Visit Hibara Shrine, a small and atmospheric shrine nestled among the countryside along Yamanobe no Michi. Considered one of Japan’s oldest sacred sites, Hibara Shrine is closely connected to ancient sun worship and traditions surrounding Amaterasu, the sun goddess of Japanese mythology. Explore the peaceful shrine grounds and see its distinctive triple torii gate, which faces towards Mount Miwa. Your guide will explain the shrine’s connection to the origins of Shinto and the ancient relationship between sacred mountains, nature, and Japanese religious traditions. Surrounded by trees and farmland, Hibara offers a quiet and deeply atmospheric contrast to Japan’s larger and more elaborate shrines.

Walk along Yamanobe no Michi, widely regarded as Japan’s oldest named road, following ancient paths through the peaceful countryside of Nara. The trail winds through rice fields, persimmon orchards, forests, traditional villages, and quiet country lanes, offering a glimpse of rural Japan far from the crowds. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the people, legends, and traditions connected to this ancient route. You’ll pass enormous kofun burial mounds, small roadside shrines, local farms, and seasonal fruit stands while enjoying views of Mount Miwa and the surrounding Nara Basin. This is a relaxed but active countryside walk that brings Japan’s earliest history to life through the landscapes themselves.

Walk alongside several enormous kofun, the monumental burial mounds built for powerful rulers and members of Japan’s ancient elite. Along the Yamanobe no Michi, you’ll encounter some of the most impressive examples in the Nara Basin, including Hashihaka Kofun and the tombs traditionally identified as those of Emperor Sujin and Emperor Keiko. Your guide will explain how these massive keyhole-shaped tombs were constructed, what they reveal about the emergence of Japan’s early political power, and the mysteries surrounding the people buried within them. Hashihaka Kofun is especially intriguing, as local tradition associates it with the legendary Queen Himiko. Surrounded by farmland and trees, these ancient monuments offer a remarkable glimpse into Japan more than 1,500 years ago.

Visit Chōgakuji Temple, a beautiful and peaceful Buddhist temple nestled in the foothills along Yamanobe no Michi. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, the temple is surrounded by gardens, forests, and seasonal flowers, creating a tranquil setting away from the crowds of Nara’s better-known attractions. Explore the historic grounds and enjoy the temple’s traditional architecture and natural scenery while your guide introduces its history and connection to the local area. Depending on the season, you may see colourful hydrangeas, vibrant autumn foliage, or other seasonal flowers throughout the temple grounds. Chōgakuji offers a peaceful change of pace during the walk and is one of the scenic highlights of the Yamanobe no Michi.

Conclude your journey at Isonokami Jingu, one of Japan’s oldest and most historically significant Shinto shrines. Explore the peaceful forested grounds, where ancient traditions and connections to Japan’s early imperial court remain deeply rooted. The shrine is particularly famous for its association with sacred swords, including the legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures. Your guide will explain the shrine’s role in ancient Japanese history, its importance to the Mononobe clan, and the traditions that have continued here for centuries. Keep an eye out for the shrine’s free-roaming chickens, which are considered sacred and have become one of its most distinctive features. After following Yamanobe no Michi through Japan’s ancient countryside, Isonokami provides a fitting and atmospheric conclusion to the journey.

Pass through the city of Tenri and see the headquarters of Tenrikyo, a modern Japanese religion founded in the 19th century. The enormous complex of traditional-style buildings offers a striking contrast to the ancient shrines, temples, and rural landscapes encountered earlier in the journey. Your guide will introduce the basic history and beliefs of Tenrikyo while explaining the religion’s unique connection to the city, which has developed around its headquarters. The scale and distinctive architecture of the complex provide an unexpected glimpse into another side of Japanese religious culture and modern history.