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An
ancient capital of excellent old architectures and images of Buddha -
Horyu-ji Temple, the World Cultural Heritage Site
Nara prefecture is situated in the central west of the Japanese
mainland. The capital was placed in the Asuka region, a southern part
of Nara Basin in the northwestern part of the prefecture, as the first
of unified Japan in the mid 4th century, and until the end of the 8th
century Asuka prospered as the center of Japanese politics and
economy. Later, the capital was moved to Heijyo-kyo, the current Nara
City. Under the protection of the Imperial family and aristocrats,
temples and shrines such as Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden
architecture in the world that enshrines Japan's largest Buddha,
Yakushi-ji Temple that has excellent old architectures and images of
Buddha, and Toshodai-ji Temple were built. Thus Heijyo-kyo developed
as a temple town.
Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga Town, which is said to have been built in
the early 7th century, is known as the oldest existing Buddhist
temple. There are world's oldest wooden architectures as well as many
paintings and sculptures in its possession, and the Temple is also
registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site. Tourists visit this
prefecture throughout the year to see scenic spots such as Mt.
Yoshino-yama known to have the most beautiful cherry trees, and Nara
Park that has friendly deer that has been considered familiar spirit
and treasured.
Getting there
About 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by JR
Tokaido Shinkansen Line, and about 39 minutes from Kyoto Station to
Kintetsu Nara Station by Kintetsu Line. About 39 minutes from Kintetsu
Nanba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station by Kintetsu Nanba-Nara Line.
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Asuka
A rural area dotted with many historic and culturally
important sites - A tour to various historic spots along the country
road decorated with spring or autumn flowers
Asuka is the area
in the wide southern part of the Yamato Basin in Nara. As early as
the 5th to 6th century, the area was developed as a vital transport
center, and around the 8th century the capital city was built here.
Old burial mounds and historic sites of cultural importance are
scattered in the calm and tranquil rural scenery. Indeed, Asuka is
the spiritual hometown of the Japanese mind.
Here in Asuka, there is a huge stone stage mound built from a block
of stone measuring 7.5 m long, 3 m wide and 7.7 m tall and weighing
about 72 tons, the largest of this kind in Japan. It is known as a
cave-type stone chamber. It is widely believed that the chamber was
dedicated to Sogano Umako, a man of power in the 6th century, as his
tomb. Another spot to visit in Asuka is the old Takamatsuzuka-kofun
burial mound, which was excavated in 1972, and then it became widely
well-known. The mound itself is as small as 18 m in diameter and 5 m
in height, but you will certainly be enchanted by the newly
discovered wall paintings of the Four Gods, the Women's Group and
constellations all in full color.
There are quite a few remnants of old temples and architecture,
including those of the Asuka-ji Temple which was initiated by Sogano
Umako in the 6th century and built by craftsmen, including those
invited from Kudara country in the Korean Peninsula. We often say
that the Asuka area itself is floating on the remnants. Those
road-side flowers, Chinese milk vetch (renge-so) in the spring and
lycoris radiate (higan-bana) in the autumn, add the final touch to
the rural scenery. Many people enjoy a tour of the old remains
riding on rent-a-cycles.
Getting there
Two hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by JR
Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then 1 hour 15 minute ride from Kyoto to
Kashihara-Jingumae Station by Kintetsu Line and 4 minutes from
Kashihara-Jingumae to Asuka by the same line. Forty-six minutes from
Osaka Abenobashi Staion to Asuka Station by the same line.
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Hase-dera Temple
Ten meter tall, shiny gold Kan'non statue with eleven faces, the
object of worship for noblewomen and ladies-in-waiting at court
The Hase-dera Temple, located along the Hatsuse-gawa River in
the north of Nara, is a center of the Buzan School of the Shingonshu
Buddism. It is believed that this temple was founded by a priest
Tokudo Shonin who enshrined Jyuichimen-kan'non or an eleven faced
Kan'non(Goddess of Mercy) statue by the order of the emperor in the
8th century. The Kan'non worship became widely favored after the 9th
century, and many noblemen and ladies-in-waiting at the imperial
court in Kyoto came to worship this temple.
