2026 Totsukawa Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

I went to the "Yanize Suspension Bridge" in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture ((((((っ･ω･)っ Japan's longest suspension bridge✿ﾟ❀.(*´▽`*)❀.ﾟ✿ Surrounded by mountains, the view of the Totsukawa River flowing below is spectacular♡Kyaa (∀〃(〃∀)Kyaa♡ There are wooden boards laid out at your feet, but you can't stand on the net at the edge The sign "No more than 20 people allowed on" makes you wonder if it's fragile? It makes you feel scared ( ;´Д`)Heehee Also, since it's a suspension bridge, it does sway quite a bit (｡>﹏<｡)💦💦 But it's nice to walk in the air with such a spectacular view (ˊo̴̶̷̤ ̫ o̴̶̷̤ˋ)♡ 🏍Yanize Suspension Bridge🏍 Address: 65-2 Uenoji, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture Opening hours: 24 hours Admission fee: Free #Domestic travel #Nara Prefecture #Totsukawa-mura #Yanase suspension bridge #Nara trip #Nara sightseeing #Nara trip #Amazing view #Suspension bridge #Japan's best suspension bridge #Touring #Scenery

Tanize Suspension Bridge in Nara Prefecture. Anyway, it's a suspension bridge with a spectacular view. Recommended for those who want to see beautiful scenery. However, it creaks and creaks every time you walk on it 💦 It sways quite a bit, so you can experience the thrill. Those who are afraid of heights may not be able to do it 😭 For safety reasons, more than 20 people cannot cross at the same time. It was a great view and a little scary when it swayed, but it's a place you should definitely stop by if you're nearby! It seems to be a spot for autumn leaves, and you may be able to see especially beautiful views in the coming season...When you go to Nara, why not consider it as one of your options for sightseeing in Nara? 🍁Memo✍️ 800 yen for regular cars, 400 yen for two-wheeled vehicles, and free bridge crossing fee. 【Address】65-2 Uenoji, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture 637-1103 #Outdoor

Address: 404 Kamishita, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture Atmosphere/Facilities: We operate riverboats and rent out canoes, kayaks, and SUP boats. ✨ Recommended points: A riverboat ride through Toro Gorge is a summer riverboat ride where you can see the fish in the water and feel the coolness of the water. ✨ If the weather is good, the cliffs of Toro Gorge are reflected in the water, creating a spectacular view, so we recommend it. ✨ Average price: 2,000 to 3,000 yen Budget per person: 2,000 yen Rating: Overall rating ⭐4.5 #summer weekend trip #spectacular view

This is the place I recommend this time✨ The Toro Hotel stands on a steep cliff✨ Address: 405 Kamishita, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture 647-1581 This hotel is designated as a tangible cultural property by the prefecture, and has a retro atmosphere with over 100 years of history. Currently, it operates as a restaurant and cafe, as well as selling miscellaneous goods and offering activities✨ Unfortunately, you cannot stay overnight, but if you come to Toro Gorge, I highly recommend the delicious hayashi rice here✨ #summerweekendtrip #coupletrip #greatview

You can drive part of the way, but the actual climb is about 200 meters. Driving to the trailhead is a bit difficult, as there are many sharp curves at the pass. Because of the high altitude, the temperature is a bit low and chilly. The sesame soft serve ice cream at Goma Sun Tower at the trailhead is excellent♬#Breathtaking view

