Yamabe Michi Ancient Trail Pilgrimage and Omonushi Worship

Japan's oldest imperial road running north-south through the Nara Basin in northern Nara Prefecture. Documented in the Nihon Shoki, it has been walked by pilgrims since mythological times. Ancient sites like the Yamato-Asakura Burial Complex, Omiwajinja, and Chouzenji dot the route. Spanning approximately 20 kilometers, pilgrims experience over 1,500 years of Japanese faith and culture from burial mound to Heian period.

An ancient path stretching from Nara City to Sakurai City in northern Nara Prefecture, known as Japan's oldest pilgrimage route. Dotted with numerous tumuli and ancient shrines and temples, it preserves ancient Japanese religious landscapes intact. The approximately 16-kilometer pilgrimage route allows experience of indigenous Japanese faith blending Shinto and Buddhism. Seasonal landscape changes enhance the pilgrimage appeal.

Ancient pilgrimage route approximately 16km long from Omiva Shrine to Hinokara Shrine in northern Nara Prefecture. Considered one of Japan's oldest pilgrimage paths, walked by believers since antiquity. Dotted with historic shrines and temples along the route. Offers a harmonious blend of nature and historical pilgrimage experience. Today still visited by pilgrims and hikers seeking the spirit of ancient Japanese faith.

Ancient pilgrimage tradition to Yoshino Mountain in southern Nara Prefecture. While famous for cherry blossoms, it served as a crucial center for Shugendo mountain asceticism since antiquity. Centered around Kinpu Shrine and Kinpusen-ji Temple. Pilgrims visit during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn foliage in fall. Represents Japan's mountain worship tradition as a key training site for ascetic monks.

Ascetic training ground in the Omine Mountains of southern Nara Prefecture. A series of peaks over 1000m elevation where monks of Kinpusen-ji Temple undergo rigorous spiritual training. Historically a sacred site forbidden to women. The strict ascetic training tradition is preserved to this day. Symbolizes the depth of Japan's religious practice as the center of Shugendo culture.

A pilgrimage tradition merging spring cherry blossoms with sacred mountain worship at Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. Long known as a training ground for ascetics, approximately 30,000 cherry trees—including ancient specimens over 1,000 years old—create a unique fusion of nature and spirituality. The mountain's transformation into a sea of pink blossoms offers pilgrims an extraordinary spiritual experience.