2024 WEST NARA area [3 accommodations where you can enjoy experiences together]

• Table of Contents
• 1. “Training experience” at a lodging in Mt. Shigi, Japan’s oldest sacred site of Bishamonten (Hegun Town)
• 2. Birthplace of Living National Treasure Kenkichi Tomimoto [Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO] (Ando Town)
• 3. At the foot of Horyuji Temple [Ikaruga Biyori, an inn for rent] (Ikaruga Town)

1. “Training experience” at a lodging in Mt. Shigi, Japan’s oldest sacred site of Bishamonten (Hegun Town)

Shukubo is an accommodation facility where you can experience ancient temple culture. On Mt. Shigi, there is Seifuku-in, which is a place of worship, Senju-in, which is the oldest temple in the mountain and has been considered the residence of the chief priest, and Tamakura, which can accommodate about 200 people in rooms ranging from private rooms to large halls. There are three lodgings.

A moment to face yourself through a training experience

“Training” is a valuable experience. The things you can experience at each lodging are slightly different.

◆Seifuku-in Temple: There are experiences such as early morning prayers and sutra copying.

◆Senju-in: There are experiences such as zazen meditation, sutra copying, and waterfall walking.

◆Gyokuzoin: There are experiences such as Ajikan, copying Buddhist sutras, and sutra reading.

*Please check the official website for accommodation fees, various experience costs, and the latest information.

2. Birthplace of Living National Treasure Kenkichi Tomimoto [Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO] (Ando Town)

▲The photo shows cherry blossoms along the Okazaki River, which are at their best from March to early April. The 110 cherry blossom trees blooming for 600 meters on both banks are a sight to behold!

Ubusuna no Sato TOMIMOTO is a renovated inn that used to be the birthplace of Kenkichi Tomimoto, a master of modern pottery who was recognized as the first Living National Treasure. There are only two guest rooms, each with a semi-open-air bath, making it a luxurious space. The facility has a restaurant, and has been featured in the "Nara Auberge Guide 2024" published by Nara Prefecture. The gentle dishes made with local farmers' eggs, rice, and Yamato vegetables are also appealing.

“Create your own work” in the birthplace of a master pottery artist

◆Painting experience: You can enjoy painting on unglazed pottery such as plates and teacups.

◆Pottery experience: Enjoy making your own pottery by experiencing both hand-making and painting at the same time.

*Please check the official website for accommodation fees, various experience costs, and the latest information.

3. At the foot of Horyuji Temple [Ikaruga Biyori, an inn for rent] (Ikaruga Town)

A private lodging house located approximately 11 minutes walk from the World Cultural Heritage Horyuji Temple. This calm detached house, which resembles an old folk house, can be reserved for one group only. It can accommodate up to 10 people, so it's perfect for relaxing with family and friends!

Get together with your friends and family and have fun!

◆Open-fire pizza baked in a pizza oven...Pizza oven rental and ingredients included. Everyone will enjoy pizza grilled over an open flame!

◆Sake tasting experience... Enjoy three types of local sake from Nara, the birthplace of sake, at your inn.

◆ Nagashi somen... Nagashi somen with a bamboo route. The set includes somen noodles and condiments. Experience Japan's summer tradition!

*Please check the official website for accommodation fees, various experience costs, and the latest information.