River, part of the Kumano River, also known as the Shingū River, river system. The facility is operated by Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., commonly known as J-POWER. The dam is an arch-shaped conc...»

Sasa Falls is a magnificent waterfall in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. With a drop of approximately 32 meters, it is recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. Its clear water streams down the rocky cliffs like delicate white silk, creating a beautiful natural spectacle that invites visitors to slow down, relax, and appreciate the tranquility of the mountains....»

Tamaki Shrine is an ancient Shinto shrine located in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It stands near the ninth station of Mount Tamaki, at an elevation of over 1,000 meters, surrounded by the rugged mountains and forests of the Kii Peninsula. As an important spiritual center in the Ōmine mountain range of the Kii Mountains, the shrine has long been associated with Shugendō, Ja...»

Mount Shakagatake is a 1,800-meter-high mountain on the border between Totsukawa Village and Shimokitayama Village in southern Nara Prefecture. It belongs to the Ōmine mountain range, which runs through the Kii Peninsula, and is regarded as one of the most prominent peaks south of Mount Hakkyo, also known as Mount Hachiken. Selected as one of Japan's 200 Famous Mountains, it attracts both hiking e...»

Kamiyu Onsen is a historic hot spring area in the Idetani district of Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, in southern Nara Prefecture. Totsukawa is renowned for its vast mountainous landscape and abundant natural beauty, making Kamiyu an ideal destination for travelers seeking a secluded retreat far from the bustle of everyday life. Nestled among towering mountains and beautiful valleys, this re...»

Niukawakami Shrine (Upper Shrine) is a historic Shinto shrine located in Sako, Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by forested mountains and clear streams, it preserves the solemn atmosphere of a place of worship with roots extending deep into Japan’s ancient past. The Upper Shrine is historically associated with Niukawakami Shrine (Lower Shrine), located in Shimoichi ...»

The Koya Ryujin Skyline is a spectacular mountain road that forms part of National Route 371, connecting the Okunoin intersection in Koya Town, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture, with Ryujin Village in Tanabe City. Stretching approximately 42.7 kilometers, the route winds through the mountainous interior of the Kii Peninsula, offering magnificent scenery and access to historic religious sites, mou...»

Mount Ōdaigahara is a magnificent mountain area on the border between Nara and Mie prefectures, with its highest point reaching 1,695.1 meters above sea level. Selected by renowned Japanese mountaineer Kyūya Fukada for his celebrated list of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, it is also recognized among Japan’s 100 Scenic Landscapes and the country’s 100 Hidden Places. The summit’s first-order triangul...»

Mount Tamaki is a beautiful mountain rising 1,076.4 meters above sea level in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, southern Nara Prefecture. Located at the southernmost end of the Ōmine mountain range, it is renowned for its rich natural environment, distinctive geology, and long history of religious devotion. The mountain was selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Forest Bathing Sites in 1986 and i...»

Totsukawa Onsenkyo is a collection of hot spring resorts nestled in the beautiful mountains of Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, in southern Nara Prefecture. It encompasses three distinct hot spring areas: Totsukawa Onsen, Tosenji Onsen, and Kamiyu Onsen. Each offers a peaceful escape amid forests, valleys, and landscapes that preserve the traditional rural character of Japan. In 1985, the are...»

Tosenji Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, in southern Nara Prefecture. Situated near the center of the village, it is considered the oldest hot spring area in Totsukawa, with a history dating back to the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The hot springs appear in several historical documents, reflecting their long-standing reputation as a place for r...»

Michi-no-Eki Yoshinoji Kurotaki is a roadside station located in Nagase, Kurotaki Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, along National Route 309. As travelers approach the village from the Shimoichi area, the distinctive building with its red roof and Nordic-style architectural design appears beyond a bend in the road. It serves as a welcoming gateway to Kurotaki Village, a mountain communit...»

Michi-no-Eki Totsukawago is a roadside station located in Obara, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, along National Route 168. Situated near the center of Totsukawa, known as Japan’s largest village by area, it serves as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region and a welcome rest stop for travelers driving through the mountains. Surrounded by magnificent mountain s...»

Kokuo Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Uenochi, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It stands atop a steep, cape-like cliff formed by a dramatic bend in the Totsukawa River. Situated southwest of the Kawazu settlement, the shrine overlooks the magnificent river flowing far below and is surrounded by an atmosphere of tranquility and solemnity. Historically classified...»