When you think of summer in Nara, night illumination events and outdoor activities in rivers and mountains usually come to mind. But another great attraction is enjoying the breathtaking views of magnificent dams and dam lakes. ✨️ There's more to dams than meets the eye—their designs and structures vary widely depending on their purpose. The sight of a massive concrete structure suddenly emerging in a lush, green valley is truly spectacular! 👀 To help people learn more about them, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and the Japan Water Agency have been distributing "Dam Cards" to visitors since 2007. You can collect these cards at over 830 locations nationwide, including 15 spots right here in Nara! Each card is packed with everything from basic stats to incredibly niche details, making them a fun and educational souvenir. ✍️ Today, we’re highlighting some dams where you can get these cards, along with their distribution spots. It’s a perfect idea for a summer vacation science project, so grab the family and head out on a scenic road trip to explore them! 🚗³₃ ⚠️ Most Dam Card distribution locations have parking, but some dams lack parking near the main embankment. If you go for a look, please pay attention to signs and be mindful of passing cars and pedestrians. ⚠️ For dams with multiple distribution points, we’ve listed one primary location. Please check the official MLIT Dam Card page for details on other spots. ✍️ While you cannot actually visit Seto Dam (Totsukawa Village), you can still pick up its card at the Totsukawa Village Tourism Association. Takayama Dam (Tsukigase) is excluded from this list as it falls within the Kyoto area. ✍️ The distribution spot for Ikehara Dam has moved to "Kinari Terrace" (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Thursdays). ⁡.⁡ ⁡.

Located on the borders of Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures, "Doro-kyo Gorge" is a massive canyon boasting some of Japan's most spectacular scenery. 🏞️ A Steep Cliff Hideaway Spanning 3 Prefectures: Nestled within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, the contrast between the emerald green waters and the uniquely shaped giant rocks towering over 50 meters high is breathtaking. The area known as "Doro-hatcho" has been designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument of Japan. 🏞️ The Scenic "Doro Hotel" Cafe: This scenic cafe, which prioritizes reservations, is a beautifully renovated building from the Taisho and early Showa eras. It was built to appear as if it's jutting out right over the cliff (currently not offering accommodations). Specialties: Their signature hashed beef with rice (Hayashi rice) and local 100% mandarin orange juice are incredibly popular. Note: Since dining relies on a reservation-first policy, booking in advance is highly recommended (open only on reserved days during the winter). 🏞️ An Atmospheric River Boat Cruise: "Doro-kyo Gorge River Boat Cruise": Enjoy a 40-minute scenic tour around the gorge while listening to the engaging stories of your guide (the boatman). Riding in a classic wooden boat, free from loud engine noise, allows you to experience the soothing sounds of nature and singing birds up close.

#MustSeeSpot I went to the Tanize Suspension Bridge. It really sways!! Many people are too scared to cross! The Tanize Suspension Bridge, located in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, is one of the longest wire suspension bridges in Japan. Built in 1954 for local use, it remains a beloved symbol of the village. It is 297m long and 54m high. It sways considerably with every step, offering panoramic views of the clear waters of the Totsukawa River (Kumano River) and its wide riverbed below. It has a history of being built by residents who pooled their money (hundreds of thousands of yen per household), and even today, postal delivery motorcycles sometimes pass over it. Toll: Free (however, donations are accepted for maintenance). Traffic Restrictions: Only 20 people are allowed to cross at a time. Please follow the instructions of security guards during crowded times.

#JanuaryDestinations2026 Here's an incredibly crazy sight: tourists walk slowly while holding onto the railings, but local postmen and residents just "ride their motorcycles" across the bridge! Seeing motorcycles speeding across the swaying wooden plank bridge is truly astonishing; their sense of balance is definitely something they've practiced. 🏍️💨 Also, for safety reasons, this bridge has an unwritten rule: "Approximately 20 people can cross at a time." If too many people crowd onto the bridge at the same time, security personnel will intervene. This is no joke, because too many people will cause the bridge to sway even more violently due to the resonance effect. For everyone's safety, please remember to queue up! 💡 Useful Information: · Parking Fee: The bridge itself is free, but if you drive there, you need to park in the paid parking lot, approximately 110 NTD (500 yen) per visit. · Nighttime Illumination: During Golden Week or certain summer days, the bridge is illuminated at night, transforming into a bridge of light in the night sky, creating a completely different atmosphere!

#JanuaryDestinations2026 Arriving in Totsugawa Village, the largest village in Japan, you'll see the silvery line spanning the mountains from afar – the Tanise Suspension Bridge. The scenery here can only be described as "magnificent"! Below the bridge flows the crystal-clear Totsugawa River (Kumano River), its waters a beautiful emerald green. Surrounded by verdant mountains, standing in the center of the bridge offers a 360-degree panoramic view of nature that will instantly dispel any fear. 🌿 A visit in the early morning or after rain is highly recommended. If you're lucky, you'll see mountain mists swirling around the bridge, making it appear to float on clouds – an ethereal and breathtaking sight that looks like a National Geographic cover!

