The Yoshino, Tenkawa Village, and Totsukawa areas are also known as "unexplored regions of Japan. We recommend staying at a farmhouse or a homestay where you can experience the traditional way of life and meet the local people.
Yoshino, Tenkawa Village, and Totsukawa are home to such tourist attractions as Yoshinoyama (famous for its cherry blossoms), Tanise Suspension Bridge, Mitaraigorge, Menfudo Cave, and Junitaki Waterfall.
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...»
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...»
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....»
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...»
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...»
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. ...»
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....»
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 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 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....»
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....»
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 ...»
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....»
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....»
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...»
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...»
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...»
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 ...»
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...»
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...»
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 ...»
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...»