Yaen is a traditional human-powered ropeway once used to cross deep valleys and fast-flowing rivers in Japan's mountainous regions, including Totsukawa Village in Nara Prefecture. A wire rope is stretched between opposite sides of a gorge, and a small suspended platform, known as a yakata, carries a passenger across. The passenger pulls themselves along the cable by hand. Yaen is much more than a...»

Katte Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located halfway up Mount Yoshino in Yoshino Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Mount Yoshino is internationally renowned for its spectacular cherry blossoms and deep spiritual heritage. The shrine has also been known as Katte Myojin and Yoshino Yamaguchi Shrine, and it is listed in the Engishiki, an important historical record of Shinto shrines compil...»

Roadside Station Yoshinoji Oyodo i Center is located along National Route 169 in Ashihara, Oyodo Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Serving as a gateway to the southern part of Nara Prefecture and the Yoshino region, it is a popular stop for travelers exploring the area's mountains, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Since opening in August 2000, the facility has served not only as a ...»

Mount Tamaki Observatory is a spectacular viewpoint located at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters on the slopes of Mount Tamaki in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. From here, visitors can gaze across seemingly endless mountain ridges and look down into the deep valleys where the settlements of Totsukawa lie nestled among the hills. The expansive scenery makes this view...»

The Totsukawa Village Educational Museum is a valuable cultural facility in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, preserving the history of the local community and the development of education in the area. The museum occupies the former Musashi Elementary School, a wooden schoolhouse that closed in 1970. The building has been opened to the public, retaining much of its original app...»

The Forest and Water Source Museum is an interactive museum located in Kawakami Village, Nara Prefecture. It introduces the vital role forests play in nurturing the water that sustains our daily lives, while inviting visitors to discover the beauty, wonder, and enjoyment of the natural world through observation and hands-on experiences. Situated in Kawakami Village, near the headwaters of the Yos...»

Junidaki Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the southern part of Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Traveling south along National Route 168 from Futatsuno Dam, visitors can spot the waterfall on the right-hand side of the road. Its height is estimated at approximately 80 to 100 meters, making it an impressive natural feature. However, its relatively modest water flow gives it a ...»

Futatsuno Dam is an arch dam located in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Completed in 1962, it was built across the main channel of the Totsukawa River, which flows through the Kii Mountains. The dam and the surrounding rugged mountains create a striking landscape that has become one of the area's notable sightseeing attractions. The lake formed by the dam, Futatsuno Dam Lake,...»

Doro Hotel is a historic building more than 100 years old, located in the heart of Dorokyo Gorge, a scenic area near the borders of Nara, Mie, and Wakayama prefectures. Once a long-established inn that welcomed travelers exploring this remote mountain region, the building has been given a new lease on life as a dining and café destination. Today, it offers visitors a relaxing place to enjoy the sp...»

Furusato Village is a nature-based recreation and community facility located in Higashiyoshino Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by the clear waters of the Shigo River and forested mountains, it offers a refreshing escape from the noise and pace of city life. Known as a green home away from home, this welcoming destination allows visitors to reconnect with nature and relax in ...»

Ryusenji Temple stands in Washika, Higashiyoshino Village, Nara Prefecture, surrounded by the lush forests and mountains of the Yoshino region. This tranquil Zen Buddhist temple is widely known as the “Temple of the Rock Pines,” a name inspired by the remarkable growth of pine trees among the rocks on its grounds. The spacious temple precincts contain numerous attractions that preserve the area's ...»

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...»

Subaru no Sato is a comprehensive resort in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, known as Japan’s largest village by area. Combining hot spring bathing, accommodation, and recreational activities, it offers visitors a chance to unwind amid mountains that change with the seasons and the soothing sounds of flowing rivers. The grounds cover more than approximately 8,000 tsubo, or 26,400 square meters,...»

Futatsuno Ohashi Bridge is an exciting suspension bridge in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, connecting the Yamateya area with Kuwahata. Measuring 193 meters long and standing approximately 35 meters above the ground, it offers an exhilarating crossing with impressive views of the emerald-green waters of Futatsuno Dam Lake below. As the bridge gently sways beneath your feet, t...»

Tosenji Onsen Taki no Yu is a public bathhouse in Obara, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, where visitors can unwind in harmony with nature. Set beside a mountain gorge, the hot spring is especially appealing for its open-air bath overlooking a nearby waterfall. The soothing sound of cascading water creates a peaceful atmosphere, making this an ideal place to relax and escape t...»

