2025 Sakurai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Hasedera is a famous Buddhist temple located in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The temple is famous for its spectacular architecture, picturesque surroundings, and rich culture and history. The temple has a unique architectural design, especially the multi-story structure of the main hall, which is located on a hillside and overlooks the beautiful surrounding scenery. 💞Recommended reasons: Hasedera Temple has cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn, and the different natural scenery of each season is fascinating. 🕰️Business hours: 9:00 - 16:30 📍Address: 731-1 Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, 633-0112 #MarchGoodPlaces2025

#DomesticTrip I went to Hasedera Temple, the head temple of Nara Prefecture, which is famous for its hydrangeas. It will be held from 2024.5/24 to 7/7 at Hasedera, Okadera, Muroji, and Kosakadera. There are also limited edition goshuin stamps. If you collect four of them, they will become one picture. 😊 The hydrangeas are displayed in pots, so you can always see them in full bloom. When they are in full bloom, you can take a photo like the 8th one. The hydrangea wall is a must-see spot 😊 Hasedera Temple is particularly popular with visitors, so we recommend going first thing in the morning ☺️┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈Kagechi Sakurai City, Nara PrefectureArtwork name: Hydrangea StairsSpot name: Hasedera Temple of FlowersAddress: 731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara PrefectureOpening hours: 8:30-17:00 (April-September) 9:00-17:00 (October-November, March) 9:00-16:30 (December-February)Admission fee~Individual~Adults: 500 yenJunior and high school students: 500 yenElementary school students: 250 yenIf you have a disability certificate displayed 250 yen (discount for disabled people applies only to one accompanying person) Camera legs. Not allowed at all ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ #Kansai trip #Kansai date #Nara prefecture #Hydrangea spot #Hydrangea #Travel with me #Kinki region #Nara sightseeing #Hasedera temple

Did you know that Nara also has a stage built in the same style as Kiyomizu? If you read this post, you'll find out💁♀️ ✔︎The charm of Hasedera Temple ✔︎The best time to see flowers in each season ✔︎A place to take a break ✔︎Freshly baked Kusamochi, a specialty of Hasedera Temple ✔︎Hot springs you can visit after Hasedera Temple I always visit Hasedera Temple once a year✨ The main hall has one of the largest Kannon statues in Japan, with 11 faces. The reason is that Kannon "is there to realize and fulfill everyone's wishes" To do this, it is necessary to have a broad perspective. What a wonderful reason🥹🩵 That's why Hasedera Temple always receives letters and reports of gratitude💌 I don't always make requests at shrines and temples, but I was touched by their kind hearts🥹✨ 🏷️Nara Trip Summary #mariko_nara 📷olinpaspen 🗓December 2023 𝕚𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 ⚠️All information is current as of December 2023. Please check the time before you go out 💁♀️ 📍#Hase-dera ▼Closed days/Open all year round ▼Business hours/April-September 8:30-17:00 　　　　　　October-November, March 9:00-17:00 　　　　　　December-February 9:00-16:30 💰Adults (junior high school students and above)... 500 yen 　 Elementary school students... 250 yen 🌍731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 🅿️About 500 yen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍#Sohonzan Hasedera Kissa-go ▼Closed days/Open all year round ▼Business hours/10:00-16:00 🌍Inside Hasedera - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍#Sohonpo Hakusakeya ▼Closed day/Open all year round ▼Business hours/10:00-17:00 💰1 Kusamochi (150 yen) 🌍728-8 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, in front of Hasedera Temple - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 📍#Soni Kogen Onsen Okame no Yu ▼Closed day/Wednesday ▼Business hours/11:00-21:00 (20:30 from December to March) 💰Adults (junior high school students and above): 900 yen Children (3 years old to elementary school students): 500 yen 🌍830 Tarajiro, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 This is Mariko, a weekend traveler. 👉@mariko000001 My goal is to travel to all 47 prefectures and make a post about them. We basically travel in our own car, and we're a crazy couple who don't mind driving for about 7 hours. Of course, I want to shine a spotlight on famous places, but also on lesser known places💡 If you're happy to support me🧡, I'd be happy if you followed me🥹🫰 Comments and requests are very welcome, so I'm waiting for you✨ I'll do my best every day to help you on your travels, even if just a little🥰 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -𖤣𖥧𖥣𖡡𖥧𖤣 #Nara#Kusamochi#Autumn leaves#Sakurai city#Nara trip #Nara sightseeing #Nara gourmet #Kinki sightseeing