#JanuaryDestinations2026 Located in a hidden gem of Nara, the "Tanase Suspension Bridge" is 297 meters long, and most importantly, 54 meters high (about 16 stories)! The scariest part of this bridge is that it's made of wooden planks, with gaps offering a direct view of the bottomless valley below. Because of its length, the entire bridge sways like a swing as anyone walks across it! With each step, you can feel the planks vibrating beneath your feet; the feeling of being suspended in mid-air is truly real. Many people get too scared to move halfway across, but for the breathtaking view, they grit their teeth and keep going! Are you brave enough to challenge your heart? 💓 💡 Tips for the Challenge: · Eye Control: If you're scared, don't look down! Keep your eyes fixed on the mountains on the opposite bank and walk straight ahead! · Cost: Crossing the bridge is free! (But it takes a bit of courage.)

#japantrip 🎯 Highlights · Yubatake in winter — steaming wooden hot water fields surrounded by snow, a magical winter postcard scene 🌫️❄️📸 · Stay in a traditional ryokan — tatami rooms, futons, kaiseki dinners, and private onsen baths for the ultimate Japanese experience 🛏️🍱♨️ · Outdoor nature walks — crisp mountain air, snowy trails, and serene parks like Sainokawara Park 🌨️🌲 · Winter street treats — warm onsen tamago, manju, and other local snacks to savor while exploring 🍡🔥 🗺️ Getting There · JR train from Tokyo to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Station (~3.5 hrs) 🚆 · Bus or taxi from the station to Kusatsu Onsen town (~25 min) 🚌 · Ryokans are mostly walkable from Yubatake and main streets 👣 💸 Budget Tips · Book ryokan stays early — winter is peak season, especially around holidays 💸 · Try public foot baths for quick, cheap onsen experiences 🦶♨️ · Street snacks are a cost-friendly way to enjoy local flavors 🍡 🧭 Seasonal / Theme Focus: Winter Wonderland · December–February — powdery snow blankets the town, creating postcard-perfect views ❄️🏔️ · Evening onsen baths under snowflakes make for unforgettable, cozy memories 🌙♨️ · Winter light enhances photography: Yubatake steam + snowy backdrop = magical shots 🌫️📸 ❤️ Why This Trip Is Special Winter in Kusatsu Onsen is pure Japanese winter magic. Snowy landscapes, steaming Yubatake, and a cozy ryokan stay make it the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and tradition — an unforgettable seasonal escape ❤️❄️♨️🇯🇵

The 'Village in the Sky' is a forest activity facility located in the 21st Century Forest Kii Peninsula Forest Botanical Park 🌳. It's one of my favorite spots, perfect for family trips or a scenic drive date ☺️. This facility incorporates popular forest leisure activities from France and Europe, featuring net bridges suspended among the trees, allowing you to enjoy an aerial walk 4 to 12 meters above the ground ☁. The nets are imported from France and were crafted by Joran, a Frenchman who moved to Totsukawa Village, together with technicians from his home country 😲. Since they are handmade, the play equipment undergoes minor changes daily, so you never get bored even after multiple visits👌. Of course, the wood used for platforms and other structures is sourced from Totsukawa Village 🌳. You can spend your time however you like—jumping around, sipping coffee, reading a book... Personally, I love taking a nap in the cradle bed, gently swaying 😪. Let's relax and unwind in the heart of the mountains ✌️. Additionally, since last July, accommodation facilities have been open 🎊. There are four types of bases: treehouses, aerial tents, transparent domes, and aerial hammocks. If you're not a fan of the floating sensation, I recommend the treehouses or domes 🙆♀️. Each accommodation is scattered throughout the forest, giving it a secret base vibe. At night, the area is illuminated with decorative lights, creating a dazzling atmosphere ✨️. The swaying trees and the murmuring of a nearby stream will lull you into a peaceful sleep 😴. Each group also gets a private bonfire area 🔥. You can bring your own equipment, but the facility also offers a wide range of rental items (for a fee), so you can enjoy it even if you come empty-handed. Note that it's accommodation-only, so make sure to bring your own food‼️ WiFi is available, but it's also a great opportunity for a digital detox 📡. The route is mostly along national highways, making access convenient! However, the final stretch on Route 425 is just a forest road, so drive safely 🚗. 【Information】 📍 112 Ogawa, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 🚙 About 2 hours from "Gojo IC" on the Keinawa Expressway ☀️ DAY 🕘 [Aerial Walk] 9:00–17:00 (Last entry at 16:00) 🕙 [Treehouse/Dome] 10:00–16:00 (Last entry at 15:00) 💴 Adults from 2,000 yen (Domes from 1,500 yen) 🌙 NIGHT 🕒 [Treehouse/Dome] Check-in 16:30–18:00 / Check-out 10:00 🕙 [Tent/Hammock] Check-in 15:30–17:00 / Check-out 10:00 💴 From 4,000 yen per night 🗓 Closed on Tuesdays, August 20, and from December 1 to the end of February 🅿️ Parking available

