Just 20 Minutes from Osaka! 5 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Kashiba City Full of Nature and History

Kashiba City, located in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture, is a city adjacent to Osaka Prefecture. It is a region rich in nature, with various tourist spots that take advantage of its mountains and natural beauty. One of its charms is its convenient access, with the shortest travel time to central Osaka being just 22 minutes. This time, we will introduce five recommended tourist destinations in Kashiba City that you can easily visit.

1. Donzurubō Peak – A Fascinating Rock Formation Shaped by History

Standing at an elevation of 150 meters, Donzurubō Peak is a famous tourist spot in Kashiba City and has been designated as a natural monument of Nara Prefecture. This area has undergone repeated volcanic activity for over a thousand years, exposing rocks and creating eroded landscapes, making it a geologically significant site.
Remnants of air-raid shelters used during the Greater East Asia War still exist here. It is said that an aviation command post was also located in this area during wartime. Today, part of the site is utilized as an earthquake prediction center.

2. Mount Nijō – A Hiker-Friendly Mountain with Trails Starting in Kashiba City

Located on the border between Nara and Osaka Prefectures, Mount Nijō gets its name from its two peaks: the Male Peak (Odake) and the Female Peak (Medake). With hiking trails and nearby train stations within Kashiba City, many visitors choose Kashiba as their starting point for exploring the area.
With an elevation of just 332 meters, it’s not too high, making it an excellent hiking destination for beginners looking for a casual outdoor adventure.

3. Chimata Pond – A Stunning View of Mount Nijō

Chimata Pond is located 15 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Taima-dera Station and 20 minutes from JR Goido Station. From the pond’s surroundings, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset over Mount Nijō, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals in Kashiba City.
On windless days, you can even witness the "upside-down Mount Nijō" reflected on the pond’s surface. Many visitors come here to capture this picturesque scene through photography or painting. The area has few tall buildings, allowing for unobstructed views of the cityscape even from lower elevations in Kashiba City.

4. Aniji Temple Ruins Historic Park – Linked to Prince Shōtoku’s Construction Theory

Located in Aniji, Kashiba City, the Aniji Temple Ruins Historic Park was designated as a national historic site in 2002. Among the excavated artifacts discovered during archaeological investigations, one of the most notable is the central foundation stone of the temple’s pagoda, said to be the largest of its kind in Japan.
On April 21, 2016, an educational center was opened at the site to help pass down its historical significance to future generations. Entry to the center is free of charge.

5. Koshioreda – The Birthplace of Sumo Wrestling

Koshioreda is believed to be the birthplace of sumo wrestling. According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), Emperor Suinin ordered his retainers to compete in a test of strength at this very location. Additionally, historical records from the Edo period, such as the Yamato-shi, also mention that two strong warriors engaged in a duel here.
Sumo fans from across the country often visit this site to take commemorative photos in front of the signboard. It is a hidden gem known to those interested in sumo history.

◎ Summary

With its convenient access from Osaka, Kashiba City is an easy destination for sightseeing. It is a city filled with historical charm, yet it also offers beautiful natural landscapes. Consider creating a travel itinerary that blends history and nature for a well-rounded experience in Kashiba City.

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