The main sanctuary was built in the mid 17th century, and it is one
of the largest wooden structures in Nara. You will feel the
atmosphere of the olden days from the bell tower and the principle
image of the 10 m tall golden Kan'non statue with eleven faces. A
five-story pagoda was built, and the Niomon gate with two guardian
gods, was reconstructed in the 20th century.
Some 7,000 Chinese peonies are planted on both sides of the corridor
to the main shrine. The large-flowered peonies bloom beautifully
from late April to early May to welcome the visitors. The statue of
Tokudo Shonin rests in the Hoki-in Temple which is believed to have
been his retirement home. It has a 13-layer mausoleum tower, and a
Shonin's stepstone which is believed to make your wishes come true
by touching it.
Getting there
Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line for 2 hours 15 minutes from
Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, then take Kintetsu Line for 55
minutes from Kyoto Station to Hasedera Station. From Osaka, take
Kintetsu Line for 45 minutes from Kamihon-cho Station (in Osaka) to
Hasedera Station.
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Heijokyu-seki
Political, economic and cultural center of the 8th century Japan
that tells the ancient capital to the present day
Located in the northern part of Nara, the whole area of
Heijokyu-seki has been preserved as Special Historic Site. In 710 A.
D., the capital was moved from Fujiwarakyo, at the center of Nara,
to Heijokyo which prospered as a political, economic and cultural
center of Japan for over 70 years. It is the first historical site
in Japan to be designated the World Cultural Heritage. Heijyokyu
Palace was the center of the capital city and it consisted of Dairi,
the residence of the Emperor, Daigoku-den, a hall for every national
ceremonies and Chodo-in, the bureaucratic offices.
The main street, Suzaku-oju, ran as long as four kilometers and 75
meters wide from Rashomon Gate at the southern end, with ditches
which were dug on both sides of this magnificent street. With 7
meters wide moats on both sides, the Suzaku-oji has been restored in
1998 together with SuzakuGate. This thickly red-painted gate is now
opened to public from Tuesday to Sunday, thus visitors are able to
pass through the gate. Artifacts from the excavation are exhibited
in Heijokyu-seki Shiryo-kan Museum located in the northwest of the
site.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station, take Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto
Station and change to Kintetsu Line Yamato-saidai-ji Station, 2
hours 45 minutes. From Osaka-Abenobashi Station, 40 minutes by
Kintetsu Line to Yamato-saidai-ji Station. Ten minutes by bus from
Yamato-saidai-ji Station to Heijokyu-seki bus stop.
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Horyu-ji Temple
The world's oldest wooden structures registered as the World
Cultural Heritage
The Horyu-ji Temple is also called the Ikaruga Temple as it is
located at Ikaruga Town, Ikoma County in the northwestern part of
Nara. It is designated as the World Cultural Heritage as the world's
oldest existing wooden structure, founded by Prince Shotoku-taishi,
a son of Emperor Yomei, to dedicate to his father in the early 7th
century. It has been burned down once, but was reconstructed by the
early 8th century. It has pillars with swollen middle, in the style
called the entasis. Since this style is also employed in the
pantheons of Greece, it is also a precious structure in the cultural
propagation history as well as the architectural history. Thus it
has been supposedly passed down from Caspian Coast area to the Asian
Continent through the Silk Road.
There is the Nandaimon Gate building at the center of the approach
way, and the Chumon middle gate building beyond it. Corridors extend
to the east and west of the Chumon, which turn to the north.
Surrounded by these corridors are the Kondo golden shrine in the
east and a five-story tower in the west.
The lower part of the Kondo was burned during an overhaul work in
the mid 20th century, when the murals estimated to have been drawn
in the 8th century were lost in the flames. The murals were restored
by reproduction of the originals later. The reproduced murals are
now completed on the walls, and the original state of the Kondo has
been completely restored.
