Visit Nara

This beautiful shrine in a forest of ancient cedars often shrouded in mist, feels far removed from modern life. It has been a key stop on the Okugake pilgrimage route to Wakayama (part of the World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route network) for over 1,000 years. It takes about 20 minutes to walk up from the car park and bus stop, but you will be welcomed with free green tea and expansive views from the top of Mt Tamaki. Although it is a Shinto shrine, it attracts hundreds of Buddhist Shugendo followers, especially on August 8 for a prayer ceremony, and on October 24 for the shrine’s autumn festival in which costumed locals carry a portable shrine through the forest and perform a rare dance. The head priest here speaks English and can tell you about the shrine and its history. Nara Kotsu has a bus service from Totsukawa Onsen on weekends, which you need to reserve in advance.