The rainy season is about to start, which is a horrible time of year☔️ But hydrangeas are at their best during the rainy season✨ There are many great spots to see hydrangeas😍 Today, we will introduce "#Hasedera" in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture [Highlights of Hasedera] Hasedera is a great place to see spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves all year round, but the hydrangeas are beautiful during the rainy season✨ The reason this place is so popular is the hydrangea stairs in the top picture💡 At the top of the long corridor, there are stairs that you don't usually climb, but they are filled with pots of hydrangeas🤩 A spectacular view that is rarely seen anywhere in the country😆 It is not always installed! It is only installed during the following period ▪️Event period: May 25th - July 7th, 2024 The best time to see them is mid-June! [Things to note when taking photos] You can actually climb these stairs, so you can take photos buried in hydrangeas! However, everyone climbs them, so it's quite difficult to take portraits without people.💦 If there is no one around, work together with the people around you to stop climbing for a moment and create a situation where there are no people around! When I went, I waited for about an hour, but we all cooperated and waited until everyone there had finished taking photos before climbing! I'm glad that we were all satisfied with the photos.😄 I hope you can do the same! That's all! How about it? This is a great spot for camera lovers.📸 A hydrangea spot that looks great even on rainy days, so be sure to go! 〜〜〜〜〜〜Information〜〜〜〜〜📍Hasedera Temple Address: 731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture Access: 20 minutes walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line Reference: 1.5 hours from Kyoto, including walking Visiting hours: 9:00-16:00 Admission fee: 500 yen 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 #Kinki Tourism #Domestic Travel #Japan's Great Views #Nara Tourism

The cherry blossoms in Kyoto are nice, but there are also many beautiful cherry blossoms in Nara!! As expected, the cherry blossom spots in Nara are not crowded because of the poor access compared to Kyoto✨ That's why I want to avoid the crowds and go to the cherry blossoms in Nara😆 Today, I would like to introduce "Abe Monjuin Temple", one of the three great Manjusri temples in Japan. It is counted as one of the three great Manjusri temples in Japan, along with Kameoka Monju in Yamagata and Kirido Monju in Kyoto, and the main image is the place where you can find Manjusri Bodhisattva, which is famous for the saying "Three people together make Manjusri's wisdom", which you may have heard at least once! Of course, it's a wonderful temple, but it's even more beautiful during the cherry blossom season😍 The temple grounds are filled with 500 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, and the sight of the cherry blossoms continuing from the approach to the main hall, Monju Pond, and the observation deck is very beautiful😄 Abe Monjuin is said to be the birthplace of the Abe clan, and is also the birthplace of Abe no Nakamaro from the Nara period, who anyone who has studied Japanese history has heard of, and Abe no Seimei, a famous onmyoji from the Heian period🧐 The golden hall floating on the pond in the temple grounds, the "Nanaku Uki Mido", houses many treasures of onmyodo, making it a very valuable historical spot! It is also a powerful power spot that brings good luck in passing exams and finding a partner, so if you want to receive such benefits, please take this opportunity to visit! 〜〜〜〜〜Information〜〜〜〜〜 ・Address: 645 Abe, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture ・Access: 20 minutes on foot from Sakurai Station ・Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 ・Visiting fee: Free inside the grounds, 500 yen for parking 〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜〜 #Sakura2024 #Japan's greatest views #Nara sightseeing

Visited in November 2022 Hasedera Temple in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture A famous temple also known as the Flower Temple In autumn, the trees in the temple grounds begin to turn red, and at the peak of the season, the entire mountain turns red. After passing through the Niomon Gate, there are 399 steps leading up to the top, and the view from the climbing corridor is unique to Hasedera 😊 When you arrive at the main hall, a national treasure, the stage is open on three sides, facing the clear autumn sky, giving you a sense of the beautiful autumn scenery ✨ *Hasedera Temple #Autumn leaves#Autumn leaf viewing

#gw2022jp I went to Hashihaka Tomb in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. The nearest station is Makimuku Station. Take the Manyo Mahoroba Line from JR Nara Station. In recent years, it has been said that this is the oldest keyhole-shaped tomb, and its shape can be seen from the outside. The best thing about this place is its divinity. The atmosphere is that of a god enshrined here, and you can't help but want to pray. When you're lost in life, when you want to pray for someone's happiness, or when you want to calm your mind, why not visit quietly?