Getting there
Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line for 2 hours 15 minutes from
Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, then take JR Nara Line for 45
minutes from Kyoto Station to Nara Station. Take a Nara Kotsu bus
for 40 minutes from Nara Station to Horyu-ji. From Osaka, take JR
Kansai Honsen for 40 minutes from Osaka Station to Horyu-ji Station.
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Mt. Ikoma-san
A temple for the populace where wishes are granted for a thriving
business - A scenic night view of Osaka looking down from the top of
the drive way on Mt. Ikoma-san
Mt. Ikoma-san is located in the northwest part of Nara,
separating Nara and Osaka, and belongs to the Kongo-Ikoma
Quasi-National Park. Extending from north to south, it has been
criss-crossed by many pass-ways and roads, connecting Osaka and
Yamato, since olden times. Materials and culture flew along these
routes. Halfway up the mountain is Hozan-ji Temple, commonly known
as Shoten-san of Mt. Ikoma-san. The temple was founded in the 17th
century, in the hope that businesses would thrive. In the precincts
of the temple, which stands in front of the Han'nya-kutsu caves,
there is quite a lot of structures such as the main hall, the Taho-to
treasure tower and the occidental style Shishi-kaku (the Lion
Pavilion), decorated with stained glass.
The Shinki-Ikoma Skyline Drive is a pleasant motorway that provides
you with very enjoyable driving. Every time your car turns the
corner on the winding road, you can enjoy superb views of Osaka and
the Yamato Basin in the distance on the left or on the right
alternatively. In particular, the view from the Narukawa-toge Pass,
just about midway along the road, is magnificent, especially at
night. Cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring and maples and
autumn leaves in the fall are extremely popular among many visitors.
Also, a hiking route is well set out alongside the motorway. At the
eastern foot of the mountain the Ikoma-Taisha Shrine is located,
dedicated to the God of Fire, and at the south-eastern foot,
Enpuku-ji Temple is situated, in which main hall enshrines three
saints of Amithaba. Two of the Houkyo-into Pagoda towers are also
famous.
Getting there
About 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by
JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then about 50 minutes from Kyoto Station
to Ikoma Station by Kintetsu Line. Alternatively, about 20 minutes
from Kintetsu-Namba Station to Ikoma Station by Kintetsu Line.
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Mt. Shigi-san
Chogoson-ji Temple worshipping Bishamonten or Vaishravana -
Daruma-dera Temple worshipping Daruma-taishi or Boddhidharma
Mt. Shigi-san, 437 meters in elevation, is located at the
southern end of the Ikoma Mountains lying in the northwest of Nara.
In the middle of the mountains is Chogosonshi-ji Temple, usually
referred to as "Shigisan" or "Shigi-no-bishamon-san".
In the 7th century, Prince Shotoku-taishi, the son of Emperor Yomei,
was deeply devoted to Buddhism and dedicated this temple to
Bishamonten or Vaishravana, the guardian god of treasures that
appeared at the hour of tiger on the day of tiger in the year of
tiger. The big sculpture of a tiger on the path attracts the
attention of visitors. Reiho-kan, standing next to the Hondo, or
Oratory, holds the National Treasure, Shigisan-engi-emaki Painted
Scroll, that is exhibited to the public every fall.
O-ji Temple is situated at the entrance to the climbing route at the
foot of the south-eastern part of Mt. Shigi-san. Rare in Nara, there
is a Zen temple, Daruma-dera Temple dedicated to the founder of the
Zen sect, Daruma-taishi, or Boddhidharma. It is said that the sick
traveler whom Prince Shotoku-taishi treated was the incarnation of
Boddhidharma and the temple was erected to commemorate him. Temple
treasure includes a wooden sculpture of the sitting Boddhidharma and
of Prince Shotoku-taishi, and Kenpon-chakushoku-nehan-zo. The
ancient temple of Hoko-ji Temple in the vicinity has Avalokiteshvra
Ekadashamukha, or the Kan'non(Goddess of Mercy) with Eleven Faces,
as the principal Buddha.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station, 2 hours 15 minutes by JR Tokaido Shinkansen
Line to Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station to Ikoma Station, 1 hour
by Kintetsu Line, from Osaka Station, 30 minutes. From Ikoma
Station, 25 minutes to Shigi-san-shita Station by Kintetsu-ikoma
Line. Take Nara-Kotsu bus from the Station, 10 minutes to Mt. Shigi-san.
