Spots in Yamanobe Road / Sakurai Area

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Yamanobe Road / Sakurai

Category

Omiwa Shrine

4.5

337 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Miwa 1422

Omiwa Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and the site has been sacred ground for some of the earliest religious practices. The Miwa Torii (shrine gate), the gate marking the transition from the profane to the sacred, and the worship hall have been designated as important cultural assets of the country. Although we know from records that the worship hall was founded in the Kamakura period, the shrine as we know it now was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth Tokugawa shogun. The enshrined deity is revered as a guardian deity of human life in the sense of building a nation. People are welcome to join the festivals held here throughout the year. Omiwa Shrine is approximately five minutes on foot from JR Miwa Station.

Omiwa Shrine is the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. Its wide precinct is filled with a majestic atmosphere. There is a hall of reverence, but there is no tangible body of god. Mt. Miwa, behind this...
Hasedera Temple

4.5

389 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Hase 731-1

This prosperous temple, the head temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect of Buddhism, is the eight of 33 temples on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. It was said to have originated with the installation of the Douban Hokke Sessou Zu (a bronze plaque carved with the Hokke Sutra), a National Treasure, by Domyo Shonin for Emperor Tenmu in 686. It is famous for its large collection of cultural properties, including the Juichimen (11-headed Kanzeon Bodhisattva), the temple's principal object of worship. The temple has a number of historically and cultural significant points of interest, including the 399-step stone stairs (an Important Cultural Property) leading from the Deva gate to the main temple (a National Treasure), the hanging lanterns suspended from the ceiling, and more. In late April, more than 7,000 peonies bloom in the temple gardens.

My husband and I visited the temple Nov 2022. It is a famous temple for the beautiful corridor, but not crowded at all. At that time, we could see and touch the Buddhist statue, which normally cannot...
Murouji Temple

4.5

231 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Udashi Murou 78

A temple of the Omoto school of Shingon Buddhism, unlike sacred Mt. Koya, this temple was open to women, thus resulting in its nickname, the Woman’s Mt. Koya. The temple was erected in the Nara period in prayer for the recovery from illness of Emperor Kammu. The rooves of buildings such as the main hall and nave are shingled and thatched with hinoki bark in place of clay tiles. The temple’s five-tier pagoda, a designated National Treasure, is Japan’s smallest outdoor five tier pagoda. The temple enshrines numerous Buddhist statues designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, such as the standing figure of Gautama Buddha that is the main object of worship as well as a standing image of Maitreya.

Murou-Ji Temple is indeed a site to be marvelled at. I love how peacefull and how not touristy is the place. The Temple coexist with the forrest. And I could litetally hear how quiet the place is. If...
Tanzan Jinja

4.5

166 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Tounomine 319

This Shinto shrine’s origin dates back to when statesman Fujiwara no Kamatari’s son, Fujiwara no Joe, had his father’s ashes moved here and built a 13-tier pagoda in 678. Prior to the official separation of Buddhism and Shintoism in the country, the shrine was a Buddhist temple called the Tonomine Temple. The pagoda, rebuilt in 1532 and a designated Important Cultural Property, is the only extant 13-tier pagoda in the world. Beyond the shrine stands a mountain said to be the location where Emperor Tenjin and Fujiwara no Kamatari discussed the Taika Reform. The mountain thus came to be called “Tanzan,” or the Mountain of Discussion, hence the shrine’s name. In the spring, a 600-year old usuzumi cherry tree and designated Natural Monument comes in to bloom, and the shrine is thus known as a beautiful site for cherry blossom viewing. In addition, in autumn, visitors can enjoy the shrine’s fall foliage when it is colored by over 3,000 maple trees.

I cannot understand why the Tanzan Jinja and pagoda are not covered by the Nara coach tours. We first saw the 13 storey pagoda mentioned in a JR magazine, but the Nara tourist office had no...
Isonokami Jingu Shrine

4.0

123 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Tenrishi Furuchou 384

A Shinto shrine located in Furu Town, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture. The head patron shrine of the Mononobe clan, it is also one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The front shrine, said to have been donated by Emperor Shirakawa in 1081, and the Nanatsu-Saya-no-Tachi (Seven-Branched Sword), believed to be made in 369 and the same mentioned in the ancient Nihon shoki, are both National Treasures.