Places I went to for my first shrine visit of the year

Ogami Shrine is a shrine located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is popular as a power spot. The approach to the shrine is lined with trees, and it feels good to stroll while bathing in negative ions. Address: 1422 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture #Shrine

🏯【Nara・Hasedera Temple】A Sacred Place of Flowers and Prayers Reflecting the Seasons and the Heart Located in Sakurai City, Nara, "Hasedera Temple" is the head temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism and has been cherished as the "Temple of Flowers" since ancient times. No matter the season, whether it's the cherry blossoms in spring, peonies in early summer, hydrangeas in summer, autumn leaves, or snowy landscapes in winter, the temple offers breathtaking beauty and a serene atmosphere that feels as if Buddha himself is smiling upon you. 🌸 The temple is particularly famous for its approximately 150 varieties and 7,000 peony plants. From mid-April to early May, the temple grounds are adorned with these vibrant flowers, often stopping visitors in their tracks as they walk along the approach. Another iconic feature is the 399-step covered staircase known as the "Noborirou." As you ascend the gently sloping stairs, you’ll find your mind naturally calming with each step. 🪷 The main hall houses the "Standing Statue of Eleven-Faced Kannon" (an Important Cultural Property), which serves as the focal point of Kannon worship and gently watches over visitors. During special spring and autumn viewings, you can participate in the "Gosoku Mairi," where you can touch the feet of this revered statue—a unique and cherished experience. 📍 Access: About a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu "Hasedera Station" 🕊️ Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (subject to seasonal changes) 🎫 Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen (additional fees apply during the Peony Festival) Whether you seek a place to quietly center your thoughts or simply wish to admire something beautiful, Hasedera Temple warmly welcomes you.

#japanitinerary Abe Monjuin Temple. One of Japan's three Monjus located in Nara Sakurai. The principal image is Manjusri Bodhisattva, the largest in Japan. It was built in 645 by Abe Kuradashimaro, who became Minister of the Left during the Taika Reforms. It is the birthplace of the Abe clan and has ties to Abe Nakamaro and Onmyoji Abe Seimei. I feel like Abe Seimeido gives me power. A power spot that prays for academic success and employment. Limited to 108 people, the New Year's Eve bell was lit, so I took on the challenge. 7 minutes by bus or 20 minutes walk from Kintetsu Sakurai Station. There are few buses, so be careful. There is a paid parking lot and you can go there by car.

#japanitinerary Deemed as Japan's oldest shrine with a number of other shrines along its pilgrimage route. This is the oldest shrine in Japan that conveys the primordial ritual of worshiping Mt. Miwa through the three torii gates at the back of the hall of worship, without building a main shrine since ancient times, in order for the enshrined deity, Omononushi no Okami, to be enshrined in the mountain. The surrounding nature is also beautiful, and it is a place where you can enjoy the scenery of each season. I would definitely like to visit again.

Okami Shrine is the oldest shrine in Japan. Its founding can be traced back to 91 BC (legend has it that it was the 7th year of Emperor Sujin). It enshrines "Omononushi Okami", who has a deep connection with Okuninushi, and is a very early god in Japanese mythology. The most special thing is that Okami Shrine did not build a "main hall", but regarded the entire Miwa Mountain itself as the main hall. The sacrificial method is simple and sacred, which also gives it a very high status in Japanese religion. There is an elevator on the left side of the way to facilitate people with limited mobility to go to the worship hall. There is also a "worshiper lounge" for worshipers to rest. There are tea, vending machines, and even ice cream cones inside, which are rare and considerate facilities for me. #Sakurai #Nara #Shrine Tour

