Sakurai City

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Sakurai City, located in the southeastern Nara Basin, is a treasure trove of history known as the "Hometown of Manyo," where Japan's nation-building began. Dotted with ancient history, it features Omiwa Shrine (one of Japan's oldest), Hase-dera Temple colored with beautiful flowers, and many massive ancient burial mounds (kofun), letting you feel the breath of ancient Japan everywhere. It's also famous as the birthplace of Miwa Somen, with traditional food culture being a major attraction. While being a major tourist destination, it retains a calm atmosphere with peaceful rural landscapes, highly rated by intellectually curious travelers wishing to leisurely learn about Japan's myths and early history.

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Beautiful rice terraces in Sakuraicity Sakurai City Tourism Association

Sakurai City Tourism Association

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Nara Visitors Bureau

Sakurai City

Address: Sakurai Chamber of Commerce 2F, 260-2 Kawai, Sakurai-shi, Nara
Website: https://sakuraikanko.com/
Operator: Sakurai City Tourism Association

Sakurai City Spots List

Omiwa Shrine
Abe Monju-in Temple
Tanzan Shrine
Hashihaka Burial Mound
Kasayama Kojin Shrine
Otowayama Kannon-ji Temple
Rokkayen
Mahoroba Lake
Shorin-ji Temple
Ishii-dera Temple
Fudo Enmei Waterfall
Hase-dera Temple

Nara

Omiwa Shrine

Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai City is one of Japan's oldest shrines, preserving an ancient form of faith where the mountain itself, "Mt. Miwa," is worshipped as the deity instead of having a main hall. Entering Mt. Miwa means stepping into a divine realm; its deep forest and crystal-clear air provide visitors with sacred power. The magnificent cedar trees lining the approach and the massive Torii gate are overwhelming in scale. Known as the birthplace of somen noodles, tasting the famous "Miwa Somen" after worship is also a delight. It is a supreme sanctuary for travelers wishing to touch Japan's primal...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Abe Monju-in Temple

Abe Monju-in Temple in Sakurai City is one of Japan's three major Monju temples, enshrining Monju Bosatsu, the deity of wisdom. The National Treasure "Monju Goshonzō" is a masterpiece by Kaikei; the dignified yet merciful appearance of Monju Bosatsu riding a lion represents the pinnacle of Japanese Buddhist sculpture. The temple also features the Kinkaku Ukimido (Golden Floating Pavilion), where visitors can experience "Hōyoke" spiritual training to ward off misfortunes. With seasonal attractions like a cosmos maze in autumn, it is popular not only with students and professionals seeking wisdom but also with travelers wanting to view high-value Buddhist art...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Tanzan Shrine

"Tanzan Shrine" in Tōnumine, Sakurai City, is a historic shrine known as the place where the consultation for the Taika Reform was held. The world's only "wooden thirteen-storied pagoda" has an elegant silhouette that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding deep greenery and autumn foliage, showcasing the essence of Japanese wooden architecture. In autumn, about 3,000 maple trees dye the entire mountain bright red, offering a view praised as the "Nikko of Kansai." The gorgeous vermilion shrine buildings and the silent forest air convey both the weight of a turning point in Japanese history and the beauty of changing seasons in...

Nara
Sightseeing
Spring
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Nara

Hashihaka Burial Mound

"Hashihaka Burial Mound" in Sakurai City is a massive keyhole-shaped tomb with a total length of about 280 meters, boasting the oldest and largest scale among appearance-period tumuli. Decorated by legends from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, some theories suggest it may be the tomb of "Queen Himiko of Yamataikoku," making it a mysterious spot hiding secrets of Japan's national formation. Currently managed by the Imperial Household Agency, entry is prohibited, but the view of its massive hill-like form across the surrounding ponds reveals the culmination of ancient Japanese power and technology. For travelers interested in historical mysteries and archaeology,...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Kasayama Kojin Shrine

"Kasayama Kōjin Shrine," located near the summit of Mt. Kasayama in Sakurai City, is counted as one of Japan's three major Kojin shrines and has long been worshipped as the deity of fire and the hearth (kitchen). Situated at a high altitude, the precincts offer a wonderful panoramic view of the Yamato Basin. This region is also famous for "Buckwheat" cultivation, and the freshly made soba noodles tasted near the approach are renowned as exquisite. It is attractive for simultaneously enjoying the sacred air of quiet mountains and simple satoyama blessings. Though off the main tourist routes, it is a...

