Sightseeing

Nara Nature Discovery Plan

When people think of Nara Prefecture,
they often imagine Nara Park, known for its freely roaming wild deer
and the famous Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple located within the park grounds.
While just exploring Nara Park alone
can take an entire day, Nara has much more to offer beyond this iconic area.
In this plan, we’ll guide you through the hidden gems of Nara beyond Nara Park,
offering a journey full of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

• 10：00

  Departure (approx. 1.5 hours)

  We begin our journey from Osaka, heading to one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom spots.

• 11：30

  Mt. Yoshino (approx. 2 hours)

  Mt. Yoshino is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It is also renowned as one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom destinations. The mountain is divided into four areas based on elevation: Shimo Senbon (lower), Naka Senbon (middle), Kami Senbon (upper), and Oku Senbon (inner), which you can walk through in order. Cherry trees fill each area, giving rise to the phrase “Hitome Senbonzakura,” meaning “a thousand cherry trees at a glance.” In fact, with nearly 30,000 cherry trees, the number far exceeds a thousand—creating an overwhelming sea of blossoms in spring.
  Mt. Yoshino’s beauty isn’t limited to spring; in summer, hydrangeas bloom, the mountain blazes with red foliage in autumn, and in winter, the snow-covered trees create a breathtaking silver world. In the Naka Senbon area, you'll find Yoshimizu Shrine and Kinpusen-ji Temple Zao-do Hall. In Kami Senbon lies Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, and in Oku Senbon, you'll discover Kinpu Shrine—each a designated World Heritage Site.
  Yoshimizu Shrine has historical significance as a hiding place for Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Benkei during the Nanboku-chō period, and it is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi used it as a base during his cherry blossom viewing. It enshrines Emperor Go-Daigo and Kusunoki Masashige and houses many treasures from the Southern Court era.
  Kinpusen-ji Temple’s Zao-do Hall is a National Treasure, along with its Niomon Gate and Nio Guardian Statues. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, known for its elegant Momoyama-style architecture, is an Important Cultural Property. It’s also known as a “child-granting” shrine, as Toyotomi Hideyoshi reportedly visited to pray for a child and later had Hideyori. At Kinpu Shrine in Oku Senbon, the deity Kanayama-hiko-no-kami is enshrined. This shrine is also known for a story where Yoshitsune allegedly kicked through the roof to escape—hence it’s nicknamed “the Kicked-through Hall.”
  In all areas except Oku Senbon, you’ll also find charming cafes and restaurants serving local specialties like persimmon leaf sushi, making them perfect spots for lunch.

  

• 13：30

  Transfer (approx. 1 hour)

  After soaking in the harmony of nature and heritage at Mt. Yoshino, we move on to one of Nara’s top hot spring towns.

• 14：30

  Dorogawa Onsen (approx. 3 hours)

  Nestled in the highlands near Mt. Ōmine—a sacred mountain once closed to women—Dorogawa Onsen in Tenkawa Village is a popular summer retreat thanks to its cooler temperatures. Together with Amanogawa Onsen and Mizuha-no-Yu, it forms the “Three Hot Springs Tour,” where you can experience peace and natural healing away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  The waters of Dorogawa Onsen are mildly alkaline, gentle on the skin, and known for their comfort. In addition to hot springs, the surrounding area offers several attractions.

  

• Dorogawa Onsen Town

  This area flourished alongside the rise of Shugendo mountain worship and features nostalgic streets lined with traditional inns, souvenir shops, and eateries evoking the Showa era. You can also find “Daranisuke,” a local herbal medicine known for aiding digestion—it’s still widely trusted today. The retro charm of the town, perfect for strolling in a yukata, makes it a place you’ll never want to leave.

  

• Menfudo Limestone Cave

  Dorogawa is part of a limestone region shaped by water erosion into a karst landscape. Menfudo Cave, while only 280 meters long, is a fun and safe cave exploration spot for families and children, as it is well maintained for tourism.

  

• Karigane Suspension Bridge

  At 120 meters long and 50 meters high, this is the longest suspension bridge in Tenkawa Village. You can enjoy a thrilling walk with panoramic views of the village from above.

  

• Gorogoro Water

  One of Japan’s top 100 natural waters, this spring is naturally cool due to the high elevation. Rich in calcium carbonate, it is so pure that you can drink it straight from the source.

  

• Mizuha-no-Yu

  This outdoor herbal bath features medicinal herbs such as Angelica root, offering deep warmth. A herbal sauna on-site provides the ultimate relaxation for both body and mind.

• Amanogawa Onsen

  Built entirely from natural wood—including local Yoshino cedar, cypress, pine, and maple—this onsen gives the illusion of bathing in a forest. The bathhouse uses Koya-maki (Japanese umbrella pine), and the silky waters are known for enhancing beauty, making it popular among women.

• Mitaraidani Gorge

  This emerald-green gorge has pristine waters so clear you can see the bottom. A walking trail (about 150 minutes round trip) allows you to enjoy waterfalls, seasonal views, and the full beauty of untouched nature.

  

• 17：30

  Since visiting all of Dorogawa’s attractions may take more time than expected, our recommended course focuses on the Three Hot Springs Tour and a walk through the onsen town. There are several inns in the area, so if you’d like to explore further, we highly recommend an overnight stay. If you plan to return the same day, we are happy to arrange transportation based on your needs—please feel free to let us know.