Yamanobe no Michi Trail

The Yamanobe no Michi Trail (山の辺の道), also known as the Yamanobe Road, is an ancient trail located in Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is considered one of the oldest roads in Japan, with parts of it dating back to the 7th century.

The entire trail stretches approximately 25 kilometers and meanders through the eastern foothills of the Nara Basin, connecting multiple historical sites. A popular section of the trail, about 11 kilometers long, runs between Omiwa Shrine in Sakurai City and Isonokami Shrine in Tenri City, passing through rural landscapes and small villages. It was originally part of a larger road network used by pilgrims traveling between the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto.

Along the way, there are many historic sites, including shrines, temples, and ancient tombs. One of the most famous sites along the trail is the Omiwa Shrine (大神神社), one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is dedicated to the god of sake brewing and mountains and is believed to have been established over 2,000 years ago.

Walking the Yamanobe no Michi Trail is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, including rice paddies, traditional houses, and historical landmarks. It is a great way to experience Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying a peaceful hike in nature.

Getting there

By Train

1. Take the JR Sakurai Line from JR Nara Station
2. Get off at Miwa Station (about 27 minutes, 330 yen)

Starting Point of the Trail

• About 10 minutes walk from Miwa Station to Omiwa Shrine
• Omiwa Shrine is the southern starting point of the trail

End Point of the Trail

• Isonokami Shrine near Tenri Station is the northern end point of the trail
• From Tenri Station to Isonokami Shrine: about 10 minutes by taxi (around 1000 yen) or 30-40 minutes on foot

Important Notes

• The trail is about 11km long and takes about 4 hours to walk
• The JR Sakurai Line runs parallel to the trail, so it’s possible to start or end at intermediate stations
• The trail has signposts in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese

The Yamanobe no Michi Trail is one of Japan’s oldest roads, running along the eastern foothills of the Nara Basin. It’s a popular hiking course offering peaceful rural landscapes and numerous shrines and temples.