【Osaka-Nara 2Day Model Course】Travel and save with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS! Journey through the Four Seasons of Japan: 2 Days in Nara

Travels kick off at Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station. Board the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line Limited Express and enjoy a scenic 1 hour and 20-minute train ride to the final stop, Yoshino Station. From there, take the ropeway up to Yoshinoyama, immersing yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty along the way.

Take a 3-minute slip up the skies on the oldest ropeway in Japan, the Yoshino-yama Ropeway, which opened in the early Showa period, to reach Yoshinoyama, a coveted stop and World Heritage site.

Yoshinoyama, located in the central part of Nara Prefecture, remains a sought-after hub for cherry blossoms since ancient times. About 30,000 cherry trees of approximately 200 species blossom in succession from the lower, middle, upper, and inner parts of the mountain, creating an overwhelming beauty like none other! In addition to cherry blossoms, you can also enjoy beautiful landscapes of hydrangeas, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and more, making it this premier spot to appreciate the changing seasons.

After enjoying the scenic walk around Yoshinoyama, head to Kakinoha-sushi Daiyo for lunch. This popular place is known for its local delicacy, Kakinoha-sushi.

In the months between June and September, they use fresh persimmon leaves from Yoshino (salted leaves from other regions are used in other seasons) to carefully wrap each piece of pressed sushi made with mackerel or salmon. When the cherry blossoms are in season, you can enjoy their sushi inside the shop. On days with good weather, it's recommended to enjoy your Kakinoha-sushi outdoors, packed in a Yoshino cedar box.

Next on the itinerary is a visit to Kinpusenji Temple, found just a 6-minute walk from "Kakinoha-sushi Daiyo".

The symbol of Yoshinoyama and the head temple of Shugendo, Kinpusenji Temple, is home to the Main Hall Zaodo and Niomon Gate, both designated as National Treasures. Additionally, the temple is recognized as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
The Main Hall, Zaodo, rebuilt in 1592, boasts a height of approximately 34 meters and each of the four sides of the platform measures 36 meters, making it the second-largest wooden structure after Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha Hall in Nara. The temple's principal deities, three statues of Kongo Zao Gongen, can be viewed during special public viewings. Note: the Niomon Gate is undergoing restoration and will be disassembled until 2028.

Cap off your Yoshinoyama stroll with a stop at Kuzuya Nakai Shunpudo, located just a three-minute walk from Kinpusenji Temple. At the storefront, you can watch the owner skillfully prepare kuzukiri and kuzumochi, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind these age-old treats.

Two must-try specialties here are "Yoshino Hon-Kuzumochi" and "Yoshino Hon-Kuzukiri," both made using the finest Yoshino hon-kuzu (premium kudzu starch). Each dish is prepared to order, allowing guests to enjoy it freshly made—a rare and delightful experience.
One unique aspect of this delicacy is its exceptionally short shelf life—just 10 minutes! This ensures you savor the crystal-clear transparency, silky smooth texture, and delicate taste at its very best.
In addition to enjoying these specialties on-site, the store also offers Yoshino kuzuyu (kudzu starch soup) and Yoshino kuzumanju (kudzu-filled steamed buns)—perfect for taking home as souvenirs!

After leaving Yoshinoyama, it's time to head to Dorogawa Onsen for an overnight stay. Take the ropeway back to Yoshino Station, board the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to Shimoichiguchi Station, then transfer to a Nara Kotsu Bus for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, arriving at Dorogawa Onsen Bus Stop—welcome to Dorogawa Onsen.

Located at the entrance of Mount Sanjogatake, a sacred site for Shugendo, Dorogawa Onsen is a retro hot spring town with around 20 ryokan and guesthouses. The lodging for this trip, Yado Hanaya Tokubei, was founded in the Muromachi period and boasts a history of about 500 years, making it the oldest ryokan in Dorogawa Onsen.

The striking traditional architecture, built with locally sourced Yoshino timber, resembles a setting from a classic Japanese film or period drama. From the purely Japanese-style guest rooms, you can take in the nostalgic streetscape of the onsen town. Guests can relax in the semi-open-air bath while enjoying the garden views, or opt for a private bath to fully immerse themselves in the therapeutic waters of Dorogawa Onsen. Additionally, the seasonal local cuisine served here is highly praised.

On the second day, depart from the inn at 9:00 AM and take a 20-minute walk to Menfudo Limestone Cave. Nestled in the Dorogawa area, often referred to as a heavenly hidden gem, this limestone cave is located at an altitude of 878 meters. To reach the entrance, hop on a monorail called "Dorokko", which adds to the adventure.

Discovered in 1933, it took five years to excavate this remarkable cave, which is now designated as a Natural Monument of Nara Prefecture. Spanning a total length of 280 meters, the cave is filled with stalactites and other natural formations, sculpted by time over countless years, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The space inside is illuminated into a dreamlike walk that feels like a voyage through untold wonders.

After exploring the Menfudo Limestone Cave, the next destination is Tanzan Jinja, located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. From Dorogawa Onsen Bus Stop, take a bus to Shimoichiguchi Station, then ride the Yoshino Line to Kashiharajingu-mae Station. Transfer to the Kashihara Line Express and head to Yamato-Yagi Station, where you’ll switch to the Osaka Line Express to Sakurai Station. From Sakurai Station, take the Nara Kotsu Bus to Tanzan Jinja Bus Stop, followed by a 3-minute walk to the shrine.

Tanzan Jinja was founded in 678 and enshrines Fujiwara no Kamatari, a key figure in the Taika Reforms. The shrine grounds house 17 Important Cultural Properties, but its most renowned feature is the wooden thirteen-story pagoda, the only one of its kind in the world. The shrine is also famous for its seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring and brilliant autumn foliage attracting visitors.
Additionally, Tanzan Jinja is known as a sacred site for matchmaking. The shrine grounds feature Koigami Shrine, dedicated to love, a "Path of Love" (Koi no Michi), and the Musubi no Iwaza—a sacred rock that is said to bring good fortune in love when touched.

The final stop of this journey is Kashihara Jingu, dedicated to Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu. From Tanzan Jinja, take a bus back to Sakurai Station, then ride the Osaka Line Express to Yamato-Yagi Station. Transfer to the Kashihara Line, get off at Kashiharajingu-mae Station, and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the shrine, nestled at the southeastern base of Mount Unebi.

The shrine’s expansive sacred grounds span approximately 530,000 square meters, with the main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property, having been relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace’s Naishidokoro (Sacred Inner Chamber). Visitors can also stroll along the 49,500-square-meter Fukada Pond, which offers scenic views of Mount Unebi and is perfect for a relaxing walk through lush greenery.
Additionally, the shrine features unique charms and omikuji (fortune slips) inspired by Yatagarasu, a mythical three-legged crow, and Kinshi, a golden sacred bird associated with Emperor Jimmu. These meaningful souvenirs make for a wonderful keepsake after your visit.