Yamabe Ancient Path Pilgrimage

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.

A sacred mountain standing at 1,125 meters in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture. Opened in the 7th century by Enno Gyoja, it is a crucial site for Shugendo ascetic practice. In spring, approximately 30,000 cherry trees blanket the entire mountain, and it has long been venerated by nobility and samurai. It remains a pilgrimage destination where ascetics visit, harmonizing faith and nature.

Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is an ancient Shugendo (mountain asceticism) sacred site celebrated for spring cherry blossoms. The sight of thirty thousand blooming trees is called 'Ichimoku Senbon' (thousand trees at a glance), establishing it as a pilgrimage destination since medieval times. Unique culture blending nature worship with Buddhist faith has developed.

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.

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.

Pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine became a massive popular phenomenon in the Edo period with the saying 'once in a lifetime, visit Ise.' Including the Okagehyokocho street food culture and famous Akafuku mochi, it remains a spiritual travel touchstone for Japanese people today.