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip The Hydrangea Corridor is being held in Nara Prefecture😊This year, a rope has been stretched over the Hydrangea Stairs, so you can't go up😊If you want to take a portrait, you can take it in front of the rope📸Since you can't go up the stairs, it's now easy to take pictures without anyone around😊❁⃘*.ﾟ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Spot. Head Temple HasederaAddress. 731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara PrefectureEntry Fee. 500 yenParking FeesMotorcycles: 200 yen, Regular Cars: 500 yenLarge Buses: 2000 yenEntry Times8:30-17:00 (April-September)9:00-17:00 (October-November, March)9:00-16:30 (December-February)※ Cameras, tripods, monopods, stepladders, etc. are not allowed to be brought in━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━#Hasedera Temple #Travel Memorable Spots #Comment Squad #Outing Records #Sightseeing

⭐️ :Miwa Somen Nagashi Dried Noodle Factory 📍Address: 460-24 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-0001 🕰️Business hours: 10:30-16:00 _____________________________________________ Ogami Shrine is located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. This shrine is sacred and many people visit it to receive power. On the approach to the shrine, there is a shop where you can enjoy Nagashi somen noodles made with Miwa somen, a Nara specialty! This is the "Miwa Somen Nagashi Dried Noodle Factory". You can eat the somen noodles at your seat with a dedicated Nagashi somen machine☝🏻⭐️ You can also eat venison rice pot as part of the set menu, and you will definitely be impressed by the delicious venison with no strong flavor☀️ Please visit us☝🏻 #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #DomesticTrip #NaraTourism

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip "Abe Monjuin" is one of the oldest temples in Japan, founded in 645. The principal image is the Bodhisattva Manjusri, famous for the proverb "Three heads are better than one." Abeno Kurahashimaro, who became the Minister of the Left during the Taika Reforms at the request of Emperor Kokutoku, built "Abeyama Soukei-ji" (Abe-dera) as the clan temple of the Abe clan. Even after moving to the current site of Abe Monjuin during the Kamakura period, most of the mountain was burned down in a fire caused by Matsunaga Danjo's war in 1563, and the current main hall (Monju-do) was rebuilt about 100 years later in 1665. Within the grounds, there is the Kinkakuji Ukimido, where Benzaiten, the Nara period Japanese envoy to the Tang Dynasty, Abe no Nakamaro, and the Heian period onmyoji Abe no Seimei are enshrined, which is said to ward off misfortunes in the direction of travel, a special historic burial mound, and an observation deck where Abe no Seimei is said to have conducted astronomical observations. Main Hall Photography is prohibited inside, so this is a photo from a pamphlet. The "Manjusri Crossing the Sea Group Statues" center around Manjusri riding a lion, with Vimalakirti (Saishō Rōjin) and Subhuti (Buddhabarī Tripitaka) on the left, King Yuden holding the reins of the lion and Zenzai Doji leading the way, and four attendants, depict them crossing the sea of ​​clouds and setting out on a journey to ward off evil and bestow wisdom on all living beings. And! All of them are national treasures!!! The principal image of the statue, Manjusri, is riding on a lion, holding a sword called the "Gomanoriken" in his right hand and a lotus flower, which symbolizes mercy and love, in his left hand. A calligraphy inside the statue's womb reveals that it was made by the great sculptor Kaikei in 1203 (the third year of the Kennin era). The vividly colored wooden statue of a lion rider is the largest in Japan, standing about 7m tall. On the day we visited, the Bodhisattva had dismounted from the lion for the first time in 15 years due to seismic isolation construction work, so we were able to see his precious figure up close. It was beautiful. Next time, I'd like to see him riding a lion! If the timing is right, you can listen to a sermon in the main hall. It was very educational. Continue to part 2. Admission fee to the main hall: 700 yen (comes with a commemorative gift) Abe Monjuin Temple 645 Abe, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, 633-0054 #AbeMonjuin Temple #NaraTourism

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Miwa Somen has a history of hand-pulled somen noodles that originated in Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and is said to be the oldest somen-producing region in Japan. After walking a lot and getting hungry, I was looking for a Miwa somen shop close to the shrine, and I saw "Miwa Somen Fukujindo." Since it was before lunch, they showed me to a place right away. There are tatami rooms and table seats. I had a set of bukkake Miwa somen noodles, chilled Miwa somen noodles, and persimmon leaf sushi. The broth in the bukkake noodles was so delicious that I couldn't help but drink it. The broth in the chilled somen noodles was sweet, and it was also delicious! The noodles were thin but chewy and smooth, and you could tell that it was different from the somen noodles you eat at home. The persimmon leaf sushi, a Nara specialty, was mackerel, and it was also delicious. It goes well with ginger! A set of somen noodles and two persimmon leaf sushi noodles was reasonably priced at 1000 yen☆ There were no hand towels, but there was a washroom. They also had nyumen noodles, which I'd like to try again. The shop is located immediately to the right of the second torii gate of Ogami Shrine. Miwa Somen Fukujindo 1237-1 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-0001