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Muro-ji Temple
"Nyonin-Koya" or Koya-san for Women, worshipped by women - The
smallest five-storied pagoda in Japan, 16 meters high
Muro-ji Temple is located in the village of Muro-ji-mura in the
north-east of Nara. It was erected in the end of 8th century on a
steep slope to the north of Muro-gawa River. It is said that a
Buddhist monk, Kenkyo, practiced religious austerities to pray for
the recovery of the Crown Prince. His disciple, Shuen, made the plan
of the temple. In contrast to Koya-san Kongobu-ji Temple in
Wakayama, erected by Buddhist monk Kukai in the early 9th century,
which prohibited the entrance of women to the temple, Muro-ji Temple
of the same sect allowed women to visit, thus it was much worshipped
by women and it was called "Nyonin-Koya" or Koya-san for Women. Many
sculptures are displayed in the Hondo, or Oratory. The principle
Buddha of the temple is Buddha Shakyamuni, a national treasure.
There are also sculptures of Avalokiteshvra Ekadashamukha, or
Kan'non(Goddess of Mercy) with Eleven Faces, and Yakushi-nyorai,
Nyoirin-Kan'non and in Miroku-do, there is sculpture of sitting the
Buddha Shakyamuni. Many other buildings are scattered around the
mountain.
Another national treasure, the five-storied pagoda, measures 16
meters in height and is the smallest of all outdoor pagodas in
Japan. It was badly damaged by a typhoon in 1998, but it has been
completely reconstructed and visitors can see the original form. In
Muro-ji Temple, pale pink rhododendron flowers of as many as 3,000
roots bloom from early April to May. Thus the temple is popular, and
is called the temple of flower.
Getting there
From Tokyo Station, 2 hours 15 minutes by JR Tokaido Shinkansen
Line to Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, 1 hour 20 minutes by
Kintetsu Line to Muro-guchi-ono- Station. By Kintetsu line, from
Kami-honcho Station to Muro-guchi-ono Station, 1 hour. From
Muro-guchi-ono Station, take bus to Muro-ji-mae, 20 minutes.
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Nara-machi (Gango-ji Temple)
Gokuraku-do, which was rebuilt and renovated from a monks'
dormitory - Nara-machi houses with beautiful white stucco walls and
wooden latticeworks lined up one after another
It is said that Gangou-ji Temple, which is located to the south
of the Sarusawa-no-ike Pond and which is also known as Gokuraku-bo,
was founded in the early 8th century by transferring Asuka-dera
Temple, which was assumed to be the oldest temple in this country,
from Asuka to Heijo-kyo Palace.
The temple has been one time at its peak when it has been considered
to be one of the seven largest temples in Nara, but it caught fire
twice, in the 15th and 19th centuries, when everything was lost but
the remains of the East Great Pagoda and West Minor Pagoda,
Gokuraku-bo consisting of Gokuraku-do and the Zen Hall, which
reminds us of the initial setting of the temple when it was founded
some 1,100 years ago. Gokuraku-bo, which is registered as a national
treasure, used to be the monks' dormitory but has now been renovated
as a temple. It is significant for its 13th century architecture and
the roof tiles, which show a strong influence of the Kudara
architecture of the Korean Peninsula.
The area which was one time the precincts of Gangou-ji Temple is
called Nara-machi, and still preserves the atmosphere of an old 17th
to 19th century town. The town was rebuilt in the precincts after
the great fire of the temple. The towns and streets of Nara-machi
feature white stucco walls and wooden lattice windows, which provide
a warm impression of daily town life to the visitor. Shops and
tearooms in calm and pleasant surroundings utilizing traditional
houses are popular, giving a good contrast to the great temples and
old burial mounds.
