Nara Prefecture is a treasure of history and nature, accessible in just one hour from Osaka. From World Heritage temples and shrines to the mountains of Yoshino, Nara has many fascinating driving spots. In this one-day driving course, we will introduce a route that allows you to fully enjoy Nara’s “history” and “nature. You can also enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient capital and local delicacies, so be sure to rent a car and visit Nara!
Nara Prefecture Driving Course
In this road trip, we will introduce a total of four driving spots. We will provide you with useful information on each spot, from basic information such as parking to recommended food.
- 1Mount Yoshinoyama
- 2Muroji Temple
- 3Hase-dera Temple
- 4Nara Park
Mount Yoshinoyama
Mount Yoshinoyama, registered as a World Heritage site, is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, with approximately 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom in spring. The mountain is divided into four areas: Kami-Senbon, Naka-Senbon, Shimo-Senbon, and Oku-Senbon, each of which has a different blooming period, allowing visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms over a long period of time.
Basic Information
- Address: Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara
- Opening Hours: 24 hours a day (viewing hours at each temple and shrine vary)
- Kinpusenji Temple: 8:30-16:30
- Yoshimizu Shrine: 9:00-16:00
- Parking information:.
- Yoshinoyama Naka-Senbonguchi Parking Lot: 1,000 yen per day
- Yoshinoyama Shimo-Senbonguchi Parking Lot: 800 yen per day
- Special rates during cherry blossom season
Access
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Osaka via Nishi-Meihan Expressway and Minami-Hanna Road. An early morning departure is recommended. On the way, there is a gentle road from Matsubara JCT to Gojo IC.
Recommended gourmet foods
- Kakinoha sushi: 1,000 yen and up
- Yoshino Kuzu Udon Noodle: 800 yen and up
- Yoshino Kuzu Mochi: 500 yen and up
Muroji Temple
Muroji Temple is a historic temple known as “Onna-no-Koya,” and its five-story pagoda, a national treasure, and a 400-year-old giant ginkgo tree are highlights of the temple. Especially during the season of autumn leaves (mid to late November), the temple grounds turn red and yellow, attracting many tourists.
Basic Information
- Address: 78 Muro, Uda City, Nara Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
- Fees:
- Adults: 600 yen
- Junior high and high school students: 400 yen
- Elementary school students: 300 yen
- Parking: Free (100 cars)
Access
From Yoshinoyama, drive north on Prefectural Road 37 for about 1 hour. On the way, a rest stop is available at Roadside Station Udaji-Ouda. Careful driving is required as the mountain road continues.
Highlights
- National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda
- Historic temple called “Onna-nin Koya” (Women’s Koya)
- Famous for its autumn foliage (best time to visit: mid to late November)
- 400 year old giant ginkgo tree
Hase-dera Temple
Hase-dera Temple is known as the “Temple of Flowers,” and its main hall, a national treasure, the standing image of the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy), and seasonal flowers are highlights of the temple. The temple is especially crowded with visitors during the peony season from April to May and the hydrangea season in June.
Basic Information
- Address: 731-1 Hatsuse, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 (varies according to season)
- April-September: 8:30-17:00
- October – March: 9:00-16:30
- Fees:
- Adults: 500 yen
- Junior high and high school students: 400 yen
- Elementary school students: 250 yen
- Parking: Free (300 cars)
Access
It takes about 30 minutes from Muroji Temple via Prefectural Road No. 166 and National Road No. 165. The road is relatively wide and tourist buses pass by, so it is easy to drive.
Recommended gourmet foods.
- Vegetarian cuisine “Anseido in front of Hase-ji Temple Gate”: from 2,000 yen
- Sweet store at a tea store on the approach to Hase-dera Temple: from 500 yen
Nara Park Area
Nara Park is an area where World Heritage temples and shrines such as Todaiji and Kofukuji are concentrated. At dusk, there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy a relaxing time interacting with the deer. The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and the five-story pagoda are illuminated from sunset to 22:00, providing a fantastic atmosphere that differs from that of the daytime.
Basic Information
- Address: 469 Zoshimachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Opening Hours:
- Park: 24 hours
- Todaiji Temple: 7:30-17:30 (until 16:30 from November to February)
- Kofukuji Temple: 9:00-17:00
- Parking:
- Nara Park Parking Lot: 200 yen for 30 min.
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine parking lot: 400 yen per hour
Access
From Hase-dera Temple, drive north on Route 169 and then via Prefectural Route 88 for about 40 minutes. There are multiple entrances and exits to the long east-west Nara Park, and access from the west is relatively smooth.
Recommended gourmet foods
- Nara chahan: 1,200 yen and up
- Deer crackers: 150 yen
- Daibutsu pudding: 400 yen
- Sweet at Naramachi Tea House: 600 yen and up
Goal point: Osaka (around 19:00)
From Nara Park, take the Hanna Road to reach Osaka City in about 45 minutes. Since you will be driving at night, take appropriate breaks and drive home safely.
Precautions and Advice
1.Crowding by season:
- Cherry blossom season (late March – April): Yoshinoyama area
- Autumn foliage season (November): Muroji Temple
- New Year’s Holidays: Todaiji Temple and Nara Park area
2.Driving Precautions:
- Driving between Yoshinoyama and Muroji is on a mountain road, so please allow yourself plenty of time for driving.
- Be careful in Nara Park area because deer may appear on the road.
- Traffic jams are possible around tourist spots, especially on weekends.
3.Picture Spots:
- Mt. Yoshinoyama: View from the observatory
- Muroji Temple: Five-story pagoda and autumn leaves
- Hase Temple: Peony garden and the main hall
- Nara Park: Collaboration of deer and Todaiji Temple
Summary
Nara Prefecture is an ideal destination for a road trip from Kansai, with its World Heritage temples and shrines and abundant nature in harmony. On this course, you can enjoy all that Nara has to offer, from Yoshinoyama to Nara Park. Be sure to take a drive around Nara’s scenery, which shows a different face each season!
From Hase Temple, drive north on National Route 169 and then via Prefectural Route 88 for about 40 minutes. There are several entrances and exits to the long east-west Nara Park, and access from the west is relatively smooth.
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