Located in the mountains of Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, Tamaki Shrine is rumored to be the only place where only the chosen few are guided. The mountain path is challenging, but once you arrive, you'll be greeted by magnificent views and plenty of negative ions, and feel your body being purified. 🧊✨ It's cool and comfortable to walk through, even in the summer, so I recommend it for the coming season. ⛩️✨ The autumn leaves 🍁 are so beautiful you could gaze at them forever. 🥹 It's also a great way to get some exercise, so I highly recommend everyone to try Tamaki Shrine. ✨ #0YenTravel2025Autumn #DomesticTravel #ShrineVisiting #AsiaTravel #Tourism #Nara

🏖️ Overview: This 1,352m-high mountain, located in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, is one of the 100 famous mountains of the Kansai region. The origin of the name "Kasasuteyama" ("mountain") is said to come from a legend that the scholar Saigyo Hoshi ("monk") threw away his umbrella out of loneliness long ago, though the exact meaning is unknown. There's a nice mountain hut 🛖 along the trail, where you can stay overnight. While the trail is well-maintained, it's deep in the mountains and not a mountain you can climb casually. 💞 Why we recommend it: Kasasuteyama is a mountain with a lot of stairs. There are roughly over 1,000 steps 🪜. You just climb in silence. Gyosen-dake also has a mountain hut 💰, and it seems you can stay overnight for 2,000 yen. The trail goes up and down several times, but the Omine mountain range along the way offers a picturesque view 🖼️. Be sure to enjoy it. 📍Location: 📮647-1584 Kamikazugawa, Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture 📍Access: There is no public access. We recommend accessing by car. By car: The most common route is from the trailhead near the east exit of the Shiratani Tunnel on National Route 425, which runs east-west through Mount Gyosen. #JapanTravelGuide #MountKasute #Totsukawa #Kansai100FamousMountains

#aprilblooms A sacred place of Shugendo located directly below the top of Mt. Tamaki at an altitude of 1076 metres. At the time of Emperor Jinmu's eastern expedition, it is said that he rested his soldiers in this place and prayed for good luck, and he has gathered faith as the inner temple of Kumano Sanzan. It is registered as a constituent asset of the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Visiting Roads in the Kii Mountains" and the historical site "Omine Okukado". Although you can go by car, you need to be careful when driving because there is a narrow mountain road with ninety-nine folds. It is not uncommon for snow to accumulate in winter. In addition, there are many days when thick fog occurs, and the precincts are surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere.

