What is the best walking route in Nara for nature lovers?

The Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest route is the best choice for nature enthusiasts. It takes you away from the city crowds into a UNESCO-protected ancient forest that has been untouched for over 1,000 years.

Is the hike to the Jigokudani Stone Buddhas difficult?

Yes, it is considered a moderate to challenging hike. While the paths are marked, they are unpaved, steep in sections, and involve navigating tree roots and stones, requiring a decent level of fitness and proper footwear.

Can I see the Nara deer on this walk?

Absolutely. You will encounter the sacred deer throughout Nara Park and even on the lower slopes of the mountain near Kasugataisha Shrine.

Is the Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest free to enter?

Yes, the forest trails and the Kasugayama Promenade are free and open to the public. However, some of the museums and gardens at the start of the route require an entrance fee.

What should I bring for this Nara walking route?

You should bring sturdy walking or hiking shoes, at least one liter of water, snacks, and a portable battery for your phone. There are no shops or vending machines once you enter the forest trail.

Are there toilets in the Mount Kasuga forest?

No, there are no toilet facilities deep within the primeval forest. You should use the restrooms at Kasugataisha Shrine or the Wakakusayama rest area before beginning the forest ascent.

Is it safe to walk in the Nara forest alone?

While generally safe, the forest is very secluded and quiet. It is recommended to hike with a partner, stay on marked trails, and ensure you are out of the woods before it gets dark.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the bustling tourist centers and immerse yourself in the ancient spiritual landscape of Nara. This walking route offers a profound transition from the city's refined cultural museums to the wild, untamed beauty of the Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. Your journey begins with a look at Nara’s unique relationship with nature at the Ikimono and Kingyo Museums before crossing the historic Heijō Palace Site, where the city’s imperial story first took root. As you move eastward, the landscape shifts from the manicured elegance of Yoshikien and Isuien Gardens into the expansive greenery of Nara Park, home to the city’s famous sacred deer. The true heart of this self-guided walk lies beyond the iconic Kasugataisha Shrine. Here, you leave the crowds behind and enter a realm that has remained largely untouched for over a millennium. The Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site where hunting and logging have been prohibited since the year 841, preserving a rare ecosystem that the Japanese have long considered a 'kami-yama' or mountain of the gods. As you ascend the challenging forest trails, the air cools and the sounds of the city fade, replaced by the rustle of ancient trees and the hidden echoes of Buddhist history. Along the rugged path, you will encounter the weathered stone carvings of the Jigokudani Stone Cavern Buddhas and the enigmatic Kubikiri Jizo, artifacts of a time when these mountains served as a rigorous training ground for monks. This route is designed for those who seek more than just a standard walking tour Nara; it is a pilgrimage into the silence that has defined Nara’s spiritual identity for centuries. Prepare for a physical challenge that rewards you with deep tranquility and a connection to Japan’s primeval past. Whether you are a photography enthusiast capturing the moss-covered lanterns or a nature lover seeking the quietest corners of the region, this neighborhood stroll provides an unforgettable look at Nara's sacred geography.

Highlights

The kaleidoscopic displays of the NARA KINGYO (Goldfish) Museum

Panoramic views of the ancient capital from the Heijō Palace Site

Traditional 'borrowed scenery' at the exquisite Isuien Garden

The thousands of bronze and stone lanterns at Kasugataisha Shrine

A challenging hike through a forest protected since the 9th century

Ancient Buddhist rock carvings at the Jigokudani Stone Cavern

Tour Stops (15)

Nara Ikimono Museum

Start your exploration at the Nara Ikimono Museum, a unique space dedicated to the 'living things' that define our planet. Unlike traditional natural history museums, this space emphasizes the interaction between humans and various species, including reptiles, fish, and amphibians. It sets a perfect thematic foundation for your walk, highlighting the biodiversity that Japan holds sacred. Take a moment to observe the intricate displays before we transition from these curated environments to the vast imperial history of Nara's past.

NARA KINGYO MUSEUM

Located nearby, the Kingyo Museum celebrates the goldfish, a creature deeply embedded in Japanese culture since the Edo period. This isn't just an aquarium; it's an artistic installation where light, projection mapping, and traditional aesthetics meet. Nara Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of goldfish, and this museum showcases them as living jewels. The vibrant colors and creative tank designs offer a whimsical look at how Japanese art often mirrors and enhances the natural world.

Heijō Palace Site Historical Park

Step back to the 8th century at the Heijō Palace Site. This was the heart of Nara when it served as Japan's first permanent capital. The vast, open fields and reconstructed gates, such as the Suzakumon, give you a sense of the city's original scale and its layout modeled after the Chinese Tang Dynasty capital. Standing here, you can imagine the imperial processions that once moved through these grounds. It is a stark, impressive contrast to the dense forest we will encounter later in our walk.

