Nara Prefecture

Niukawakami-Shrine-Yoshino-Nara-Japan

Niukawakami Shrine, The Shrine Revered by the Imperial Court

When visiting a Japanese shrine, you must have seen those wooden plates with people’s wishes written on the back, hung on one side of the precinct. If you ever wonder where those wooden plates originated, then visit Niukawakami Shrine (丹生川上神社) in Nara‘s Yoshino District. Furthermore, you get to act like a Shinto priest swinging the […]

Niukawakami Shrine, The Shrine Revered by the Imperial Court Read More »

Mitarai-Valley-Aiden-Bridge-Autumn-Yoshino-Nara-Japan

Mitarai Valley: One of the Most Stunning Valleys in Kansai

One of the most scenic places in the Yoshino District is probably Mitarai Valley (みたらい渓谷) in Tenkawa Village (天川村). The valley that boasts of being one of the most stunning valleys in the Kansai region is located where the Yamagami River (山上川) that flows from Mt. Ōmine (大峯山) joins the Amano River (天ノ川). It is

Mitarai Valley: One of the Most Stunning Valleys in Kansai Read More »

Tamaki-Shrine-Yoshino-Nara-Japan

Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded

Tamaki Shrine (玉置神社) in Totsukawa Village, almost at the summit of Mt. Tamaki (Tamakisan, 玉置山), is the oldest shrine in Japan. The shrine is at an altitude of 1,076 meters and was founded in BC 37 by the imperial court for demon expulsion. In 2004, the shrine, one of the Shugendō’s (修験道) training sites, was registered

Tamaki Shrine – The Shrine that Can only Be Reached if Summonded Read More »

Dorogyo-Valley-Yoshino-Nara-Japan

Dorokyō – The Stunning Gorge that Spans Three Prefectures

Dorokyō Gorge (瀞峡) or Dorokyō Valley, located in the south of Totsukawa Village, is one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty (特別名勝). The picturesque valley remains a hidden gem to most. So if you enjoy various outdoor activities, Dorokyō can be the ideal destination to stop by when you visit the Kansai region!

Dorokyō – The Stunning Gorge that Spans Three Prefectures Read More »