Itinerary
A Solo Trip for Spiritual Renewal
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: Stroll through history
- Yamanobe-no-Michi
- Part 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. History & Culture Tenri
- Around 15 minutes by train from JR Nara Station to Nagara Station.
- Chogakuji Temple
- The 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 Tenri
- Around 35 minutes on foot from Nagara Station.
- Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine
- The 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
- Around 55 minutes on foot from Chogakuji Temple
- Nipponia Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu
- Nara'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
- Around 15 minutes by taxi from Sakurai Station, 10 minutes by taxi from Tawaramoto Station, or 1 hour on foot from Ohmiwa-jinja Shrine.
- Day 2: Visit charming temple towns
- Hasedera Temple
- Hasedera, 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 Hase
- Around 6 minutes by train from Sakurai Station to Hase Station, and a 20-minute walk.
- Kanko Ryokan Yamatoya
- Kanko 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
- Around 5 minutes on foot from Hasedera Temple.
- Minshuku Muro
- The 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
- Around 25 minutes by bus from Muroguchiono Station, or 12 minutes by taxi.
- Day 3: Exploring spiritual and artistic power spots
- Murouji Temple
- Murouji 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 Temple
- Around 12 minutes on foot from Minshuku Murouji or 22 minutes by bus from Muroguchiono Station.
- Murou Art Forest
- Murou 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
- Around 20 minutes on foot from Murouji Temple.
