Explore Gojo City, Nara – 6 Must-See Tourist Spots Recommended for Your Visit

Gojo City in Nara Prefecture is home to many historic attractions. While those interested in history will naturally enjoy the area, there are also plenty of elements that appeal even to those who aren’t particularly drawn to history. In this article, we introduce some of the top tourist spots in Gojo City.

1. A Must-See in Gojo Tourism! Tenpoh-ji, the Temple Where Kūkai Is Said to Have Stopped By

Tenpoh-ji is an indispensable spot among Gojo City’s tourist attractions. According to legend, when Kūkai (Kobo Daishi) was traveling from Heian-kyō to Koyasan and became lost, he borrowed two dogs from a hunter he encountered by chance, who then guided him safely to Koyasan.

Tenpoh-ji is the temple where Kūkai met the hunter. The two dogs that guided him are enshrined within the temple grounds as “Karihaba Myojin” and “Nyū Myojin,” with bronze statues facing each other. Although the statues are generally depicted in white and black, some accounts say that both were actually black.

Many people come to Tenpoh-ji for ancestral memorial services and for rituals related to unbaptized infants. With various prayers and invocations available—including prayers for prosperous business, academic success, family safety, and traffic safety—getting a prayer at Tenpoh-ji might make for a memorable experience.

2. For Lunch in Gojo City, Try “Yamato Honjin”

If you’re looking to enjoy delicious food in Gojo City, “Yamato Honjin,” located near Futami Station, is highly recommended. If you travel by train, it takes about a 22-minute walk from Gojo Station, but from Futami Station it’s only a 2-minute walk. When touring by train, it’s best to head to Futami Station rather than Gojo Station.

This restaurant specializes in udon and soba, and is popular with both locals and many tourists during lunchtime. However, on weekends it tends to form long lines, so if you’d prefer to avoid waiting, consider visiting on a weekday during lunch hours. Enjoying a meal here can be a great way to commemorate your visit to Gojo.

Yamato Honjin is especially known for its “ojiya udon”—a dish that features a combination of ojiya (a rice porridge) and udon, with a refined Kansai-style broth that is truly appetizing.

3. If You Want to See a National Treasure in Gojo City, Visit Eizan-ji

Within the grounds of Eizan-ji stands a modestly set octagonal hall, a precious building designated as a national treasure. It is said to have been constructed during the Nara period. Eizan-ji also houses a large bell—approximately 157 cm in height with an 89 cm diameter—which is also a national treasure and is counted among Japan’s three famous temple bells. In addition, the temple grounds include other important cultural properties and stone lanterns, making it an ideal destination for a historical exploration. Eizan-ji is accessible on foot from JR Gojo Station or by bus (bound for Nishi-Ada or Higashi-Hatta).

4. A Walking Distance from Gojo Station – Kuriyama House, Perfect for Sightseeing

Kuriyama House is located in a tranquil area designated as part of a “Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.” It not only boasts the charm of an old folk house, but it is also relatively large in scale. Records indicate that it was built in 1607, and it might even be the oldest folk house in Japan.

Although Kuriyama House has been designated as an Important Cultural Property, it is still used as a residence, so public tours are not permitted. However, it can be admired from a short distance away, making it a recommended spot to visit during a leisurely stroll. Besides its historical significance, features such as the earthen floor and wooden beam construction allow visitors to appreciate the inherent charm of a traditional folk house.

When viewing the house, please be mindful not to disturb the residents or local neighbors. It is about an 8-minute walk from JR Gojo Station.

5. A Must-Try When Visiting Gojo – “Kakinoha Sushi Honpo”

When you’re in Gojo City, be sure to check out the local Nara specialty “kakinoha-zushi” (persimmon leaf sushi). “Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Tanaka Gojo Main Store” is recommended for its delicious kakinoha-zushi. It is about a 13-minute walk from JR Gojo Station and a 12-minute walk from JR Yamato-Futami Station. If you enjoy a relaxed stroll through the town, the distance will not feel far at all.

This pressed sushi, featuring salt-cured salmon or trout on rice and wrapped in persimmon leaves, has been a long-standing local dish. Each piece is individually wrapped in a persimmon leaf, making it easy to eat while enjoying the fragrant aroma of the leaf.

Kakinoha Sushi Honpo Tanaka Gojo Main Store also serves lunch. Its casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for solo travelers as well.

6. Enjoy Sweets at the “Daito Local History Museum”

Built to preserve and pass down the history and culture of the former Daito Village, the folk museum “Daito Local History Museum” offers a space where you can experience demonstrations and interactive exhibits of the local food culture. It’s an ideal facility to truly feel the essence of the region.

After exploring the history of Daito Village, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site dining area, which recreates a traditional farmhouse with a thatched roof, where meals are enjoyed around a hearth. There is also a section selling traditional toys and souvenirs, ensuring that visitors of all ages can have a delightful time.

Popular dishes include the “Miyama Teishoku” (set meal) with tea porridge and “Mebari Sushi.” Tea porridge can also be ordered as a single dish. The café serves coffee, matcha, sweet red bean soup, and kuzumochi.

◎ Summary

How did you like our introduction to the recommended tourist spots in Gojo City? Gojo City is conveniently located near areas such as Kudoyama in Osaka Prefecture and Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, making it easy to plan trips that span multiple regions. For those who want to explore Nara Prefecture in a more active way, consider including nearby areas in your itinerary.

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Explore Gojo City, Nara – 6 Must-See Tourist Spots Recommended for Your Visit