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 residence of the Southern Court. Along with Mount Yoshino, it became one of the principal centers of the Southern Court’s political and cultural life, giving this quiet valley an important place in Japanese history.
The area was originally written as “Anafu.” According to tradition, when Emperor Go-Murakami moved the Southern Court’s imperial residence here, the name was changed to “Kanau,” meaning “to come true,” expressing the court’s hope of reunifying the country. In 1351, a temporary reconciliation between the Northern and Southern Courts known as the Shohei Unity was achieved. The name was then changed to “Anoo,” written with characters conveying the auspicious fulfillment of a wish.
During the Meiji period (1868–1912), the place name came to be read as “Anoo,” closer to its original pronunciation, and that reading remains in use today. The changing name reflects the hopes and turbulent history of the Southern Court.
In 1336, Emperor Go-Daigo was driven from Kyoto by Ashikaga Takauji and fled toward Mount Yoshino. During his journey, he stopped in Anafu, the former name of Anoo. However, the area apparently lacked a suitable location for an imperial residence, and concerns about the movements of armed monks from Mount Koya also influenced the decision. The emperor ultimately continued to Mount Yoshino, which became the Southern Court’s principal base.
In 1348, after Kusunoki Masatsura was killed at the Battle of Shijonawate, the Southern Court recognized that defending Mount Yoshino had become increasingly difficult. The court therefore moved its base to Anafu. Sōfukuji Temple is believed to have served as the imperial residence at that time.
In the same year, forces of the Ashikaga-led Northern Court burned Mount Yoshino. Following this destruction, Ano became an increasingly important center for the Southern Court and remained a refuge for the imperial family during the years of conflict.
In 1351, a power struggle within the Muromachi shogunate, known as the Kannō Disturbance, led Ashikaga Takauji to submit temporarily to the Southern Court. This resulted in the Shohei Unity, an attempt to reunify the two rival courts. The reconciliation proved short-lived, however, and hostilities intensified again the following year.
Ano continued to serve as an important Southern Court stronghold. Imperial residences were maintained here through the reigns of Emperor Chōkei and Emperor Go-Kameyama, until the Northern and Southern Courts were formally reunited in 1392. For approximately 20 years, the valley played a significant role in the final phase of this period of Japanese history.
One of Anoo’s most significant landmarks is the Hori Family Residence, traditionally identified as the site of the Southern Court’s imperial residence. The historic house is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
According to tradition, Fujiwara no Tansen, who was defeated during the Jōkyū War of 1221, settled in this area and adopted the surname Hori. In 1336, Emperor Go-Daigo was received at the residence of Hori Magotarō Nobumasu. The house subsequently served as an imperial residence for four emperors of the Southern Court.
Buildings preserving the atmosphere of the historic residence remain today, offering a tangible connection to the political upheavals of medieval Japan. The property was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1979.
Restoration work, including dismantling and repairs, was carried out in 1998 to preserve the historic structure. In 2003, valuable historical materials were stolen in an incident, but they were later recovered. Efforts to protect and pass on Anoo’s cultural heritage continue today.
In 2019, the Hori Family Residence was renovated to create HOTEL & Cafe Restaurant KANAU, a distinctive accommodation and dining facility that combines the atmosphere of a historic property with modern comforts.
Guest rooms are housed in a traditional row house dating from the Edo period (1603–1868) and can be rented as an entire private unit. One unusual feature is an upright piano that guests are free to play. Pets are also welcome, and the grounds include a dog run.
The restaurant makes use of ingredients produced in Nara Prefecture. Its specialties include Western-style dishes prepared with Nara game meat, known locally as “Nara Gibier.” Enjoying a meal in a historic setting associated with centuries of regional history makes dining here a memorable part of a visit to Anoo.
Ano has long been celebrated for its plum blossoms. Plum groves are said to have existed here since the Nanboku-cho period. In 1923, approximately 5,000 plum trees were planted to commemorate the marriage of the Crown Prince, who later became Emperor Shōwa.
In spring, plum blossoms spread across the valley, transforming the hillsides into a beautiful landscape that attracts visitors. The area is also known for its persimmon production. Nishiyoshino is one of Japan’s major persimmon-growing regions, and autumn brings orchards filled with ripe fruit and richly colored rural scenery.
These seasonal changes give Ano a different character throughout the year, from spring’s blossoms to autumn’s abundant harvests.
A railway line known as the Goshin Line was once planned for the area. Although the railway was never completed, parts of the prepared track bed were formerly used as a dedicated bus road. Today, buses and other traffic use regular roads, and services including the Nara Kotsu Gojo–Nishiyoshino route provide access to the district.
Ano is also relatively close to major destinations associated with the UNESCO World Heritage listing “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” including Mount Koya, Mount Yoshino, and Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Its location makes it an appealing stop for travelers interested in Japan’s religious traditions, medieval history, and mountain landscapes.
Ano brings together the dramatic legacy of the Southern Court and the quiet beauty of a traditional Japanese farming community. The clear waters of the Niukawa River, the historic Hori Family Residence, and the plum and persimmon orchards create a landscape where history and everyday rural life remain closely connected.
Visitors can explore the story of Japan’s divided imperial courts while enjoying the changing seasons, local produce, and peaceful countryside. When traveling around Gojo City and southern Nara Prefecture, Ano is a rewarding destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture.