Nara East

Meemee Farm, Nabekura Gorge & Mount Kono｜Nature & Sheep Retreat

At Meemee Farm, families can enjoy peaceful scenery and meet friendly sheep. Mount Kono offers an easy hike with scenic views, while Nabekura Gorge features a striking line of black boulders. Perfect for a relaxing day in nature.

2024.10.04

Nature

Soni Highlands & Scenic Spots｜Pampas Grass Fields, Cliffs & Waterfalls

Soni Highlands in Nara offers sweeping views of Japanese pampas grass, dramatic cliffs like Byobu-iwa, and seasonal beauty with waterfalls, autumn foliage, and hot springs—perfect for hiking and nature lovers.

2024.09.23

Nature

Muro Art Forest｜Where Nature Meets Contemporary Art

Muro Art Forest is an outdoor park designed by Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan on the site of a former landslide control area. Near Murouji Temple, it features installations in harmony with nature. Reflections on the pond add to its charm.

2024.09.23

Culture & History

Mukobuchi Lily-of-the-Valley｜Rare Native Flower in Southern Limit

Mukobuchi is the southernmost natural habitat of Japan’s native lily-of-the-valley. These delicate, hidden blooms are nationally protected and best viewed from mid to late May.

2024.09.22

Nature

Yatagarasu Shrine｜Three-Legged Crow of Guidance & Soccer Spirit

Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow, is a divine guide and symbol of the Japan Football Association. According to legend, it led Emperor Jimmu safely through the mountains of Yoshino to Uda. This sacred bird is a lasting symbol of guidance.

2024.09.22

Shrines

Butsuryuji Temple｜Thousand-Year Sakura & Spider Lilies

Butsuryu-ji is an ancient temple founded in the Heian period and known as the southern gate of Murou-ji. It's famed for its thousand-year-old cherry tree—the oldest and largest in Nara—and vivid spider lilies that bloom in early autumn.

2024.09.22

Temples

Sumisaka Shrine｜Japan’s Oldest Health Deity

Sumisaka Shrine is Japan’s oldest shrine dedicated to health and healing. It’s known for a legend of red and black spears and sacred water from Ryuo Shrine. The site is also linked to Emperor Jimmu in ancient chronicles.

2024.09.22

Shrines

Ryuchin Shrine | Mystical Gorge with Emerald Green River

Hidden deep in Uda, Ryuchin Shrine is a sacred spot known for its emerald-green waterfall basin and ancient rain rituals. Surrounded by lush nature and clear mountain waters upstream from the Murou Dam, it offers a peaceful, spiritual retreat.

2024.09.22

Shrines

Ryuogafuchi | Explore the Mysterious Landscape

Ryuogafuchi is a natural depression filled with clear water, creating a mystical landscape. It has been the source of various legends for a long time. The pond is oval-shaped, surrounded by mountains on three sides

2024.09.22

Nature

Ryuketsu Shrine｜Cave of the Rain God & Spiritual Site

Ryuketsu Shrine is a sacred site for praying for rain. At the nearby cave known as “Ryuketsu,” traditional rain rituals are still performed. Just under 1 km from Murou-ji Temple, it’s an easy and meaningful detour.

2024.09.22

Shrines