Yamanobe-no-michi Trail

What to know

The Yamanobe-no-michi Trail (山辺の道) is an ancient path in Nara Prefecture, recognized as the oldest road recorded in Japanese history. Today, it offers a pleasant hike through rural scenery, linking several shrines, temples, and other points of interest. The most popular stretch runs about eleven kilometers from Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai City to Isonokami Shrine in Tenri City, with the trail continuing north toward Nara City.

The trail is mostly unpaved dirt, though it becomes paved in sections as it winds through small villages. There are a few short, steep hills, but overall the terrain is gentle and suitable for average walkers in sturdy shoes. Along the way, you'll find public toilets, vending machines, fruit and vegetable stalls, and frequent directional signs in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese.

At the northern end of the main section stands Isonokami Shrine, surrounded by trees. It was once the family shrine of the Mononobe Clan, a powerful conservative clan in early Japanese history that was eventually defeated by more progressive rivals. The shrine houses ancient weapons from the clan, though they are not on public display. A few kilometers south lies Yatogi Shrine, a small, peaceful shrine notable for its thatched roof.

The rural views along this part of the trail contrast beautifully with the urbanized basin below. Chogakuji Temple, a historic temple midway along the popular section, was once a large, powerful complex with its own army. Today, it features the oldest wooden bell tower gate in Japan and a picturesque small Japanese garden.

Not far south of Chogakuji is the largest of several massive ancient keyhole-shaped tombs (kofun) in the area. This one, over 400 meters long and 200 meters wide, is said to be the tomb of Emperor Sujin, one of Japan's earliest emperors.

Further along the trail is Hibara Shrine, considered a predecessor of the Ise Shrines. It features a very old style of triple torii gate rarely seen elsewhere. Hibara is an auxiliary shrine of nearby Omiwa Shrine at the southern trailhead. One of the oldest shrines in Japan, Omiwa Shrine is dedicated to Mount Miwa behind it.