Totsukawa is a region rich in nature located in the southern part of Nara Prefecture, and there are many spots where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. In particular, a boat trip on the Totsukawa allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the river, and you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. The scenery seen from the boat is as beautiful as a painting, especially in the autumn foliage season. 🚤🍁 The appeal of a boat trip · A view that is one with nature: When you board a boat, you can see the beautiful scenery of the lush mountains and valleys along the Totsukawa River up close. The mountains reflected on the surface of the river are like a mirror, and they are soothing to the soul. 🌳 · Beauty in every season: Fresh green leaves in spring, cool waterside in summer, beautiful autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter, each season has its own charm. Especially in the autumn foliage season, the mountains surrounding the river are dyed red and yellow, and you can enjoy a spectacular view. 🍂 Basic Information 📍Location: Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture ✴︎Access: Approximately 2 hours by bus from JR Nara Station, or by car. ✴︎Fee: The price of the sightseeing boat varies depending on the season and plan, but it is generally around 1,500 to 2,000 yen for adults. ✴︎Opening hours: The operating hours of the sightseeing boat vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking in advance. 🚢Travel TIP: Totsukawa is also famous as a hot spring resort, so it is also recommended to spend some time relaxing at a nearby hot spring resort after the boat trip! #Spring0yenTrip #DomesticTravel

Located in Totsukawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Toro Hotel once operated as a lodging facility, but has now reopened as a cafe, offering visitors a historic building and beautiful scenery.  The appeal of Toro Hotel Cafe · Historic building: Opened in 1917, the building is over 100 years old and has a retro, warm atmosphere. · Spectacular location: Built on the cliffs of Toro Gorge, you can enjoy beautiful views of the four seasons from the window.  · Special Hayashi rice: Hayashi rice, made with local ingredients and painstakingly prepared, is highly praised by visitors.  Basic Information · Address: 405 Kamishita, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture · Business Hours: 11:30-until sold out (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays) · Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from "Doro Gorge Meguri no Sato Kumanogawa" Travel Tips · Reservations: As this is a popular cafe, we recommend making a reservation in advance. · Nearby Sightseeing: You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Doro Gorge and a water jet boat cruise.  · Notes: In winter (January to the end of March), the cafe is open by reservation only, so please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.  Why not spend a special time at the cafe at Doro Hotel, where history and nature blend together? #Spring0yenTrip #DomesticTravel

Yunotani Senkei, located in Totsukawa Village, Nara Prefecture, is a hideaway-like inn for adults where you can relax in a completely natural hot spring, which is poured from a 570-year-old spring without adding water, heating, or circulating filtration. It is located in a very quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, so you can relax both body and mind. Photos 1-3 are of the large public bath (taken with the permission of the facility). The sound of the babbling brook nearby is also soothing. [Photos 4-5] The view from the large public bath to the guest rooms. [Photo 6] The entrance to the guest rooms. All nine buildings are independent detached buildings. The moment I stepped inside the building, I was surprised to be greeted by the aroma of hot spring water wafting through the air. [Photos 7-8] This time, I was able to stay in a suite! As expected, it was very spacious and comfortable. [Photo 9] All drinks are free to drink. [Photos 10-12] The indoor bath and open-air bath in the room. Both are completely natural hot springs, with no water added, no heating, and no circulating filtration. As a result, the water is very hot, and needs to be adjusted with cold water. (Photo 13) An ultra-luxurious dinner! A variety of Japanese dishes made with carefully selected seasonal ingredients from the Kii Peninsula are served in beautiful tableware, making it a delight to both taste and look at. (Photo 14) Earthenware pot with matsutake mushrooms and other mushrooms from Totsukawa. I was surprised at how many matsutake mushrooms were included! (Photo 15) This is a rare type of wagyu beef called "Mikumano beef," of which only about 100 are shipped out each year, and the meat just melted in my mouth! (Photo 16) Salt-grilled sweetfish from Totsukawa. Personally, I often find the smell of sweetfish to be a problem, but this wasn't the case at all and was absolutely delicious! (Photo 17) For dessert, we had pear compote. [Photo 18] Breakfast was also delicious! Since dinner was heavy, I felt that they had been considerate in providing me with something easy on the stomach in the morning. I was able to fill my stomach with high-quality food and relax in the soothing hot springs... it was a very fulfilling stay. #tripAccommodationReport

