Nara is ideal for a solo trip, with safe walking trails, serene temples and shrines, and ancient forests that refresh your senses. Stay in peaceful lodgings with warm, simple hospitality, and eat delicious, nourishing local dishes.
Day 1
JR Nara Station
BY TRAIN
Around 15 minutes by train from JR Nara Station to Nagara Station.
Yamanobe-no-MichiPart of Japan’s oldest road, the Yamanobe-no-Michi leads through historic and rural areas dotted with shrines, temples, and fruit orchards. The trail from Tenri to Sakurai takes about four hours, following the Sakurai train line. Try a short section starting from Nagara Station to Chogakuji Temple. A signboard at the station shows the walking route.
BY FOOT
Around 35 minutes on foot from Nagara Station.
Chogakuji TempleThe elegant Chogakuji Temple has renowned traditional gardens, and is said to have been founded around 824 by renowned monk Kobo Daishi. Every season brings vibrant color to the gardens, from azaleas and irises in late spring to golden leaves in autumn. History & Culture TenriBY FOOT
Around 55 minutes on foot from Chogakuji Temple.
Ohmiwa-jinja ShrineThe ancient Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine is surrounded by cedar trees, creating a calm atmosphere. On the grounds is Saijinja Shrine, where you can drink natural spring water. Just near the shrine, Somen Morisho serves local somen noodles in a rustic dining space, ideal for lunch. History & Culture Miwa
BY TAXI
Around 15 minutes by taxi from Sakurai Station, 10 minutes by taxi from Tawaramoto Station, or 1 hour on foot from Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine.
Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto ShoyuNara's oldest soy sauce brewery has been reborn as NIPPONIA Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu, a stylish accommodation that connects guests with Nara’s heritage. Experience soy sauce production, dine on Michelin-starred cuisine and stay in the former residence and storehouses, which have been converted into seven spacious rooms. Hotels Yamanobe-no-Michi End of Day 1
Day 2
Sakurai StationBY TRAIN
Around 6 minutes by train from Sakurai Station to Hase Station, and a 20-minute walk.
Hasedera TempleHasedera, founded in AD 686, is often called the temple of flowers for its lavish displays of peonies in May, hydrangeas in June and vivid autumn leaves in November. The temple is perched near the top of a mountain, reached by a covered stairway lined with stone lanterns and flowers. History & Culture HaseBY FOOT
Around 5 minutes on foot from Hasedera Temple.
Kanko Ryokan YamatoyaKanko Ryokan Yamatoya is a simple family ryokan near Hasedera Temple that is open for lunch to non-guests. Enjoy simple seasonal lunch sets, from ayu (sweetfish) in summer, to hearty bowls of duck soup in autumn and winter. Ryokan Hase
BY BUS
Around 25 minutes by bus from Muroguchiono Station, or 12 minutes by taxi.
Minshuku MuroThe beautiful rural landscape around Murouji Temple is frequently blanketed in mist, and guaranteed to make you feel relaxed. Stay at Minshuku Muro, with just four rooms, to enjoy local hospitality and views of mountains and fields. Eat dinner around a traditional hearth and relax in a private outdoor bath, then drift into blissful sleep. Guesthouses & Hostels Murouji Temple End of Day 2
Day 3
Minshuku MuroBY FOOT
Around 12 minutes on foot from Minshuku Murou or 22 minutes by bus from Muroguchiono Station.
Murouji TempleMurouji Temple was built in the 9th century and was one of the few temples that welcomed women at the time. Many visitors come to see the five-story pagoda, framed by azaleas and rhododendrons in late spring, and vivid autumn leaves in November. Hashimotoya Dining near the temple entrance is a good option for lunch of simple country dishes. History & Culture Murouji TempleBY FOOT
Around 20 minutes on foot from Murouji Temple.
Murou Art ForestMurou Art Forest is a sculpture park completed by Israeli artist Dani Karavan in 2006. The giant, site-specific installations are designed to harmonize with the landscape and the expansive park is perfect for picnics and is a must-see for anyone with an interest in art or spectacular spaces. History & Culture Murouji Temple End of Day 3