Yoshikien Garden

Yoshikien is a hidden gem often overlooked by those rushing to the larger temples. This garden is unique because it features three distinct styles: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. The moss garden is particularly stunning after a light rain, showcasing various shades of deep green. It was built on the site of former residences belonging to the high priests of Kofuku-ji, and it retains a quiet, scholarly atmosphere that is perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum

Directly adjacent to Yoshikien is Isuien, a masterpiece of 'shakkei' or borrowed scenery. Look toward the background and notice how the Nandaimon Gate of Todai-ji Temple and the mountains of Mount Wakakusa and Mount Kasuga are incorporated into the garden's design. The garden is divided into two sections: the front garden from the 17th century and the larger back garden from the Meiji era. The Neiraku Museum on-site houses a fine collection of ancient Chinese and Korean ceramics.

Nara Park

Enter the famous Nara Park, a massive public space where history and nature coexist. While it is home to major temples, the park itself is a landmark of Japanese heritage. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. As you walk, notice the ancient pine trees and the open lawns that have been maintained for centuries. This is the gateway to the more spiritual and wild sections of the city, where the boundary between the human and divine worlds begins to blur.

Manyo Botanical Gardens

Operated by Kasugataisha Shrine, this garden is dedicated to the plants mentioned in the 'Manyoshu,' Japan's oldest collection of poetry. Over 300 plant species are featured here, each linked to an ancient verse. The garden is most famous for its Wisteria (Fuji) blossoms, which hang in heavy, fragrant purple clusters in late April and early May. It’s a place where literature and botany intertwine, offering a glimpse into how the ancient Japanese perceived the natural world around them.

Deer Park

While deer are everywhere in Nara, this area of the park allows for a closer look at these 'messengers of the gods.' According to legend, the deity Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer to protect the new capital. Since then, the deer have been protected and revered. While they are wild animals, they have learned to interact with visitors, often bowing for 'shika senbei' (deer crackers). Observe their social dynamics and the way they roam freely, a living symbol of Nara’s spiritual history.

Ukimido Pavilion

Pause at the Sagi-ike Pond to admire the Ukimido Pavilion. This wooden gazebo appears to float on the water, connected to the shore by a graceful bridge. It is a quintessentially romantic spot, especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season or when the autumn leaves reflect in the still water. The pavilion provides a moment of architectural tranquility before we begin our ascent toward the more rugged and sacred Mount Kasuga.

Kasugataisha Shrine

Welcome to Kasugataisha, Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine. Founded in 768, it is famous for its thousands of lanterns. Over 3,000 lanterns—both stone ones lining the pathways and bronze ones hanging from the buildings—have been donated by devotees over centuries. They are all lit twice a year during the Mantoro festivals. The shrine’s bright vermillion buildings against the dark green forest backdrop create a striking visual of Shinto's vibrant presence in the natural landscape.

Wakakusayama Rest Area

Before heading into the deep woods, catch your breath at the base of Mount Wakakusa. This grass-covered mountain is famous for the 'Yamayaki' festival in January, when the entire hillside is set ablaze. From this vantage point, you can see the slope rising above you. It marks the transition point where the park's open spaces end and the dense, primeval forest begins. Ensure your water bottle is full, as the terrain becomes significantly more challenging from here.

Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest

You are now entering the Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest. Because this mountain is considered the 'shintai' (divine body) of the Kasugataisha deities, hunting and logging have been strictly forbidden here since 841 AD. This has resulted in a rare, ancient ecosystem featuring massive cedar and oak trees that are centuries old. The silence here is heavy and sacred. As you hike the winding trails, you are walking through a landscape that looks much as it did to the monks and emperors of ancient Japan.

Myokengu

Deep within the forest sits Myokengu, a small and secluded shrine. It is far removed from the primary tourist paths, offering a moment of true 'sacred silence.' Such mountain shrines were often places of intense spiritual practice for mountain ascetics. The simple structure, surrounded by towering trees and moss-covered earth, exemplifies the Shinto belief that the divine resides within the deepest parts of nature. It is a place for quiet reflection before the final leg of our journey.

Kubikiri Jizo

Further along the trail, you will find the Kubikiri Jizo, or 'Beheaded Jizo.' This stone statue of the bodhisattva Jizo has a distinct crack at its neck. Legend says that the master swordsman Araki Mataemon tested his blade on this statue, severing its head. Jizo is the protector of travelers and children, and finding such a statue deep in the woods was a sign of comfort for those navigating these lonely mountain passes in centuries past.

Jigokudani Stone Cavern Buddhas

Our journey concludes at the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Stone Cavern Buddhas. Carved directly into the volcanic rock faces, these ancient Buddhist images date back to the late Heian or early Kamakura periods. The weathered, mossy faces of the Buddhas emerging from the stone create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. This site was once a place where monks came to meditate on the transition between life and death. Standing here, surrounded by the primeval forest, you can feel the enduring power of Nara’s spiritual roots.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full circuit including the forest stops takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The hike from the base of the mountain to the Jigokudani Buddhas and back covers about 9 to 10 kilometers of varying terrain.