Nara
Sightseeing
Spring
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Winter

Nara

Otowayama Kannon-ji Temple

"Otwayama Kannon-ji Temple" on the slopes of Mt. Otowa in Sakurai City is a quiet convent known as a sacred site for healing eye diseases. It requires about a 30-minute steep walk from the foot, but warm hospitality and beautiful seasonal gardens await at the top. Recently, it became world-famous through a TV program introducing the diligent lives of the nuns; many travelers loving meticulous Japanese handiwork and spirituality visit for shojin (Buddhist) cuisine and preserved foods. It should be a soul-cleansing special place for those wanting to reflect on themselves and spend quiet prayer time while looking at spectacular...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Rokkayen

"Rokkayen," located near Nara Park, is a hidden gem where you can enjoy Nara's unique "food" and "hospitality" alongside a beautiful Japanese garden. Spending time tasting kaiseki cuisine using abundant local ingredients or traditional Japanese sweets while gazing at the meticulously maintained garden is a truly blissful moment. Although iconic historical structures of Nara are dotted nearby, once you step inside, a silence that lets you forget the urban bustle spreads out. For travelers wanting to enjoy traditional Japanese spatial beauty and gastronomy simultaneously, it's a sophisticated place that makes a trip to Nara deeper and more luxurious.

Nara
Sightseeing
Spring

Nara

Mahoroba Lake

"Mahoroba Lake," formed by the Otaki Dam in Sakurai City, is a spot featuring dynamic scenery woven by steep surrounding mountains and blue lake waters. Parks and walking trails are developed around the lake, allowing for leisurely nature strolls while enjoying seasonal changes in the mountains. Especially, the beauty of fresh greenery or autumn leaves reflected on the lake surface is exceptional, making it a popular spot for photography. An annexed museum where you can learn about dam structures also allows you to feel the coexistence of Japanese water management technology and the natural environment. It is an ideal place...

Nara
Nature
Spring
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Nara

Shorin-ji Temple

"Shōrin-ji Temple," standing on high ground in Sakurai City, is a historic temple established in the Nara period, enshrining the National Treasure "Eleven-headed Kannon Bosatsu Standing Statue," one of Japan's most beautiful Buddhist statues. Its form, once highly praised by Ernest Fenollosa, possesses exquisite features and graceful limbs, deeply healing the hearts of beholders. The view from the precincts overlooking the Yamato Basin is also superb, allowing for a quiet gaze at scenery symbolizing the dawn of Japan, such as Mt. Miwa and Hashihaka Burial Mound. It is a renowned temple highly recommended for sensitive travelers wishing to thoroughly savor...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Ishii-dera Temple

"Ishii-dera Temple" in the Ossaka district of Sakurai City is a small temple housing the Important Cultural Property "Stone Bas-relief of Yakushi Triad," said to be Japan's oldest stone Buddha. Crafted in the late 7th century, this triad is carved in relief onto a massive sandstone block, and its smile possesses a gentle beauty evoking the "Asuka Smile." The delicate carving marks remaining after many years tell of the deep prayers and high technology of people at that time. Located in a quiet residential area away from the main tourist centers, it is a precious place giving unforgettable emotion to...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Fudo Enmei Waterfall

"Fudo Enmei Waterfall" in the Yainai district of Uda City is a waterfall with a mystical atmosphere where pure water slides down rock surfaces surrounded by deep greenery. As its name suggests, Fudo Myoo is enshrined here, and it has long been cherished as a place of faith for wishing for longevity and health. The surrounding nature is beautiful in all seasons, with the cool summer and the autumn foliage coloring the falls being particularly spectacular. It's a hidden gem not often listed in tourist guides, but the crystal-clear air and the sound of water heal daily fatigue and recharge...

Nara
Nature
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Nara

Hase-dera Temple

"Hase-dera Temple" in Sakurai City is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, long cherished as the "Temple of Flowers." Climbing the magnificent "Nobori-ro" (covered corridor) that seems to cling to the mountain reveals the National Treasure main hall. From the hall's stage, you can see seasonal views, with the beauty of peonies and cherries in spring, autumn foliage, and winter peonies being breathtaking. The massive principal image, "Eleven-headed Kannon Bosatsu Statue," stands over 10 meters tall, its divine appearance deeply moving visitors. Enveloped in traditional Japanese architectural beauty and vibrant natural colors, it is a sanctuary...

Nara
Sightseeing
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