Although it has 'hotel' in its name, it's actually a cafe where you can enjoy delicious meals while overlooking the Dorokyo Gorge. The building used to be an inn, but the fourth generation owner renovated it into a cafe, which is why it still has 'hotel' in its name. It does have a rather old-fashioned charm to it, haha. Next to the hotel, there's also an observation spot for Dorokyo Gorge. 👀 Reservations are a must for meals, and some items require booking at least three days in advance. 📞 It's a bit of a hassle, but it's definitely worth making a reservation. ❤️ . . . 📍Sei Hotel Cafe 🗺️ Nara, Japan 🕑11:30- 💰¥2000

#FuriTabi This time, I came to offer my thanks with my cousin from Tokyo. This was my fifth visit, but my first formal visit. I first came to Tamaki Shrine four years ago, and since then, the flow of my family has changed dramatically. Please come and visit the shrine. Please note that for formal visits, men must wear a suit, and women must be dressed in a similar outfit. I wore a navy blue dress. It is better to wear something with sleeves, not sleeveless. 📍Address: 1 Tamakigawa, Totsukawa-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture 647-1582

#Spring/Summer Destinations 2024 #Tonghuashijie Customized Birth Weight Bear #Wedding Gift #Wedding #Thank You Gift #First Birthday Gift #Newborn Gift #Wedding Prep #Weight Bear #Customized #Birth Bear #Baby Gift On the road trip from Kumano Taisha to Osaka, you'll pass by a rest stop with free heated footbaths. It's worth noting that the footbath is open 24 hours a day, but you should bring your own towel. The parking lot isn't very busy, but it rotates quickly, so you'll find a spot soon. The rest stop behind sells souvenirs, food, snacks, and local specialties, as well as prepared meals, drinks, and coffee. You can take a break here before continuing your journey.

The Yagi-Shingu Line is the longest bus route in Japan, stretching 169.85 km from Yamato-Yagi Station in Nara Prefecture to Shingu Station in Wakayama Prefecture. It has 168 stops, and the journey takes an amazing 6 hours and 30 minutes from the start to the end. It boasts the longest travel distance in Japan among routes that do not use expressways. Along the way, you will pass by Tanize Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge used for daily life in Japan, Totsukawa Village, the largest village in Japan, the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," and many hot springs that are known only to those in the know, so you will never get bored of enjoying the scenery along the way. In addition, if you ride the entire Yagi-Shingu Line from Yamato-Yagi Station to Shingu Station on the same bus, you will receive a commemorative gift. Ride the entire longest bus route in Japan and get a souvenir to remember your trip. #bustrip

#japantrip Tanize Suspension Bridge, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Tanise in Japan, offers a breathtaking and exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The suspension bridge spans across picturesque valleys, providing panoramic views of lush greenery and flowing streams. The bridge's design blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, offering a harmonious connection to the environment.

#japantripTamaki Shrine is a sacred place that perfectly fits the phrase "a place you can only go to if called by the gods." Its deep history and mysterious atmosphere give a unique charm to visitors. The journey to the shrine is like an adventure crossing the mountains, and once you arrive you are enveloped in a sacred atmosphere. Once you visit, you will never forget the special atmosphere, and you will want to return again and again. However, because it is a sacred place, it is required to pay respect and quietly purify your mind.