One of the two oldest shrines in Japan, Isonokami Jingu shrine is located in the shade of a cool forest along Japan’s oldest path, the Yamanobe-no-michi path. The wide main approach leads us through...
Abe Monjuin

4.0

103 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Abe 645

This is a Kegon sect Buddhist temple in Abe, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and was built as a shrine for the Abe Kurahashimaro family in the Taika Reform in 645. The principal object of worship is the Monju Bosatsu known for the proverb 'Two heads are better than one.' The national treasure Wooden Image of Kishi Monju Bosatsu and the four flanking images created by Kaikei boast Japan's largest size. Inside the grounds are three ancient burial mounds, as well as the highlight Kinkaku Ukimido Reihokan which holds representations of Benzaiten and Abe no Nakamaro. In spring and autumn the cosmos bloom in profusion, and in September visitors can enjoy a cosmos field maze.

正月に見損なった干支を見るつもりで訪ねたら、周囲の桜が満開でした。干支と桜が同時に見られ、大変お得な経験ができました。
Matabei Cherry Trees (Hongo no Taki Sakura)

4.5

43 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Udashi Oudahongou

The Matabei Cherry Trees are “weeping” cherry trees, located in the city of Uda and said to be 300 years old. According to legend, Goto Matabei, a military commander in the Warring States period, came to live here, and since the trees are near the ruins of his manor house, the trees are referred to as “Matabei Cherry Trees.” They produce beautiful blossoms in early April, attracting tens of thousands of cherry blossom enthusiasts each year.

大野寺、仏隆寺、と並ぶ宇陀の三大桜。大坂夏の陣で活躍した戦国武将後藤又兵衛の屋敷跡にあると伝わることから、「又兵衛桜」と地元では親しまれています。元々は屋敷跡からの樹齢300年の瀧桜(しだれ桜)1本だけでした。近年、周囲に桜が植えられ公園のようになっています。駐車場料金(500円)が要ります。
Roadside Station Udaji Ouda

3.5

44 Reviews

Transportation

Nara Pref. Udashi Oudahirou 714-1

This roadside station located on the Ise Honkaido Highway in Oudahirou, Uda City houses shops offering local sake, sweets, and souvenirs. It also features a farmers market offering fresh local-grown vegetables, a cafe serving drinks and light meals, a foot bath, rental cycles, and more. The station's eatery Restaurant Kamura offers dishes made with the region's local produce.

宇陀市の大宇陀というところには、松山地区という古い町並みが残されている場所があります。その保存地区に近い国道沿いに、道の駅宇陀路大宇陀がありました。私たちは、松山地区の街並みを散策するために、こちらの駐車場を利用しました。道の駅には、この地域の特産品を扱う店やレストランのほか、足湯もありました。吉野葛を使ったソフトクリームというのを初めていただきました。
Sai-jinja Shrine

4.5

111 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Miwa Hiroi

This shrine is dedicated to the Miwa deity Araku. There is a well-known as “Sai” behind and to the left of the hall of worship that contains water offered to the deities. The water is believed to have medicinal properties and is said to heal various ailments, so many visit in order to receive relief from their illnesses.

Sai Shrine is a gateway to Mt. Miwa. If you climb this holy mountain, you have to register at this shrine. Behind the main building, there is a fountain of spiritual water. It is free and drinkable...
Okame no Yu

4.5

44 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Nara Uda-gun Sonimura

Since it was opened in 2004, Okame-no-yu Onsen has gained a reputation for giving bathers great skin, and its open-air baths have proved hugely popular with views overlooking the well known Soni mountains of Mt. Kabutodake and Mt. Yoroigatake from the wooden open-air bath, and panoramic views of the Soni Highlands from the stone bathroom. There is also a restaurant where you can get some local cuisine unique to Soni Village, and a massage place open all the time for those wanting a quick massage.

コロナ騒動でバリ旅行を泣く泣くキャンセル。代わりに近場で人混みのないこちらへ。車で1時間15分ぐらいかな、以外と近かった。シーズンオフの平日なのでガラガラ。そのせいなのか、お湯がきれい。掛け流しでない湯舟でも見事に透明。泉質はうわさ通りのトロミ湯で、湯上り肌も上々。室内に浴槽が3つとサウナ、外に露天風呂があります。シャンプーリンスとボディシャンプー以外にバックも置いてありました。化粧水と乳液...
Shorin-ji Temple

4.0

41 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Shimo 692

This is a temple built in 712 by Jo-e, oldest son of Fujiwara no Kamatari, as a branch temple of Myoraku-ji Temple (Tanzan Shrine). The main enshrined deity is Jizo, god of childbirth and long life, and is believed to ensure safe childbirth. The eleven-faced Kannon (goddess of mercy) statue, which features dry lacquer on a wooden core, is a national treasure standing almost the same as it was when built, and is a particularly famous masterpiece of Tempyo-period (the first half of 8th century) carving that is one of the representative pieces among Japan's carving history. The scenery is fantastic, and from inside the temple grounds one can look out over Mt. Miwa and the Yamato Basin.

