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Take a leisurely stroll along the Yamanobe-no-michi trail in Nara, Tenri. We introduce a solo trip where detours are the main focus, where you can enjoy unmanned shops and heartwarming encounters.
"I want to enjoy a little detour when I travel" - the "Yamanobe no Michi" in Tenri City , Nara Prefecture is perfect for those times when you feel like that. Spending time at your own pace on this hiking course reminiscent of ancient romance, meeting local people and enjoying seasonal flavors, is sure to relax your mind.
This time, based on a two-day trip the author actually took alone, we will introduce a trip to Tenri where detours are the main focus, including the unmanned food stalls and heartwarming restaurants he encountered along the way.
The Yamanobe-no-michi is the oldest road in Japan, and appears in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. This time, we will walk from JR Miwa Station towards Tenri City , aiming for the ruins of Uchiyama Eikyu-ji Temple.
You can stroll along the gentle path with few ups and downs, listening to the sounds of birds and insects. There are unmanned shops dotted around, and the seasonal fruits and handmade goods you can find there are reasons to stop and look again and again.
When we got tired of walking, we stopped off at Hibaru Gyokyudokoro, where we enjoyed some handmade rice balls and plum juice for a quick break. Small breaks like this make the trip even more enjoyable.
📍Spot information
Hibaru Rest House | 1330-1 Miwa , Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture
At the restaurant "Western Cuisine Katsui" inside the " Tenri City Trail Center" located along the way, the large fried shrimp set meal is popular. On the terrace surrounded by nature, you can enjoy warm dishes made with local ingredients and the friendly personality of the owner and chef, Katsui.
📍Spot information
Western Cuisine Katsui Yamanobe no Michi | 577-1 Yanagimotocho , Tenri City , Nara Prefecture
During our hike, we stopped by "Sengiri-ya," where the owner, Mr. Nakatani, greeted us with a smile. In addition to the specialty Sengiri daikon radish and sliced strawberries, we also had cold beer and ice cream. The casual conversation with the traveler warmed our hearts.
📍Spot information
Sengiri-ya | 236 Otogicho , Tenri City, Nara Prefecture
The Fairfield by Marriott Nara Tenri Nohe no Michi Hotel is located close to the end of the hike, the ruins of Uchiyama Eikyuji Temple. All rooms are spacious, and Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) and cultural facilities are within walking distance.
📍Hotel Information Fairfield by Marriott Nara Tenri
・You can also experience culture at the adjacent "Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) "
・Guests can enjoy local takeaway food in the hotel
・Free bed-sharing service available for guests staying with children
The next day, we headed to the Nara History, Art and Culture Village Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) , which was next to the hotel. In the Cultural Property Restoration and Exhibition Building, we were able to see paintings and sculptures being restored right before our eyes. It was a valuable experience that allowed us to come into contact with tradition and craftsmanship and rediscover the profound depth of Nara.
📍Spot information
Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Nara Historical Art and Culture Village | 437-3 Somanouchicho , Tenri City , Nara Prefecture
Time Content
10:00 Arrive at JR Miwa Station and start hiking
11:30 Take a break at Hibaru Rest House
12:30 Lunch at Katsui Western Restaurant
14:00 Stop by Sengiri-ya
16:00 Check in at the goal hotel at the Uchiyama Eikyuji Temple ruins
Next day 9:00: Visit the Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) to see the cultural property restoration and go shopping
11:00 Departure and return
The Yamanobe Trail in Nara, Tenri is more than just a hiking trail; it is a treasure trove of detours dotted with new encounters and discoveries.
Homemade flavors, kind smiles, and tranquil scenery. At the end of your trip, you'll feel like you want to walk again.
Fairfield by Marriott Nara Tenri-no-he-no-michi Official Website
The Fairfield by Marriott Michi no Eki Project is a regional revitalization project by Sekisui House and Marriott International, which develops hotels close to roadside stations "Michi no Eki" nationwide from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The hotel does not have any dining facilities, but instead has guests use "Michi no Eki" and local restaurants, interacting with local people and enjoying food, and creating a system where guests can fully experience the charm of the area. Hotel staff who are familiar with the area will recommend seasonal information and spots unique to the area. The guest rooms are simple and calm, with comfortable Simmons beds and rain shower-type bathrooms without bathtubs. The hotel's lobby lounge is equipped with a large table, microwave, toaster oven, coffee machine, Japanese tea, and miso soup. Relax in your room and enjoy your purchases from roadside stations, local supermarkets, wineries, sake breweries, etc. in the lobby lounge. After enjoying the area to your heart's content, spend your time relaxing at the hotel as if you were back home. Free high-speed Wi-Fi and tables with power outlets make it ideal for workation. Enjoy a new style of travel, traversing Japan freely while experiencing the charms of each region.
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