Kashihara

The site of one of japan‘s earliest, grandest imperial capitals

Kashihara in suburban Nara Prefecture is a quiet place steeped in history and conveniently close to another ancient capital, Asuka.

Don’t Miss
Kashihara-jingu Shrine
The picturesque old merchant town of Imaicho

How to Get There

Kashihara is accessible by train to Kashihara-jingu-mae Station.
From Kyoto:
From Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu Line, which has a rapid express train that reaches Kashihara-jingu-mae in about an hour.
From Osaka:
From Abenohashi Station in Osaka, it takes an hour on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line to reach Kashihara-jingu-mae Station.
From Nara:
From Kintetsu Nara Station, it takes about 50 minutes on the Kintetsu Line to reach Kashihara-jingu-mae Station via Yamato-Saidaiji.

Discover Kashihara’s transition through 1,000 years of history
Fujiwara-kyo was the imperial capital for a mere 16 years between 694 and 710. The imperial palace site is now covered by fields of seasonal flowers. Fujiwara Information Center offers a look at the area’s past.

The Three Mountains of Yamato
The Three Mountains of Yamato of Mt. Kagu, Mt. Unebi, and Mt. Miminashi were all part of the ancient capital. They are celebrated in some of the oldest poetry anthologies and are still linked by pleasant walking trails.

Kashihara-jingu-mae
From Kashihara-jingu-mae Station, you can reach Kashihara-jingu Shrine within a few minutes on foot. It is dedicated to the first emperor of Japan, Jimmu, and the site is hailed as the spot where he was enthroned. After visiting the shrine building, stroll in its peaceful surroundings, which include the Fukada-ike Pond.

Edo-period town Imai-cho
Skip forward ten centuries, and you find Imaicho, a mere 20-minute walk north of the shrine. This atmospheric Edo-period merchant town has some 500 traditional buildings still intact, many of which have been converted into shops and cafes. Kashihara is a short train ride away from the archaeological sites, temples, and burial mounds at Asuka, which served as the capital prior to Fujiwara-kyo.

Kashihara is a fascinating destination in Nara Prefecture that offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient history. Located in suburban Nara, this quiet town is home to one of Japan’s earliest and grandest imperial capitals. With its close proximity to the ancient capital of Asuka, Kashihara is the perfect place for history enthusiasts to explore.

One of the main attractions in Kashihara is the Kashihara-jingu Shrine. This grand shrine is dedicated to the first emperor of Japan, Jimmu, and is believed to be the spot where he was enthroned. The shrine is easily accessible from Kashihara-jingu-mae Station, which is just a few minutes’ walk away. Visitors can admire the beautiful shrine building and take a peaceful stroll in its surrounding grounds, which include the Fukada-ike Pond.

Another must-visit destination in Kashihara is the old merchant town of Imaicho. This Edo-period town is located just a short walk north of the Kashihara-jingu Shrine. Imaicho is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings, with around 500 still intact. Many of these buildings have been converted into shops and cafes, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of a bygone era. Exploring the streets of Imaicho is like taking a step back in time, with its narrow lanes, wooden facades, and traditional architecture.

Kashihara’s history dates back over 1,000 years to the time of Fujiwara-kyo, which was the imperial capital for a brief period between 694 and 710. Although the imperial palace site is now covered by fields of seasonal flowers, the Fujiwara Information Center provides visitors with a glimpse into the past. Here, you can learn about the history and significance of Fujiwara-kyo through informative exhibits and displays.

Nature lovers will also enjoy the Three Mountains of Yamato, which are located in the vicinity of Kashihara. These mountains, including Mt. Kagu, Mt. Unebi, and Mt. Miminashi, were all part of the ancient capital and are celebrated in some of Japan’s oldest poetry anthologies. Today, these mountains are connected by scenic walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while exploring the historical sites.

In addition to its rich historical and cultural attractions, Kashihara is also conveniently located for day trips to the nearby archaeological sites, temples, and burial mounds at Asuka. Asuka was the capital prior to Fujiwara-kyo and is known for its ancient ruins, including the Asuka-dera Temple and the Ishibutai Kofun burial mound. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s ancient past and are easily accessible from Kashihara by train.

To reach Kashihara, you can take a train to Kashihara-jingu-mae Station. From Kyoto, the Kintetsu Line offers a rapid express train that takes about an hour. From Osaka, you can take the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line from Abenohashi Station, which also takes about an hour. If you’re coming from Nara, the Kintetsu Line from Kintetsu Nara Station will take you to Kashihara-jingu-mae Station in approximately 50 minutes via Yamato-Saidaiji.

In conclusion, Kashihara is a hidden gem in Nara Prefecture that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its grand shrine and well-preserved merchant town to its connections to ancient capitals and archaeological sites, there is much to explore and discover in this quiet town. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Kashihara is a destination that should not be missed.

Address And Maps Location:

Kashihara-shi, Nara-ken


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