[A must-see for enjoying Nara!] A tour of famous places in Yamatokoriyama City, a place associated with Toyotomi Hidenaga.

Five spots you should know

The item we'll be introducing today is,
1. A famous cherry blossom viewing spot: Koriyama Castle
2. The much-talked-about paper-cut goshuin (temple stamp) at Shungakuin Temple
3. Your wish might come true? [Dainagon Mound]
4. Hidenaga Products Center offers a wide selection of souvenirs.
5. Convenient Access

By efficiently utilizing the drama museum and local buses, you can have a very satisfying day.
Please check it out!

1. A historically significant castle ruin: "Koriyama Castle"

It's also known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, and the view from the observation deck is truly breathtaking!
Koriyama, built in 1580 by Tsutsui Junkei, was the largest Yamato Castle in Yamato Province and served as the residence of the Toyotomi, Mizuno, Matsudaira, Honda, and Yanagisawa families.
After Toyotomi Hidenaga (the younger brother of the famous general Toyotomi Hideyoshi) entered the castle, he carried out major renovations, laying the foundation for modern castles.
Try to find repurposed stones, such as Jizo statues, that were used in the stone wall!

Furthermore, the exhibition "Hidenaga and the History of Koriyama " will be held at the Higashi Tamon Yagura (Higashi Tower) on the premises from January 22, 2026, to January 31, 2027!
This exhibition allows you to experience the history of Yamatokoriyama all at once and features a collection of materials that are rarely seen by the public.

The location of Koriyama Castle is here.

2. Shungakuin Temple, the family temple of Lord Hidenaga.

This is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect located near the ruins of Koriyama Castle.
Originally called Tokoji Temple, it was renamed "Shungakuin" after Toyotomi Hidenaga's posthumous Buddhist name, following its designation as his family temple.
The temple houses various Buddhist statues, centered around the principal image of Amida Buddha (created during the Muromachi period), and also displays wooden statues and portraits of Lord Hidenaga.
In addition, documents related to the "Hakomoto" system of self-governance established by Lord Hidenaga have also been made public.

Furthermore, I'd like you to check out this Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp).
It's become a hot topic on social media, and it's actually decorated with paper cutting!
It was so lovely, I got one too!

The location of Shungakuin Temple is here.

Near Shungakuin Temple is Yanagimachi Shopping Street, which still retains much of the atmosphere of a castle town.
In this shopping street, you can enjoy a stamp rally where you collect different stamps from each store.

There are 39 different stamps in total! (As of October 2025)
Each stamp has a unique design, and I can't help but get excited every time I visit the store, wondering, "What kind of stamp will I get next?"

I tried it too, but I've only managed to complete about half of it... Sigh.

The special stamp rally notebook, "Go-kinkyo-cho," can be purchased at " Tohon, " " Honke Kikuya ," and " Narukoma ." There's also a special "Toyotomi Hidenaga version"!

The location of Yanagimachi Shopping Street is here.

3. The resting place of Lord Hidenaga, "Dainagon-zuka"

Toyotomi Hidenaga died in Koriyama Castle in 1591 and was buried in this location.

Here we have something called "Wishing Sand."
After expressing your gratitude for being able to visit the shrine, you pass the sand through the stone box in front of the gate three times while saying your name and your wish.
It is said that your wishes will be granted!

I also made a wish and hope it will come true.

The location of the Dainagon Mound is here.

4. Yamato Koriyama Hidenaga Products Center--Yamato Dainagon

DMG MORI Yamato Koriyama Hall have many souvenirs related to Toyotomi Hidenaga.
After your stroll, be sure to purchase some of Yamatokoriyama City's new specialty, "Lord Hidenaga goods."
I bought "Beppin Nara pickle's Yamato Miso." It was really delicious!

Furthermore, the "Toyotomi Brothers! Yamatokoriyama Taiga Drama Museum" is also being held within the same Koriyama Castle Hall.
Please feel free to stop by.

Click here for information on DMG MORI Yamato Koriyama Hall.

The location of DMG MORI Yamato Koriyama Hall is here.

5. Public transportation is recommended as a means of getting around!

Parking is scarce in Yamatokoriyama City, so public transportation is highly recommended for sightseeing!

▶If traveling by car: Aeon Mall Yamato Yamatokoriyama has a park-and-ride parking lot, so please use that. Transfer to a bus bound for "Koriyama Station" and get off at either "Koriyama Station" or "Yamato Koriyama Hall".
▶If taking the bus: Get off at either "Koriyama Station" or "Yamato Koriyama Hall".
▶If traveling by train: Get off at Koriyama Station or JR Koriyama Station.

Additionally, you will find a special poster of Lord Hidenaga and an AI voice announcement of Lord Hidenaga inside the bus, so please be sure to listen to it.

For information on transportation options, please see the following reference site: [Hidenaga no Wa Yamatokoriyama] Hidenaga Project Special Site.