Miura Pass is a historic mountain pass along the Kumano Kodo Kohechi, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage routes of the Kii Mountain Range. The Kohechi connects Mount Koya, one of Japan's most important centers of Buddhist pilgrimage, with the Kumano Sanzan, the three grand shrines of Kumano. At an elevation of approximately 1,070 meters, Miura Pass is one of the route's significan...»

Hatenashi Village is a small mountain settlement nestled at an elevation of approximately 400 meters in the southern part of Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, near the border with Wakayama Prefecture. With sweeping views to the north across the magnificent ridgelines of the Hatenashi Mountains, the hamlet has long been known as the “Village in the Sky.” Its beautiful scenery an...»

The 21st Century Forest and Kii Peninsula Forest Botanical Park is a large nature park in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, where visitors can experience the region's rich natural environment and forest culture. Covering approximately 200 hectares amid the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, the park features plants collected from around the world alongside trees native to the peninsula. Its scenery...»

Niukawakami Shrine, known as the Middle Shrine, is a historic Shinto sanctuary in Higashiyoshino Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It preserves one of Japan's long-standing traditions of worshipping the deity of water. The shrine was recognized as a major sanctuary in the ancient Engishiki records and was later counted among the Twenty-Two Shrines, a group of shrines that received specia...»

Fudokutsu Limestone Cave is a fascinating natural and historical site in Kawakami Village, Nara Prefecture. Known for its atmospheric underground chambers and the sound of a waterfall echoing through the darkness, the cave offers a glimpse into both the geological wonders of the Kii Mountains and the area's long spiritual heritage. According to tradition, the cave was discovered approximately 1,3...»

Takami no Sato, also known as the Garden in the Sky, is a spectacular destination for cherry blossom viewing in the mountains of Nara Prefecture. Located on elevated ground at approximately 650 meters above sea level, near the celebrated Mount Takami, this flower garden is renowned for its sweeping views and more than 1,000 weeping cherry trees. Created from a vision of cultivating a beautiful che...»

Senō Falls is a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the mountainous wilderness of Totsukawa Village in Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by lush forests in a region where approximately 96% of the village's land is covered by woodland, the falls offer visitors a peaceful retreat into nature. The cool spray, fresh mountain air, and secluded setting create a refreshing escape from the bustle of everyday lif...»

Takasumi no Sato is a tranquil destination surrounded by the rich natural beauty of Higashiyoshino Village in Nara Prefecture. Known for the distinctive atmosphere of the Fukayoshino region, it has long inspired writers, poets, and travelers with its changing seasonal scenery. Cherry blossoms brighten the landscape in spring, while fireflies dancing above clear streams create an enchanting spectac...»

Chiisana Michi no Eki Hiyoshinosato is a charming roadside stop in Higashiyoshino Village, Nara Prefecture, where visitors can discover local specialties and food products nurtured by the area's rich natural environment. The facility brings together two main areas: the Hiyoshinosato Marche market and the Hiyoshinosato Processing Center. Both offer an inviting glimpse into the village's everyday li...»

Kuuchuu no Mura, meaning “The Village in the Sky,” is an innovative outdoor leisure facility in Ogawa, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Opened in April 2020, it offers visitors an unusual way to experience the forest, creating the sensation of floating among the trees. Inspired by the concept of an adult playground brought from France to one of Japan's most remote regions, the...»

The Totsukawa Village Historical and Folklore Museum preserves the rich history and cultural heritage of Totsukawa Village in Nara Prefecture. Located on elevated ground opposite the village office, the museum offers an introduction to the lives of local residents, the legacy of the Totsukawa gōshi—samurai families associated with the village—and the devastating flood that struck the area in the M...»

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 Yoshino River, known downstream as the Kinokawa River, is a major river in Japan that flows from Nara Prefecture through Wakayama Prefecture before emptying into the Kii Channel. Closely connected to the lives and livelihoods of the communities along its banks, the river has played an important role in the region's history, agriculture, transportation, and development. From mountain streams i...»

Eisanji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kojima-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. Belonging to the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, it is also known by its mountain name, Gakusho-san, and its principal image is Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing. The temple is especially renowned for its National Treasure Octagonal Hall, a rare surviving example of architecture from ...»

Gojo Shinmachi is a historic district in central Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, known for its remarkably well-preserved traditional buildings dating from the Edo period (1603–1868) and later. The area has been designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, recognizing its exceptional historical and architectural value. Once a thriving castle town and commer...»

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...»

Daitakuji Temple is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple located in Osawa-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. Long associated with mountain worship and esoteric Buddhist practices, it stands quietly on the slopes of Mount Jinfukusan, which rises to just under 800 meters. Surrounded by rich natural scenery, the temple retains the atmosphere of an ancient spiritual center where mountain ascetics once pur...»

