Nara Essential Sightseeing

Go Deep into Nara & Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring!Japan’s largest village, Totukawa Village’s hot spring area

Cherry Blossoms (from late March to mid April)

The name of Totsukawa, probably doesn’t appear in many tourist guide books for foreigners. Actually it is true that it is a bit hard for foreign tourists to reach but when you finally arrive and see what Japan’s largest village has to offer, you will surely feel rewarded for all the time and effort you took to get there! Totsukawa Village is located deep in the mountains of Nara, near the borders of Wakayama and Mie Prefecture. Ninety-six percent of its area is covered with mountains and forests including a grove of Japanese cypress trees. Totsukawa Village hosts a variety of hot spring areas that remain popular among Japanese tourists. Why not take a bus (Japan’s longest local bus line!) and enjoy a “slow” trip deep into Nara.

Access: From Kintetsu Yagi Station take the Nara Kotsu Bus bound for Shingu (platform #2; depart: 9:15, 11:45, 13:45), for about 4 hours to get to the village’s hot spring area. Totsukawa Tourist Association: Tel: 0746-63-0200 (Japanese only);www.totsukawa.info

Tosenji Onsen Area: Located in the central part of the village, this hot spring area has one of the longest histories as a hot spring location in Japan with records dating from 1581. Famous Japanese samurai and historically important people visited here in bygone days to cure themselves of various ailments. There are several Japanese inns along the river.

Taki no Yu, Public Hot Spring Area: This public bath area was completely renewed and reopened in March 2009. The bathtubs are made of local wood and the fragrant scent will surely relax you.; Entry: 600yen/Open: 10:00-21:00, closed Thurs., no overnight stay available. A 5-min. walk from Totsukawamura Yakuba bus stop; Tel: 0746-62-0400.

Izumi Yu, Public Hot Spring Space: Both inside and open-air bath are available. The open-air bath has a stunning view as it faces directly to the mountain.; Entry: 400yen/Open: 10:00-19:30, closed Tues., no overnight stay available, Tel: 0746-62-0090.

Totsukawa Onsen Area: The largest hot spring area in the village is located near Ninotsu Dam beside a beautiful lake surrounded by many inns and shops. A local laborer discovered the hot spring’s origin in the late 17th century.

Hoshi no Yu in Subaru no Sato: In addition to the large bath area, this accommodation hosts a hot water swimming pool and athletic field. There are several types of baths: inside, open-air, waterfall style, sauna, etc.; Entry: 800yen/Open: 12:00-17:00 (overnight stay & day trip both available)/Tel: 0746-64-1111.

Iori no Yu in Public Hot Spring: A small local shared (male and female) bath across from Totsukawa Onsen bus stop. There is a foot bath space as well (free of charge).; Entry: 400yen/Open: 10:00-21:00/Tel: 0746-64-1100.

Thrilling Skywalk on the Tanise Suspension Bridge!: One of the most popular and thrilling attractions in Totsukawa Village is the Tanise Suspension Bridge. It used to be an essential feature of the area as it was the only walkway to connect both sides of the gorge for the local people (built in 1954). At almost 300-meters, it is Japan’s longest bridge suspended by iron wires. The bridge is more than 50 meters above the ground and you can see the gorge of Totsukawa River far below your feet! Try to walk on the bridge and you will feel like you are walking in the sky.

Totsukawa’s traditional local food: Yubeshi: Yubeshi is a traditional preserved food made in Totsukawa during winter. Yuzu pulp (Japanese lime) is removed from the lime’s interior and mixed into a paste consisting of miso (salty red bean paste), buckwheat powder, rice powder, sesame and peanuts, and then steamed. The paste is then placed back into the skin and the stuffed Yuzu is left outside for a time in the cold mountain winter wind. Yubeshi has the fresh scent of Yuzu mixed with the rich nutritious flavor of the unique paste.

Discover Arts in the Old Capital Art galleries/spaces in Nara

Nara’s charms are not limited to time-honored temples and shrines, classic architecture, spacious parks and nature. There are also a number of special places exhibiting works of art, often hidden away and off the beaten tourist track, that will surely engage those who take the time to seek them out.