The place name "Totsukawa" appears almost always at a time when Japanese history is about to undergo great change, and when the storm settles down, it has a strange breathing that sleeps quietly for hundreds of years. This mountain village, located in the southernmost part of Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture), is the largest village in modern Japan, and its size exceeds the entire 23 wards of Tokyo. The Omine Okugake Trail, which runs from Yoshino to Kumano, runs through this area, and it is filled with the spiritual power of nature and the depths of faith, so to speak, it is filled with the feeling of "the deepest part of Japan." The Jinshin War of 672 was the trigger for Totsukawa's appearance in history. When Prince Oama (later Emperor Tenmu), hiding in the mountains of Yoshino, raised an army, the warriors of Totsukawa gathered along the mountain paths and are said to have contributed greatly to his victory. Perhaps because of this history, the people of Totsukawa have had a strong desire to serve the emperor for generations, and the Imperial Court, taking into consideration their achievements and the steep terrain with steep mountains and valleys, recognized the area as a special area with tax exemption. Totsukawa was formally under the control of the Imperial Court and the Shogunate, but in reality, the local people were able to govern themselves. This unique climate, which also resembled a kind of independent country, attracted the attention of forces that tried to resist the "mainstream" of each era, and especially during the Kaiten period of the Meiji Restoration, loyalists who advocated loyalty to the emperor traveled deep mountain paths to visit this village. In the history of Totsukawa, the "Tenchugumi Incident" that broke out in 1863 was probably the most significant turning point in Japanese history. This incident, in which a group of ronin who aspired to revere the Emperor, expel the barbarians, and overthrow the shogunate occupied Gojo, a Tenryo (imperial territory) in Yamato Province, and openly rebelled against the shogunate, was later celebrated as the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. One of the reasons they deliberately invaded deep into Yamato Province was the existence of Totsukawa, which firmly upheld the tradition of loyalty to the Emperor. As soon as Tenchugumi occupied Gojo, they dispatched people to Totsukawa first, and asserted the legitimacy of their uprising, which was in obedience to the imperial order. They gained the support of the Totsukawa villagers, who are said to number 1,000. The villagers believed the words of Tenchugumi and joined the siege of Takatori Castle, but when they found out that the Tenchugumi themselves were designated as rebels in a political upheaval, their morale dropped and they left. This made Tenchugumi's defeat decisive. However, even after this, the people of Totsukawa were recognized as a rare existence that stuck to the cause of the Emperor amid the intertwining of many ideologies that sometimes contained contradictions, and appeared in history with the sharpness of a flying arrow. (As an example of how this characteristic was used, when the assassin tried to assassinate Sakamoto Ryoma, he falsely claimed to be a Totsukawa samurai to lull Ryoma into a false sense of security. You can learn more about this unique Totsukawa culture at the Totsukawa Village History and Folklore Museum (photos 3-6).) On the other hand, Tamaki Shrine (photos 1, 7-10) is a major foundation for cultivating this cultural and spiritual culture of Totsukawa. The shrine is located in a sacred area where the Omine Okugake Trail approaches Kii Province (present-day Wakayama Prefecture), and has continued to serve as the guardian deity of Totsukawa since ancient times. According to legend, the shrine was built by order of Emperor Sujin on Mount Tamaki, which was the route of Emperor Jimmu's eastern expedition. In reality, however, it is believed to have been a sacred place that was born spontaneously, as people found a god in the mountain itself, which is covered with giant trees and boulders. If you visit the site, you will see a cross-section of the strata on the approach to the shrine, which gives a real sense of the earth's pulsation, and the small torii gate and shrine in front of it allow you to think about the feelings of people who found mysticism in nature. The main hall, built at the end of the 18th century, is an imposing structure made of keyaki wood that firmly grasps the rock surface, and along with the torii gate and stone steps in front of it, it is tinged with a faint silver or blue color. Its unique appearance is the reason why this place has been attracting attention in recent years as a power spot, and it is also a material that fosters an exquisite aesthetic sense that blends in with the surrounding forest with its deep shades. If you go into the forest, you will find a row of giant cedar trees that reach up to 50 meters in height, some of which are estimated to be 3,000 years old. Their trunks are intricately intertwined, towering into the darkening sky, a form that far surpasses human understanding. When you think of the mystery and time that resides there, it is not difficult to describe the climate of Totsukawa and the mood of the people who lived there as a "other world." Recommended for solo travelers: ★★★★ (There are people, but not many. You can enjoy sightseeing in peace!) Visit date: Saturday, the first week of October, around 4pm Access: About 80 minutes by car from Gojo IC (to the center of Totsukawa village) #Totsukawa #Totsukawa village #Tamaki Shrine #Nara #Nara prefecture #Nara trip #Nara sightseeing #I'm a Nara fan #Delicious and beautiful Nara #Back to Nara now #Nara is good #Domestic travel lover #Temples and shrines #Visiting temples and shrines #Visiting shrines #Shrine lover #Tenchugumi #Late Edo period #Late Edo period heroes #Lover of the late Edo period #Meiji Restoration #Omine Okugake Trail #World Heritage Site #Sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range #Sacred tree #Power spot shrine #Unexplored areas of Japan