7 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kawakami Village Surrounded by Beautiful Water and Rich Nature

Kawakami Village is located in the southeastern part of Nara Prefecture. It is situated in the headwaters of the Yoshino River, offering rich natural landscapes to enjoy. As a result, it is popular for trekking, hiking, and stream fishing. In this article, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Kawakami Village.

1. Kawakami Village's Pride: "Shirahige Peak" Hiking Course

Kawakami Village is mostly mountainous, and among the many mountains, "Shirahige Peak (1378m)" located in the center of the village is particularly known for its beautiful scenery.
The beauty of the landscape is so highly praised by the locals that many tourists visit throughout the year to hike. With a variety of wild plants and animals, you’ll never get bored while hiking. The view from the top is breathtaking when it's clear, but even on cloudy days, the scenery remains mystically beautiful.

There are two hiking routes, but the entrance at "Kanno-tani Forest Road," which is close to National Route 169, is more convenient for access. The round-trip distance is about 10 km, making it suitable for intermediate hikers.

2. "Tombori Falls" Seen by Matsuo Basho

Kawakami Village, being in the mountains, has several waterfalls, and one of the most popular is "Tombori Falls." It is said that Matsuo Basho also walked near the falls, making it a popular tourist spot.

Located in the northwest part of the village, near Yoshino Town, it might be a good idea to visit in combination with a tour of Yoshino. As expected, this area is rich in nature, so beautiful scenery can be enjoyed year-round.

To access the falls, head east from Yamato-Kami Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line by car, following National Route 169. It takes about 30 minutes to reach.

3. "Fudo Cave Limestone Cave" Enshrining Fudo Myo-o

Fudo Cave Limestone Cave in Kawakami Village enshrines Fudo Myo-o. The charm of this cave lies in its many waterfalls, especially the Fudo Falls, which are very popular.
Kawakami Village, with its numerous waterfalls, is perfect for waterfall tours.
The Fudo Cave is relatively long, which stirs curiosity, making it a popular spot for children. Therefore, many families visit for sightseeing. The cave’s temperature is another appealing feature—warm in winter and cool in summer.

4. "Osako Dam" Where You Can Enjoy Fishing in Nature-Rich Kawakami Village

Kawakami Village, famous for its water towns, is home to "Osako Dam." It’s popular with locals for fishing. The dam is quite large, and various types of fish can be caught here. There’s also a park adjacent to it, and some people call it the "Dam Fishing Park."
During cherry blossom season, people from Kawakami Village come to enjoy hanami. It’s possible to take a walk around the dam, and locals often enjoy walking in the area.

5. "Nakai Keikoku Nature School" Tourism Facility Utilizing Kawakami Village’s Nature

The "Nakai Keikoku Nature School" features a managed fishing area that makes good use of Kawakami Village's abundant nature, attracting many tourists. Fishing gear can be rented, so even if you come unexpectedly, you can enjoy fishing. At Nakai Keikoku Nature School, you can also catch fish by hand, making it popular with children who can’t fish.
With a parking lot available, it’s easy to access by car. If you're coming from a distance, renting a car is a good option.

6. "Yoshino Sugi Kobo" Crafting with Yoshino Cedar

A specialty of Kawakami Village is Yoshino cedar. "Yoshino Sugi Kobo" sells souvenirs made from this cedar. It’s also known as the "Kawakami Village Woodworking Center" and is loved by locals.

Recently, due to reliance on imported timber, opportunities to use high-quality Japanese wood have decreased. To attract more tourists, they are creating high-quality wooden crafts. They also produce original woodworking items, so not only tourists but also locals place orders here.
Yoshino Sugi Kobo also accepts orders online. If you’re hesitant to carry items home, you can view the products at the workshop and place an order afterward.

7. "Irinonami Onsen" with Yellow-Brown Waters

When it comes to hot springs in Kawakami Village, "Irinonami Onsen" is famous for its yellow-brown carbonated bicarbonate springs. The water is said to be effective for neuralgia. With a hot spring town in the area, visitors can enjoy the onsen whether staying overnight or just for a day trip. A highlight is being able to bathe while enjoying the beautiful gorge scenery.

In addition to Irinonami Onsen, there is also Yumori Onsen within the village, known for its views of the Okuyoshino Gorge, which is popular among tourists.

◎ Summary

Kawakami Village, with its abundant water sources and greenery, is a tourist destination where you can enjoy nature unique to Japan. With activities such as river play, mountain exploration, and relaxing in hot springs, it is recommended for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful sightseeing experience.

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