Art Space KAMISANJO: The first floor is a pretty café and the gallery on the second floor is where a variety of different exhibitions are held almost continuously every week. “I hope many people, regardless of where they come from, will enjoy Nara and can discover some of Nara’s new beauty through our exhibitions!”, the owner Ms. Kazuko Katayama says with smiles.; Exhibition Schedule: Dec. 1-6: Hiroshi Fujita + Toyohiko Kinoue: Collaborative exhibition of these two artists and Buddhist monks; Dec. 1-6: Yuji Kondo Wooden Furniture: Handcrafted furniture using only natural wood; Dec. 8-20: Yoshihito Takeuchi Exhibition “Smiles”; Jan. 5-10: Oil Paintings by Terukazu Kishimoto: Jan. 19-24: Sense of Leaping Forward: University students in Nara selected fine art works created by physically challenged artists.

Gallery OUT of PLACE: Though located just a few minutes walk from Nara’s main Sanjo Street, OUT of PLACE will be a secret, hidden space forever. As you walk into the extremely narrow lane, you may feel anxious that you have trespassed on someone’s private property. Formerly an old house the building has been reborn as a stylish and bright art gallery. Feel “Out of Place” in Japan’s old capital and view some sensational art works.; Exhibition Schedule: Until Dec 20: Wataru Nakamura Exhibition: LONGING: Wataru Nakamura (1981- ) is a young Japanese artist who studied in overseas; people, places and things around him are transformed in his uniquely painted works. Jan. 14-Feb. 7: New Show/Kazutaka Fujita & Kazue Nakamura: opening reception: Jan. 16, from 17:00; anyone welcomed; free of charge.; Open Thurs.-Sun.: 12:00-19:00, closed Dec. 21-Jan. 13; Tel: 0742-26-1001; www.outofplace.jp

Gallery ASUKA: Gallery ASUKA, in the Asuka area, is situated in an old Japanese house with a back yard where a variety of art works are also displayed. The owner, Mr. Kita is now collecting art or postcard messages from 10,000 people. The postcards will be kept for 50 years and a special exhibition displaying their messages will be held in 2060 (also held every January the gallery). Anyone is welcome to join (just 100 yen is necessary).; Exhibition Schedule: Until Dec. 20: Nara Deer Protection Charity Exhibition: A charity exhibition to raise money to protect the deer in Nara Park. Many artists from different fields and genres will join. Jan. 20-25: Japanese Lacquer Exhibition and Workshop: Visitors can not only view lacquer works but also try to make a pair of lacquered chopsticks! (2,000 yen, about 2 hours).; Open: 10:00-18:00, closed Tues. & New Year’s holiday; Tel: 0744-54-5533; http://www008.upp.so-net.ne.jp/garo-asuka/

Art Spaces in Murou: About 1 hour by train or car from central Nara area, one can discover an ancient sacred area called Murou. Surrounded by peacefulness and fresh mountain air, there are two incredible art spaces. *Both galleries below are located about 20-min. walk from Kintetsu Murou-guchi Ono Sta. (1 hour by train).

Gallery Moon: If you actually do visit Gallery Moon, you will know immediately how lucky you were to find and visit this secretive gem. The owner, Ms. Yamawaki, displays her private collection in every space of her sprawling, 300-year-old house and spacious garden. Exhibition Schedule: Dec. 11-20: Nobuo Nakajima Wood Craft Exhibition; Open Fri., Sat., Sun.: 11:00-18:00 (open every day during special exhibition); Closed Dec. 20-March; Tel: 0745-92-3960; http://www.39moon.com/

NaraExplorer

Up-to-date and essential English tourist information about Nara for international visitors

Go Deep into Nara & Enjoy Onsen Hot Spring!Japan’s largest village, Totukawa Village’s hot spring area

Discover Arts in the Old Capital Art galleries/spaces in Nara

Autumn 2010