At Hase-dera Temple, the stone steps known as "Storm Slope" are lined with approximately 300 colorful potted hydrangeas 💜🩵🩷. Not only the potted hydrangeas, but also the 3,000 hydrangea plants within the temple grounds are in full bloom, making it a must-visit spot 💜🩵🩷. Starting this year, passing through the "Storm Slope" is prohibited, allowing you to take photos without capturing people descending the stairs. The potted hydrangeas are placed more densely than in previous years, giving an even more lush appearance 💜🩵🩷. During the event, beautifully crafted cut-out goshuin (temple stamps) adorned with hydrangeas are also available for purchase, adding a special touch to your visit. The event runs until July 6th (Sunday), so immerse yourself in the soothing beauty of hydrangeas ❤︎︎** **. ✰ ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ 📍 Hase-dera Temple 🇯🇵 731-1 Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 📲 0744-47-7001 🕰️ OPEN: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM 💰 Admission: Adults 500 yen, Middle/High School Students 500 yen, Elementary School Students 250 yen ※ Tripods, monopods, and stepladders are prohibited throughout the temple grounds. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ✰

Hase-dera Temple, the head temple of the Hase sect, is about a 15-20 minute walk from Kintetsu Osaka Line's Hasedera Station. From the entrance, you ascend a sloping path and a long staircase corridor to reach the main hall. As its nickname "Temple of Flowers" suggests, the cherry blossom season here is truly breathtaking. The peony season is also said to be spectacular, and I would love to visit during that time as well. I have also visited during the autumn foliage and New Year's, and this temple offers a wonderful opportunity to experience nature in every season. To be honest, it’s not the most convenient to reach from Nara city by train, and the access from the station isn’t great either, but it’s absolutely worth the trip. The staircase corridor is quite long, so I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. There are various types of cherry blossoms here, including weeping cherry trees and mountain cherry trees.

Dear travelers, when it comes to the best places in Japan to admire hydrangeas (ajisai), Nara's Hase-dera Temple is a must-visit! As the head temple of Japan's Hase-dera, this historic site exudes an ancient charm. During the blooming season, the temple is adorned with vibrant hydrangeas, creating a unique atmosphere. The colorful blossoms either accentuate the old eaves or flourish along the stone-paved paths, beautifully complementing the temple's red walls and gray tiles to form a picturesque scene. Strolling through the temple grounds, you can experience the solemnity and sanctity of the ancient temple while immersing yourself in the dazzling beauty of the hydrangeas. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll find only the gentle fragrance of flowers and a tranquil ambiance. If you're planning a trip to Nara, make sure to visit Hase-dera Temple to encounter this romantic rendezvous between the ancient temple and hydrangeas, and enjoy an unforgettable flower-viewing experience.

#cityplaybook #localguides #localguides Hasedera Temple, also known as "Hase Kannon," is a peaceful hillside temple in Kamakura, combining spiritual depth with seasonal beauty. Highlights: Kannon-do Hall: Features a 9.18-meter-tall wooden statue of the 11-headed Kannon, one of Japan’s largest Buddhist statues. Benten-kutsu Cave: A spiritual cave with carvings dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music and wisdom. Seasonal Gardens: Nicknamed “Temple of Flowers” for its displays of cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and autumn foliage. Observation Deck: Offers sweeping views over Kamakura city and Sagami Bay. Visitor Info: Hours: Mar–Sep: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM Oct–Feb: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Entry Fee: Adults: ¥400 Children: ¥200 Access: Just 5 minutes from Hase Station on the Enoden Line. Tips: Visit early to enjoy tranquility and avoid crowds. Some indoor areas restrict photography. Onsite café, souvenir shop, and English brochures available. Verdict: A beautiful and serene spot blending nature, culture, and history. Perfect for a reflective stroll or a cultural day trip from Tokyo.