桜井駅から2kmちょっとです。バスが1時間に1本と余り無いので徒歩で行く事お勧めします。本尊さんは子安延命地蔵菩薩さんです。後是非見た方が良いのは国宝十一面観音さんです。絶対見る価値有ります
Roadside Station Ise Honkaido Mitsue (Kaido Ichiba Mitsue)

3.5

25 Reviews

Transportation

Nara Pref. Udagunmitsuemura Kouzue 6325

This roadside station located on the Ise Honkaido Highway in Kozue, Mitsue Village, Uda County features a number of different attractions. The Kaido Ichiba Mitsue farmers market offers fresh local produce, handicrafts, and more. Restaurant Yamazakura offers cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. The station also features the Himeshi no Yu, a hot springs facility.

奈良の御杖村にある道の駅です。奈良から伊勢に向かう山中の街道にあり、温泉施設、飲食、そして地元産品のお店があります。生の日野菜が売られているのを初めて見ました。温泉は単純泉ですが露天から見える山並に寛げます。
Chogakuji Temple

4.0

51 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Tenrishi Yanagimotochou 508

This ancient Buddhist temple is said to have been built on the grounds of Yamato-jinja Shrine by the great priest Kukai at the request of Emperor Junna in 824. Once a mighty temple with 48 sub-temples and over 300 priests, the Chogaku-ji declined after experiencing a fire due to war as well as the anti-Buddhist sentiment of the Meiji period. The temple’s belfry gate, a designated Important Cultural Property, is the oldest in Japan and the only extant structure from the time of its founding. The temple’s spacious 40 thousand square meter grounds are planted with cherries, camellias, azaleas, and Japanese maple, and are famous both for flower viewing and enjoying autumn foliage. The Chogakuji is also the 19th station on the 25 Flower Temples of Kansai Pilgrimage.

This a great temple to come to if you like Japanese gardens, especially flowers. In late spring, there are vibrant hydrangeas that line the path leading up to the temple. I’ve heard the temple’s...
Ohno-ji Temple

4.0

55 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Udashi Murouono 1680

This old temple with a very long history was first founded by En no Gyoja (En no Ozuno), the founder of Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism incorporating Shinto and Buddhist concepts), and then Kobo Daishi had the main temple building built in 824. The standing statue of Jizo Bosatsu, an important cultural property which resides in the main hall, is called the Migawari Jizo (Scapegoat Jizo) because, according to legend, it saved an innocent girl from being burnt at the stake. The temple is famous for its small weeping cherry trees, said to be over 300 years old, and the 100 year old weeping cherry trees. Carved into the rock face across the Uda River is the Miroku Magaibutsu sculpture, the tallest Buddha carving in Japan.

楊柳山大野寺（ようりゅうざんおおのでら）は、奈良県宇陀市室生大野（ならけんうだしむろうおおの）にある真言宗室生寺派の寺だ。681年に役小角が開基したと伝わる役行者霊蹟札所で、本尊は弥勒菩薩（みろくぼさつ） 824年に空海が堂を建立して「慈尊院弥勒寺」と称したとされている。磨崖仏（まがいぶつ）があることでも知られる。 2022年1月5日、この日はトマト＆オニオン奈良榛原店でランチを済ませた。そこ...
Oouda Onsen Akino no Yu

4.0

23 Reviews

Accommodations / Hot Spring

Nara Pref. Udashi Oudahirou 250-2

This complex facility is located in the Kokoronomori Sogofukushi Park, in Odahiro, Uda City. Attached to the facility are an outdoor natural hot spring and a cypress bath using the water from the hot spring said to be one of the prefecture’s best “Beauty’s Spring.” Bathers must wear swimsuits. There is also a restaurant directly managed by the local farm and a BBQ garden (UDASUN), where customers can enjoy BBQ without bringing anything, allowing customers to bathe and enjoy a meal in the same visit.