Getting there
About 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by
JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then about 40 minutes from Kyoto Station
to Kintetsu-Nara Station by Express Train on the Kintetsu Kyoto
Line. About 35 minutes from Kintetsu-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara
Station of Kintetsu Namba-Nara Line.
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Nara Park (Mt.
Kasuga-yama)
The virgin forests, registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site -
Kasuga-taisha Shrine of which the red-painted corridors are
reflected among the rich green trees
Mt. Kasuga-yama is located in the northern part of Nara. In the
middle of the 9th century, the shrine ordered a decree forbidding
lumber cutting, and this has resulted in the preservation of the
virgin forests. Now the scenery of the shrine and the forests has
been registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site. At the western
foot of Mt. Kasuga-yama is located Kasuga-taisha Shrine, which was
originally dedicated to the local aristocrats, the Fujiwaras, and
now serves as the headquarters of branch shrines spreading all over
the country. The shrine, famed as one of the country's three major
shrines after Ise-jingu Shrine and Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Shrine, is
proud of its Kasuga style architecture in which four identical main
halls are situated side by side.
The red-painted corridors surrounding the main halls, matched with
the rich and deep surrounding clump, together with the hanging
bronze lanterns under the eaves, create a sacred and peaceful
atmosphere.
On February 3, the day of Setsubun(the Coming of Spring) and during
the Bon-festival(or O-bon, the feast for ancesters) from August
14-15, the traditional Festival of Lanterns takes place every year,
in which all 2,000 pedestal-style stone lanterns and 1,000 lanterns
hanging from the eaves are lit at night, which enchant the visitors
and worshippers. Wakamiya Shrine, a subordinate shrine of
Kasuga-taisha, is located at the south end of the main hall and
every winter On-matsuri Festival of Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine takes
place on a large scale.
Getting there
Two hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by JR
Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Thirty-nine minutes from Kyoto Station to
Kintetsu Nara Station by Kintetsu Line, or 34 minutes from Kintetsu
Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. Ten minutes by bus from Nara
Station to Kasuga-taisha main hall.
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Nara Park (Kofuku-ji Temple and the Sarusawa-no-ike Pond)
Tokon-do, a place to pray for good academic achievement - A
fantastic view of the Five-story Pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple, as seen
beyond the Sarusawa-no-ike Pond
At the beginning of the 8th century, a powerful family of the
time, the Fujiwaras, founded Kofuku-ji Temple, located inside Nara
Park. At its peak, the precincts were said to be as large as 50
square km (about 32 square miles), but nowadays it is in the
reasonable range of 4 square km (2.5 square miles). The
approximately 50 m (150 ft.) high Five-story Pagoda of Kofuku-ji
Temple is the second tallest tower in this country after To-ji's
Pagoda in Kyoto City. The Pagoda is the landmark of the ancient
capital, Nara.
Since it was first built in the early 8th century, the Pagoda has
caught fire 6 times in its long history. The present tower is
registered as a national treasure and was rebuilt in 1426. The Tokon-do
Hall adjoining the tower has also been registered as a national
treasure as old architecture of the early 15th century. Inside the
hall are enshrined the images of Monju-bosatsu, the copper clad
Physician of Souls and Bodhisattva of wisdom and intellect. Thus
there are numberless visitors praying for a better academic
achievement.
For a variety of the 8th century sculptures and many other temple
treasures, the National Treasure Museum is another place that
visitors should not miss.
Sarusawa-no-ike Pond is founded by Kofuku-ji Temple, where captured
fish were released. Surrounded by willow trees, if you walk around
the 360 m promenade circling the pond, you will see many carp and
tortoises in the water. The views of Kofuku-ji temple seen over the
Sarusawa-no-ike, such as rich green trees with the pagoda tower and
a water fountain in the pond with an elegant shape of the pagoda
reflected in the water, represents the popular scenery of Nara.