#springitinerary Laid-back spring visit with a cool historical vibe, Ōmiwa Jinja in Nara is a sweet spot to check out. This shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and feels super peaceful, plus, it’s got this giant sacred tree instead of a regular torii gate, which totally sets it apart. Come spring, the cherry blossoms and fresh greenery around the shrine add a gentle pop of color without the crowds, so you can really soak it all in. The whole place has a calm, spiritual energy that’s perfect for wandering, reflecting, or just escaping the usual tourist hustle. And if you want to get a bit more active, nearby Mount Miwa offers an easy hike with some nice views. All in all, Ōmiwa Jinja is a cool mix of history, nature, and chill springtime vibes, definitely worth a visit.

#cherryblossom25 Tour Guide Temple Overview Hase-dera Temple, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, was established in the mid-8th century. It is the head temple of the Shingon Sect’s Hossō School and serves as the 8th stop in the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. The temple is renowned for its national treasure, the main hall, which houses a majestic 9.3-meter-tall statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon. The wooden corridor, built into the mountainside, blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, offering year-round blooms. The temple is particularly famous for its peony season, earning it the affectionate nickname "Temple of Flowers." Notable Features Established: Mid-8th century Sect: Shingon Sect Hossō School Main Attractions: National Treasure: Main Hall with the Eleven-faced Kannon statue Covered Corridor Flower-filled Corridors The peonies bloom in full splendor, creating an atmosphere where "the flowers swirl like clouds, and the quiet temple feels divine." This serene spot, blending history, spirituality, and nature, is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience both cultural and natural beauty. #travel

"Huh? The atmosphere is somehow different..." - this is the impression that everyone who visits Omiwa Shrine for the first time says 🇯🇵✈️🌏 For those of you who are not satisfied with just visiting tourist spots. There is a slightly other-dimensional shrine in Nara that enshrines "the mountain itself" to the god. It is a quiet and deep experience that begins the moment you pass through the torii gate. In this article, we will introduce five reasons why you should visit Omiwa Shrine and some interesting trivia that you will want to tell someone about. If you think it is "just a shrine", you will be pleasantly surprised. 1. The sacred object is the "mountain" itself. That is why there is no main hall. Omiwa Shrine does not have a main hall. This is because the sacred object is Mt. Miwa itself. The existence of the gods is not confined to a building, but is revered in nature itself - such a primitive belief will move your heart. 💡It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and is also called "the origin of shrines". 2. Climbing Mt. Miwa is a special experience of "stepping into a sacred area." Only those who have permission can enter the sacred Mt. Miwa. Photography and private conversations are prohibited during the climb, and the tranquility is such that the mind and body are purified. 💡The climb begins after receiving a white sash at the reception and signing a pledge. It is truly a time to "face God." 3. The fresh air that permeates the grounds. Your five senses are sharpened. The approach surrounded by giant cedar trees, the sound of bells swaying in the wind, the moss-covered cobblestones...all of these things bring your mind back to the "here and now." 💡Ogami Shrine is also known as the "Shrine of Ki" and is known as a power spot. 4. Matchmaking, prosperity in business, prayers for good health...there are many benefits! The main deity, Omononushi no Okami, is the god who governs all things. The wide range of benefits is also reflected in the large number of visitors. 💡 As the god helped Okuninushi-no-Mikoto achieve a "happy marriage," the shrine also has the benefit of matchmaking. 5. As the birthplace of Miwa somen, there are plenty of things to enjoy after worship. The area around Ogami Shrine is the birthplace of the famous "Miwa somen." You can enjoy the gentle taste of the noodles, nurtured by the pure water and climate, locally. 💡 The history of Miwa somen dates back more than 1,200 years. It is said that in ancient times, it was one of the sacred offerings made to the gods. ⸻ It's not flashy. But there is something that lingers in the depths of your heart. Ogami Shrine is more of a place for "encounters" than sightseeing. Please come and experience its silence and presence for yourself. #EnjoyJapan #Nara #DomesticTravel