平日、温泉とランチを体験しました。今回は、半額キャンペーンで、豪華定食と温泉がセットになっているプランでした。食事は、田舎ゆえ、期待していなかったのですが、豪華なランチセットでした。天ぷら、刺身盛り合わせは量が多く、技術もなかなかのものでした。食事の後の温泉は、PH９を超える、トロトロの湯という事でしたが、循環のためか、塩素がきつすぎるように思いました。サウナあり、露天風呂あり、地元の方の...
Roadside Station Udajimuro

3.5

9 Reviews

Transportation

Nara Pref. Udashi Murousambonmatsu 3176-1

This roadside station located off National Route 165 in Murousanbonmatsu, Uda City features a number of different attractions. These include a store selling original products including the local specialty of kikuimo (Jerusalem artichoke) powder, a farmer's market offering vegetables grown locally in Murou, and a restaurant offering donburi rice bowls, noodle dishes, Japanese-style set meals, and Buddhist cuisine made with local produce.

宇陀市室生にある道の駅で、道の駅のすぐ横には宇陀川が流れていて、国道向かいには近鉄大阪線の電車が通過する、撮り鉄の方にはいいスポットかもしれません。近鉄大阪線の三本松駅は近いです。地元のとれたて野菜が人気のようで、持ち帰ることを考えると、購入できなかったのが心残りでした。
Houkiin Temple

3.5

35 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Hase 776

This temple located in Hase, Sakurai City is where Tokudo Shonin is believed to have spent his final years. Tokudo is thought to have created of the Juichimen (11-faced) Kannon Bosatsu enshrined at Hasedera Temple, and to have established the 33 sacred places on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple features a statue of Tokudo Shonin, a 13-tier stone pagoda that serves as Shonin's mausoleum, and Shonin's stepping stone, which is said to grant wishes to people who touch it.

ここは西国観音霊場を開いた徳道上人の御廟所がある西国霊場の番外札所です。長谷寺のすぐ近くにあります。境内は狭く、小団体が入山すると他の参拝者は入る余地がないほどの混雑さとなります。ここには狭いながらも、葉書の樹とか上人の御廟である十三重石塔とか、上人沓脱ぎの石とか・・色々と曰くのある見ものがあります。本堂(開山堂)しか主な堂宇は残っていませんが、上人が晩年を過ごした場所として今でも巡礼者の信奉を集...
Murou Art Forest

4.5

14 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nara Pref. Udashi Murou Miami 181

This park is located in Murou, Uda City features a number of monuments created by Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan, known for his outdoor pieces that blend into the natural environment. This outdoor art gallery was intended to represent harmony with the surrounding nature.

An hour drive from OSAKA or NARA, in the middle of a forest is the location of this unique Muro Art Forest. It is the size of 5 football fields surrounded by wonderful mountains and trees. In the...
Oyamato-jinja Shrine

4.0

29 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nara Pref. Tenrishi Nizumichou 306

This extremely old shrine had acquired a plot of land second only to Ise Jingu Shrine by the early Heian Period. It enshrines the Shinto deities Yamato no Okuni-mitama, Yachihoko no Okami, and Otoshi no Kami. It was also the guardian shrine of the Battleship Yamato. Because they shared the same name, part of the shrine's tutelary deities was enshrined in the ship through a Shinto ritual known as Bunrei. In 2018, the shrine's Chan-chan Festival was designated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

This is a shrine with roots that reach back to the early days of the Yamato Nation, making it pretty much on par with other ancient shrines like Omiwa Jinja shrine and Isonokami Jingu shrine...
Uda Animal Park

4.5

24 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Nara Pref. Udashi Oudakoutsuke 75-1

Uda Animal Park contains not only a community plaza but also an animal study center and a scenic viewing area. Visitors (subject to certain age limits) can milk cows, ride ponies, feed goats or sheep, and have other encounters with animals, as well as practicing crafts such as churning butter. They can view panel displays about animals, participate in question and answer sessions with Park employees, and enjoy other fun activities that teach them about animals.

土曜日で多分混んでるかと思いきや、コロナウイルスの影響で、人影はまばらです。餌やり、有料の体験も全て中止です。一応一回りは見れます。チョツト物足りないけどノンビリ出来ました。駐車、入場料の無料は家族連れには良いですよ。コロナが治まつたら再訪します。

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Nara Areas

With a reputation almost as stellar as that of Kyoto, Nara is a must-visit for those searching for the remains of "traditional Japan." The largely green Nara city holds the majority of the prefecture’s treasures, such as the iconic Todai-ji Temple, in which a 15-meter tall Great Buddha sits, and Nara Park, where deer flock to befriend passersby. While mountains are by no means hard to come by in this area, for hiking with a reward, head to the Kii Mountains’ Yoshino district in spring, when the hillsides put on an impressive display of white and pink cherry blossoms.