Getting there
About 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by
JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then about 40 minutes from Kyoto Station
to Kintetsu-Nara Station by Express Train on the Kintetsu Kyoto
line. About 35 minutes from Kintetsu-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara
Station by Rapid Train on the Kintetsu Namba-Nara line.
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Nara Park (Todai-ji
Temple)
The large temple roofs and pagoda towers are seen through the trees
- A great Buddha more than 15 meters tall inside the world largest
wooden structure
Nara Park is located in the eastern part of Nara City, extending
about 4 km to the east and west, and about 2 km to the south and
north. On the spacious lawns many deer graze on the grass. Inside
the park are located Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple,
Kasuga-Taisha Shrine and many others that represent the glories of
the city over many centuries. Small streams, ponds and moats add
charm to the scenery. A scene of great temple roofs and the tips of
pagodas seen through the trees is a never-forgotten memory of your
journey to Nara.Throughout the year, the stream of visitors to Nara
is never interrupted.
Emperor Shomu founded Todai-ji Temple, a World Cultural Heritage, in
728 as a head temple ruling the other 68 Kokubun-ji temples (branch
temples) scattered throughout the country. Todai-ji Temple was
originally called the great temple in the east of the capital city,
the Heijo-kyu Palace.
Inside the world's largest wooden structure of 57 m in width and 50
m in depth is enshrined a 15 m tall image of the great Buddha. In
the precincts of the temple there are many interesting spots
including the Nan-daimon (the Great Southern Gate), in which you can
see two images of King Deva which are taller than 8 m, the Nigatsu-do
Hall, which is surrounded by a corridor like a stage overlooking the
Great Buddha Hall and the city of Nara, the Sangatsu-do Hall, the
oldest structure of Todai-ji Temple, in which you can see artistic
sculptures of the 8th century and many others. Going up to the top
of Mt. Wakakusa-yama, 342 m above sea level, is good exercise that
you can easily take inside the city. From the hilltop, you can enjoy
a magnificent panoramic view of Mt. Ikoma-san and three famous
mountains of the Yamato province.
Getting there
Two hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by JR
Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then 40 minutes from Kyoto Station to
Kintetsu-Nara Station by Express Train on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line.
Thirty-five minutes from Kintetsu-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara
Station by Rapid Train on the Kintetsu Namba-Nara Line.
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Nishi-no-Kyo
The largest extant 8th century structure in the country to tell us
about the culture of the ageThe grand "Dragon's Palace on Land"
The region in the western part of Nara City is called Nishi-no-Kyo,
which literally means the Western Capital, as it was located at the
west of the ancient capital city, Heijo-kyo Palace. In this region,
there are large-scale temples which were built in the Tempyo Period
of the 8th century, such as Toshodai-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple
and Seidai-ji Temple.
Toshodai-ji Temple was built by a Chinese priest, Ganjin, who was
invited by Emperor Shomu in the 8th century but could only arrive in
Japan after a long and hard 12 year journey to his destination. The
temple consists of the Kon-do Hall, which is the largest existing
8th century structure in the country, the Lecture Hall (Ko-do), the
Treasury (Ho-zo) and the Bell Tower (Ko-ro), which have all been
well preserved in their original style and details to tell us about
the culture of the age.
Yakushi-ji Temple, adjoining Toshodai-ji, is the temple founded by
Emperor Temmu in the 8th century, to pray for the Empress' recovery
from illness. The magnificently decorated main hall (Garan) was at
one time called "the Dragon's Palace on Land". The East Tower (To-Tou)
in the precincts is the original structure, which has been preserved
ever since its foundation and is the symbol of Nishi-no-Kyo.
Saidai-ji Temple, founded in the late 8th century had boasted its
vast scale until it has been repeatedly on fire, which now only
remains the Main Hall and Aizen Hall. Strolling in the area, deeply
submerged into the culture of the ancient days, will certainly give
you a real refreshment.
Getting there
About 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by
JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then about 45 minute ride from Kyoto
Station to Nishi-no-kyo Station by Kintetsu Line. Alternatively,
about 45 minutes from Osaka Abenohashi Station to Nishi-no-kyo
Station by Kintetsu Line.
