Nara Prefecture

Viewpoints and Nature Escapes

Explore Nara’s diverse landscape, from the central Nara Park and Sarusawa Pond near Kofukuji Temple to the rugged peaks of the Omine Mountains. This collection features Mt. Hakkyogadake, the highest peak in the Kansai region, alongside the scenic Doro-kyo and Kitayama-kyo gorges. Notable natural landmarks include the emerald waters of Mitarai Valley, the historic Momoo-no-taki waterfall, and the unique goldfish tank installation in Yamatokoriyama. The list spans urban parklands, ancient mountain passes, and remote river canyons across the prefecture.

Viewpoints and Nature Escapes — Map

Muramasa / CC BY-SA 2.1 jp

A

Sarusawa Pond

The setting of this tranquil lake offers a scenic view of the pagoda of Kofukuji Temple.

x768 / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Nara Park

Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa.

名古屋太郎 / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Mt. Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa, also known as Mount Mikasa, is a 342-metre-high hill located to the east of Nara Park in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture,…

D

桃尾の滝

A 7-meter high waterfall in Tenri that historically served as a site for ascetic training by Shugendo practitioners.

Mass Ave 975 / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Mt. Hakkyogadake

Mount Hakkyō is a 1,914.6 m mountain of Omine Mountains, which is located on the border of Tenkawa and Kamikitayama, Yoshino District,…

helohelon / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Mt. Shakagadake

Mount Shaka is a mountain in the Ōmine Mountains in Japan. It marks part of the border between Totsukawa and Shimokitayama in Yoshino…

Kansai explorer / CC BY 3.0

G

Mt. Ikoma

Mount Ikoma is a mountain on the border of Nara Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture in Japan.

KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Mt. Shigisan

Mount Shigi is a mountain located in Ikoma District, Nara, Japan.

TageSP / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Mount Chausu

A 535-meter peak situated on the border between Nara and Mie Prefectures.

Kansai explorer / CC BY 3.0

J

Mt. Takayasu

A 487-meter mountain on the Osaka-Nara border, once the site of the 7th-century Takayasu Castle.

8-hachiro / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Tochihara dake

A 531-meter mountain located in the Shimoichi area of the Yoshino District.

L

瀞峡 (Doro-kyo Gorge)

A deep canyon on the Kitayama River within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, characterized by cobalt blue waters and steep rock formations.

M

北山峡 (Kitayama-Kyo Gorge)

A scenic river gorge in southern Nara, forming part of the protected Yoshino-Kumano National Park landscape.

N

不動山の巨石

A massive natural rock formation located on Mount Fudo with local religious significance.

O

湖畔の里つきがせ

A roadside rest area and viewpoint overlooking the Nabari River and the famous Tsukigase plum groves.

P

金魚自販機

A famous local landmark in Yamatokoriyama featuring a repurposed phone booth converted into a goldfish aquarium.

Q

御手洗渓谷

A mountain valley in Tenkawa known for its clear emerald-green water, suspension bridges, and hiking trails along the river.

R

賀名生の里民俗資料館

A museum documenting the history of the Anou area, which served as a temporary capital for the Southern Court in the 14th century.

S

かくし平登山口

A mountain trailhead providing access to the hiking routes of the Odaigahara region.

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