yama

Culture & History

Lotus Road|Temple Walk Through Blooming Lotus Flowers

Lotus Road is a summer temple walk in Nara connecting Saidaiji, Sugawara Tenmangu, Kikoji, Toshodaiji, and Yakushiji. Enjoy beautiful lotus flowers in bloom as you stroll through historic temples. Route details and access included.
Walking

Takisaka Path (Yagyu Kaido) | The Stone-Paved Path & Swordmasters’ Trail

Takisaka Path, also known as Yagyu Kaido, is a historic stone-paved route once traveled by legendary swordmasters. Passing along the southern edge of Kasugayama Primeval Forest, this scenic hiking trail leads to Yagyu Village.
Temples

Ryosenji Temple|Rose Garden & Herbal Baths in Nara

Ryosenji Temple in western Nara is known for its beautiful rose garden and healing herbal baths. Originating as “offering baths,” the temple offers visitors a relaxing experience amid historic grounds.
Temples

Shoryakuji Temple|Autumn Colors & Birthplace of Sake in Nara

Shoryakuji Temple in Nara is known as “Nishiki-no-Sato,” with around 3,000 maple trees turning brilliant colors each autumn. Enjoy the peaceful scenery and learn about its legacy as the birthplace of Japanese sake.
Culture & History

Yagyu & Ittoseki Rock|Legendary Swordmasters & Tengu in the Forest

Ittoseki Rock in Yagyu, Nara, is linked to a legend of the swordmaster Yagyu Sekishusai and a mythical tengu. Surrounded by forest, this sacred site gained renewed fame as inspiration for a scene in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Culture & History

Tsukigase Plum Grove|10,000 Blossoms by the Lakeside in Nara

Tsukigase is famous for its plum grove, where 10,000 trees bloom in vibrant colors in early spring. Visitors can stroll along the paths while enjoying views of Tsukigase Lake.
Walking

Saki Tumulus Cluster|Ancient Burial Mounds North of Heijo Palace

Located north of Heijo Palace, the Saki Tumulus Cluster features large keyhole-shaped burial mounds. Walk the quiet paths among ancient tombs and feel the legacy of the early Yamato rulers.
Culture & History

Saho River Cherry Blossoms|Peaceful Walk in Nara’s Local Hanami Spot

Saho River, flowing east of Heijo Palace, is a beloved cherry blossom spot with a peaceful riverside path. Stroll from Daibutsu Railway Memorial Park to the southern gate of Heijo Palace. Easy access from JR or Kintetsu Nara Station.
Temples

Toshodaiji Temple|Tranquil Moss Path and Ancient Treasures of Nara

Founded by Ganjin Wajo, Toshodaiji is the head temple of the Ritsu school. Visit its National Treasure halls from the Nara period and stroll the serene mossy path to Ganjin’s mausoleum. Access by train or bus is easy.
Temples

Yakushiji Temple|Nara’s Ancient Beauty and UNESCO Treasure

Yakushiji Temple was originally built with beautiful temple grounds reflecting Nara-period aesthetics. The iconic three-story East Pagoda preserves original architecture from the era. Inside the Golden Hall, the Yakushi Triad statues stand as sacred symbols of healing and devotion.