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Taima and Katsuragi
A legendary Mandala (a Buddhist ideal world atlas) woven from lotus
threads - The god who is generous enough to grant one's wish when
spoken only in a word
The Taima-Katsuragi area is situated at the eastern foot of the
Nijo-Katsuragi-Kongo Mountain Range. Many old shrines and temples
full of legends and Mt. Ktsuragi-yama add their inimitable touch to
the rural scenery for the enjoyment of many hikers throughout the
seasons.
Taima-dera Temple is known to be founded in the middle of the 7th
century, and is where you can see the legendary Mandala (a symbolic
chart of paradise depicting the world of spiritual enlightenment
with a variety of gods, goddesses and saints), woven by Princess
Chujo-hime from lotus threads, and old architecture like the
three-story pagoda which is believed to have been built in the 8th
century. Sekko-ji Temple at the north end of Taima-dera Temple is
known for its peony flowers. There are some 7,000 roots of 400
different kinds, and during the flower season from April to May the
precincts are all filled with the crowd of visitors and worshippers.
The Hitokotonushi Shrine at the southern foot of Mt. Ktsuragi-yama
is revered as the god who grants wishes if spoken in a word. The
lawn-covered hill near the top of 960 m Mt. Ktsuragi-yama is
extremely famous for its azalea in the spring, in addition to the
dogtooth violet in the early summer, pampas grass in the autumn and
its snow covered scenery in the winter. From the view spot atop the
mountain, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Yamato's
three mountains, the city of Osaka and as far as Awaji-shima Island,
on a clear day.
Getting there
Two hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station by
JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then 20 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station
to Ten'no-ji Station by subway. Forty-five minutes from
Osaka-Abe-no-bashi Station to Taima-dera Station by Kintetsu Line.
Thirty minutes to Shakutsuchi Station by Express Train. Eight
minutes from Shakutsuchi Station to Kintetsu Gosho Station by
Kintetsu Line. Seven minutes by bus from Gosho Station to Katsuragi
Ropeway Station.
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The Yamanobe Road
The oldest road in the country, recorded in a historical book edited
in the 8th century - An ideal hiking course, along with ancient
burial mounds the remains of old temples.
The Yamanobe Road extends through the Yamato Basin. The history
book entitled "Nihon Shoki" (The Japan Almanac) which was compiled
in the 8th century describes the road, which makes it the oldest
recorded road in this country. The road is said to originally have
connecting Nara and Sakurai, and the section of about 15 km between
Isonokami and Sakurai is preserved as it was built some 1,100 years
ago. At Isonokami in the central part of Tenri City, Isonokami-Jingu
Shrine is located, and this is said to be dedicated to the powerful
Mononobe clan prior to the mid 7th century.
The Mononobes were a powerful martial clan of the ancient government
and the shrine also served as a kind of an arms stockyard. Still
many ancient arms such as the Nanasaya-no-tachi which has seven
branched blades on a sword, and other swords, daggers and shields
are preserved in the shrine. Alongside the road are located many
ancient burial mounds, including the gigantic 240 m long mound
devoted to Emperor Sujin (the 10th Emperor).
The road, which is surrounded by water and rich greenery, is still
popular with people for hiking. Sakurai City has been a market town
developed as a major road transport junction since early times. Abe-monjuin
Temple, which enshrines the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Intellect, and
Mt. Miwa-yama, dedicated to the worship of the God of Mountain, are
found in this city.
Getting there
Two hour 15 minute ride from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by
JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then 45 minutes to Nara Station by JR
Nara Line. Thirteen minutes from Nara Station to Tenri Station by JR
Sakurai Line. Alternatively, from Kintetsu Namba Station (Osaka), a
30 minute ride to Yamato-Nishio-dera Station of Kintetsu Namba-Nara
Line where you then change to Kintetsu Kashihara-Tenri Line for
Tenri Station, 20 minutes.