Tenporinji Temple is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism, located in Inukai-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. Closely associated with the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, it has attracted worshippers for centuries as a sacred site steeped in religious tradition. Its history intertwines Buddhist devotion, mountain worship, and legends connec...»

The Futami Great Muku Tree is a magnificent tree in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, that has been cherished by local residents for generations. Towering in the garden of the historic Adachi family residence, this giant Japanese hackberry is a remarkable symbol of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. It was designated a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1957 and continues to captivate visito...»

Gojo City is a central hub of the Nanto region in southwestern Nara Prefecture, bordering Wakayama Prefecture to the west and Osaka Prefecture to the northwest. For centuries, it has developed as an important transportation crossroads connecting the historic provinces of Yamato and Kii. The city preserves an extraordinary range of historical heritage, from ancient shrines and Nara-period Buddhist ...»

Dada-do no Oni Hashiri is a traditional religious event held at Dada-do Hall of Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Otsu-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. This extraordinary ceremony has been passed down for more than 500 years, since the Muromachi period. It takes place every year on January 14 as the concluding ritual of the New Year’s Buddhist services known as Shusho-e. In 1995, it was designated an Importan...»

The Kaki Museum, officially known as the Nara Prefectural Fruit Tree Promotion Center and Persimmon Museum, is a public facility in Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. Dedicated to the history, cultivation, varieties, and uses of persimmons, it offers visitors an engaging introduction to one of the region’s most important agricultural products. Thanks to its distinctive architecture rese...»

The Gojo City Cultural Museum, located in Kitayama-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, is a municipal museum dedicated to the region’s history, culture, folklore, and archaeology. It is affectionately known as “Gojo Baum.” The nickname comes from the building’s distinctive circular design, which resembles a Baumkuchen, the layered ring-shaped cake popular in Japan. The main building and annex were d...»

Nyoiji Temple, located in Nohara-nishi, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of Benten-shu, a Japanese Buddhist religious organization. Its full name is Ugazan Myoon-in Nyoiji, and its principal object of worship is Dai Benzaiten Nyozon, a revered form of Benzaiten, the Buddhist deity associated with wisdom, music, and eloquence. Set amid the peaceful natural surroundings of Gojo, the te...»

Ano is a peaceful valley district in Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, situated along the clear waters of the Niukawa River. Today, the area is known for its lush countryside, fruit orchards, and tranquil rural scenery. However, during Japan’s Nanboku-cho period (1336–1392), when rival Northern and Southern Imperial Courts competed for control of the country, Ano served as an imperial ...»

The Gojo Folk Museum is located in Shinmachi, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. It preserves the history of a turbulent period spanning the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate and the Meiji Restoration, when Japan underwent profound political and social change. The museum is housed in the former nagayamon, or long gatehouse, of the Gojo Magistrate’s Office, a structure dating from the late Edo period ...»

The remains of the Goshin Railway in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, are the surviving traces of an ambitious railway project that was intended to connect Gojo with Shingu in Wakayama Prefecture via Totsukawa Village. Known as a “phantom railway,” the line was never completed, but its bridges, tunnels, and other structures remain as reminders of the dream of bringing rail transport through the rugged ...»

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...»

In Ano-o, Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, the historic Hori Family Residence stands beside the clear waters of the Nyuu River. Also known as the Former Imperial Residence of Ano-o, this nationally designated Important Cultural Property preserves the memory of the Southern Court during Japan’s Nanboku-cho period, when rival imperial courts competed for power in the 14th century. Once...»

The Ano-o Village Historical and Folklore Museum is located in Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by historic sites associated with Japan’s Southern Court and the lush natural scenery of the Kii Mountains, the museum offers an engaging introduction to the region’s history and traditional culture. It stands near the Former Imperial Residence of Ano-o, associated with three emp...»

Goryo Shrine, located in Reianji-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, is an ancient Shinto shrine that has long served as the spiritual center of Goryo worship throughout the former Uchi District. It has been known by several honorific names, including Goryo Hongu, Goryo-gu Daimyojin, Shisho Goryo Daimyojin, and Uchi-gun Omiya. Formerly ranked as a prefectural shrine, it is regarded as the principal s...»

Shorenji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism. Its mountain name is Yorasezan, and for centuries it has attracted worshippers seeking blessings for safe childbirth, as well as prayers for rain and clear weather. Today, the temple is especially renowned for its beautiful lotus flowers, which transform the grounds int...»

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 ...»