The greatest treasure house of Buddhist culture
Founded by Shotoku Taishi, Horyuji Temple is the oldest wooden construction in the world. In the spacious precinct, there are a lot of buildings using the most skilled techniques from each era since the Asuka Period. Nearby is Hokiji Temple, which is also a world heritage.
(Photograph: Taikichi Irie)

●Open/ 8:00-17:00 (8:00-16:30 in winter)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ Adults ￥1,000 (Saiin Garan, Daihozoin and Toin Garan are available)　●Tel/ 0745-75-2555

◆Access/ A short walk from Horyujimon-mae bus stop by Nara Kotsu Bus from JR Horyuji Stn.

Japan's top cherry blossom-viewing spot
Mt. Yoshino is famous as the best place to appreciate cherry blossoms. This is the north starting point of Omineokugake-michi (pilgrimage route), and it was registered as World Heritage in 2004 along with other cultural assets such as Zaodo in Kinpusenji temple and Yoshimizu Shrine.

●Tel/ 0746-32-3081 (Yoshino Town Planning and Tourism Divn.)

◆Access/ A short walk from Ropeway Yoshinoyama Stn. from Kintetsu Yoshino Stn.

The head temple of Tendai sect with beautiful views
This is the head temple of the Tendai Sect in the vast sacred area on Mt. Hiei. It started as a hermitage founded by Saicho on Mt. Hiei in the end of Nara Period. The precinct in the towering giant cedars has a dignified atmosphere as a monastery. On top of the mountain, there is the Todo area where Konponchudo is centered, Saito area that Shakado is centered and Yokawa area that was opened by Priest Ennin.

●Open/ 8:30-16:30 (-16:00 Saito & Yokawa)　●Close/ Open all-year round　●Fare/ Adults ￥550 　
●Tel/ 077-578-0001

◆Access/ A short walk from Sakamoto Cable Car Enryakuji Stn. from Keihan Sakamoto Stn. or JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Stn.

A holy site with 1,200 years of history
The top of this 900 m mountain is the birthplace of Shingon esoteric Buddhism. It has flourished as a sacred place for 1,200 years. There are quite a few temples such as Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Sect in this mountain and tombs of historic figures of each era are located in Okunoin. This mountain was designated as World Heritage in 2004.

●Open/ Kongobuji Temple 8:30-16:30(Last entry at 16:00)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ Kongobuji Temple ￥500　●Tel/ 0736-56-2616 (Koyasan Tourism Association)

◆Access/ A short walk from Kongobuji-mae bus stop by Nankai Rinkan bus from Nankai Koyasan Stn. (to reach Koyasan Stn., transfer to cable car is needed at Nankai Gokuraku-bashi Stn.)

One of the 3 shrines of Kumano along with Hongu and Nachi
The beautiful shrine with brilliant vermilion-lacquered pavilions is said to have been moved to its current location in 128. In the Holy Treasure House within the shrine's grounds, over 1,200 pieces of national treasures and important cultural assets are exhibited. The sacred tree of podocarpus nagi, which is over 1,000 years old, is worshiped by people praying for safety at sea. Nearby is a park with a lot of Chinese atmosphere, built in remembrance of Jofuku, who came from China 2,200 years ago in search of the elixir of life.

[Shinpoukan]　●Open/ 9:00-16:00　●Fare/ ￥500　●Tel/ 0735-22-2533

◆Access/ A 15 min. walk from JR Shingu Stn.

The main shrine of Kumano faith
Known as one of the Kumano Sanzan, Kumano Hongu Shrine, where a lot of people worship, is the head shrine of Kumano shrines across Japan. The majestic Shaden (main hall) stands in this holy area. This area is likely to be designated as World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range and the Cultural Landscapes that Surround Them". The area is also famous for its spas, such as the Kawayu Spa where hot springs come up from the bottom of the river, Yunomine Spa and Watarase Spa.

●Open/ 8:00-17:00(Homotsuden 9:00-16:00)　●Close/ Open all-year round
●Fare/ Free(with the exception of Homotsuden which is ￥300)　●Tel/ 0735-42-0009

◆Access/ A short walk from Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop by JR bus from JR Kii-Tanabe Stn. /Shingu Stn.