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Yamato-Ko'oriyama and
Yada-kyuryo Hills
Ko'oriyama Castle, famed for its cherry blossoms - Yada-dera Temple,
surrounded by gregarious hydrangeas
Yamato-Ko'oriyama City is located in the northwestern part of
the Nara Basin, having been founded as a castle town around
Ko'oriyama Castle, where Hidenaga, the brother of the famous
warrior, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, reigned during the 16th
century.Ko'oriyama Castle, famed for its cherry blossoms, once used
a lot of stone Buddha images for the fortress stone walls. We can
still see a variety of these stone images of Buddha and Jizo set
upside down in the walls. From the remains of the main citadel, you
can enjoy a magnificent view of the Yamato Plain. The city is also
famed for goldfish production, having the largest yield of the
country. The gross area of fish farms is as large as 800 square km,
where they produce 80 million goldfish a year. In April every year,
a variety of events such as competitive exhibitions and prized
goldfish catching championships take place during the
Oshiro-matsuri(the castle festival) Festival.
The Yada-kyuryo Hill spreads throughout the western part of the city
with a fertile and rich natural landscape. Half way up the hill is
situated Kongosen-ji Temple, which is better known as Yada-dera
Temple, where gregarious hydrangeas are famous. Some 8,000 roots of
over hydrangeas of 60 kinds are planted. In their flower season of
June and July, the precincts are full of visitors and worshippers.
Getting there
Two hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station by JR
Tokaido Shinkansen Line, then 40 minutes from Kyoto to Yamato-Saidaiji
Station by Kintetsu Kyoto Line, and from Yamato-Saidaiji Station to
Kintetsu Ko'oriyama Station, 6 minutes by Kintetsu Kashihara Line.
Alternatively, from Osaka Station to Ko'oriyama Station for 55
minutes by JR Kansai Honsen Line.
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Yoshino
Zao-do,
the sacred site for mountain worship and mountaineering asceticism -
Mt. Yoshino-yama where 30,000 cherry trees blossom
Yoshino, located at the center of Nara, is a collective term for
the central and northern part of the Kii Mountains and the areas
along the Yoshino-gawa River, within the Yoshino-Kumano National
Park. The most famous site is Mt. Yoshino-yama with over 30,000
cherry trees, the best cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan.Mt.
Yoshino-yama was the site for disciplinary practice of
mountaineering asceticism around the Kinpusen-ji Zao-do Temple built
in the Nara Period in the 8th century by En-no-Gyoja, one of the
founders of the mountaineering asceticism, which is a sect of
Buddhism that incorporates the ancient mountain worship. Since the
Gyoja designated cherry trees as the sacred tree, many devotees
donated cherry trees, and created Shita-no-senbon (1,000 trees in
the outer shrine), Naka-no-senbon (1,000 in the middle shrine) and
Oku-no-senbon (1,000 in the inner shrine) and other famous spots for
cherry trees.
There is the Zao-do, the main sanctuary of the Kinpusen-ji Temple
and designated as a national treasure in the mountain. It is the
second largest wooden structure only after the Daibutsu-den of the
Todai-ji Temple in Nara. There are the Yoshino-jingu Shrine founded
at the end of the 19th century, the Yoshimizu Shrine which used to
be monks' quarters of the Kinpusen-ji Temple, Nyoirin-ji Temple and
Kinpu Shrine. There is the Miya-taki Falls at the upstream of the
Yoshino-gawa River that runs in the foot of the mountain. Many
visitors come to enjoy the scenic sights of the river with gigantic,
oddly shaped rocks on both banks and the Miya-taki vestige where
remains of 7th century structure were discovered.
Getting there
Take JR Tokaido Shinkansen for 2 hours and 15 minutes from Tokyo
Station to Kyoto Station. Then take Kintetsu Line for 1 hour and 45
minutes from Kyoto Station to Yoshino Station. If you are coming
from Osaka, take Kintetsu Line for 1 hour and 25 minutes from Osaka-Abenohashi
Station to Yoshino Station.
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Information
provided by Japan National Tourist Organization.