This is a venerable and magnificent shrine, the Ichinomiya of Yamato Province and the oldest shrine in Japan⛩️ There is a myth that the great god of Miwa appeared in the form of a snake, and this shrine is said to have a deep connection with snakes, so it seems that there are many visitors this year. First of all, you will be surprised by the large and magnificent torii gate‼ The grounds were quiet, so I was able to worship at my own pace✨ [Name] Miwa Myojin Ogami Shrine [Address] 1422 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-8538 [Visit date] April 2025 #0 yen trip #Nara sightseeing

#cherryblossom25 If you're looking for a hidden cherry blossom paradise in Nara, look no further than Hase-dera Temple! This spring destination is nothing short of breathtaking. In early April, as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the temple's red structures and pale pink sakura form a stunning contrast. Every corner feels like a scene from the Heian era — it’s a place where history and nature blend beautifully. And with fewer crowds than Nara Park, it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the beauty of spring. 🌷💫 How to Get There (Lazy Version) 🚉🚶♀️ From Osaka/Kyoto: Take the Kintetsu Osaka Line directly to Hase-dera Station (about 1.5 hours). From the station, follow the signs to the temple (a 20-minute walk). Along the way, you can explore little shops and cozy cafés, making for a relaxing stroll. ☕🛍️ Money-saving TIP: Consider buying the Kintetsu + entry ticket bundle for a more affordable experience. For example, the round-trip ticket from Osaka plus entry costs around 2,500 yen. April Must-Do Activities 🌸 399-Step Cherry Blossom Tunnel (30 minutes) 🚶♀️🌸 The wooden staircase leading up to the temple is covered in cherry blossoms, offering a stunning sakura tunnel. As you ascend, the views of the Nara Basin become increasingly spectacular. If you’re lucky, you might even catch glimpses of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Main Hall Area (1 hour) ⛩️✨ Pay 500 yen for a special entry to see the 11-faced Kannon Statue, standing at 10 meters tall, and glowing with golden brilliance. The shidare-zakura (weeping cherry blossoms) hanging low near the main hall are an ideal photo spot, especially in the morning light. For a quieter moment, the small corridor on the right offers a peaceful retreat and a perfect view of the cherry blossoms paired with lanterns. Peony Garden (40 minutes) 🌸🌺 In the mid to late April, the peonies bloom in full force, accompanied by late-blooming cherry blossoms. With over 100 varieties, the garden transforms into a sea of rich, layered blooms, creating a striking contrast against the ancient temple backdrop. It’s like stepping into a Tang Dynasty-inspired floral masterpiece. Why Visit Hase-dera? Less crowded than Nara Park, but equally stunning, making it a peaceful spring retreat. The combination of cherry blossoms and the ancient temple’s beauty creates a truly romantic atmosphere. The chance to explore the peony garden and see the Heian-era temple in full bloom makes it a photographer’s dream! 📸 #travel

#aprilblooms From politics centred on the powerful family to politics centred on the emperor, the "Revision of Taika" occurred in 645. The shrine began when the remains of the original actor, Fujiwara no Kamatari, were reburied from Settsu (now Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture), and the eldest son Sadayoshi built a wooden thirteen-story pagoda. The name comes from the fact that Kamatari and Prince Nakaoe climbed the mountain peak where the shrine stands and colluded with the reform of Taika. The wooden thirteen-story pagoda is the only remaining precious thing in the world and is also designated as an important cultural property. There are 17 other important cultural properties scattered in the precincts, including the main hall, the worship hall, and the Tohogo. It is said that Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage Site in Tochigi Prefecture, was built based on the beautiful vermilion-painted temple.

#aprilblooms It is the oldest shrine in Japan that enshrines Omononushi no Okami, and Mt. Miwa is the deity. There is no main hall, and the form of worshipping Mt. Miwa through the Mitsutorii in the back of the worship hall conveys the original appearance of the original shrine to the present. Mitsutorii and the worship hall, which was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ietsuna in 1664, are designated as national important cultural properties. Jinho Shrine, which enshrines the gods of the Kumano Sanzan and is believed to be a god who protects treasures and property, the Emperor's Shrine that enshrines Emperor Sujin, the Seigan Inari Shrine, which was enshrined in the Kamakura period as a guardian shrine of Jogan-ji Temple, and when visiting Ogami Shrine, visit here first. Various gods are enshrined in the large precincts, such as the Hodo Shrine, which enshrines the four gods of the exorcism and purify the body and mind.