The Charm of Natural Tourist Spots: 8 Places to Visit in Higashiyoshino Village

When visiting Higashiyoshino Village, located next to Yoshino Town in Nara Prefecture, the best thing to do is enjoy playing in nature to your heart’s content. Surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains, the area is dotted with sightseeing spots that make the most of its natural environment.
The village is about a two-hour drive from Osaka Prefecture or within Nara Prefecture. If you want to see pure water, fresh air, and rural mountain scenery, make sure to visit Higashiyoshino Village. On this page, we introduce 8 spots where you can enjoy the area.

1. Furusato Village

Located slightly further inside from the center of Higashiyoshino Village is “Furusato Village,” where several facilities come together to form a village-like setting.
Inside the village you’ll find the “Visitor Center,” the main facility renovated from a 100-year-old school building; “Furusato Hall,” an accommodation facility; and the “Rest House,” which offers light meals and is perfect for a short break.
In addition to staying in the facilities, there is also a campsite where you can pitch a tent. Because it is located in a quiet mountain area, you can enjoy outdoor activities while watching stars or fireflies on summer nights. There is a fee to use Furusato Village, but tent rentals are available, which is convenient since you don’t need to bring heavy luggage. It is a sightseeing spot where you can experience both Nara’s nature and a sense of nostalgia.

2. Yahata Onsen

Yahata Onsen is a hot spring facility located within “Furusato Village.” Next to it flows the Shigō River, allowing visitors to enjoy hot springs while taking in Higashiyoshino Village’s natural scenery. You can soak in hinoki baths and rock baths.
The hot springs of Yahata Onsen are said to be effective for neuralgia and muscle pain, making it a popular place for tourists to rest their bodies after hiking or other activities.
Additionally, a book of 11-use tickets is available, making it convenient for local residents of Higashiyoshino who come regularly. Enjoy Furusato Village and then relax your fatigue at Yahata Onsen.

3. Takasumi-no-Sato

Although there are many hot spring facilities in Higashiyoshino Village, Takasumi-no-Sato is among the most popular. Its nostalgic atmosphere and the scent of cypress and other trees make it a calming place, recommended even for first-time visitors.
The hot springs here include firewood-heated baths, cypress baths, and natural rock baths where you can feel the outdoor air. The spring quality is mildly alkaline and slightly low in temperature, said to be effective for recovery from fatigue, wounds, and sensitivity to cold.
Another interesting feature of Takasumi-no-Sato is the “Takasumi Library,” a collection facility. It displays books by haiku poets such as Seishi Yamaguchi and Hisajo Sugita, as well as other notable figures connected to Higashiyoshino Village. Though there is an admission fee, it is worth visiting after a soak in the hot springs.

4. Statue of the Japanese Wolf

Higashiyoshino Village, located in southern Nara Prefecture, is said to be the last habitat of the Japanese wolf. For this reason, a bronze statue of the Japanese wolf has been erected here.
The reason is that a Japanese wolf was captured here in 1905. It is said to have been the last Japanese wolf. The statue, known as Nihon-Hondo-Washikaguchi, is considered a valuable monument in the zoological history of Japan.

5. Niu Kawakami Shrine

Built in 675, this shrine is said to be the place where Japan’s first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, divined his victory in battle. This is Niu Kawakami Shrine.
The enshrined deity is Mizuhanome-no-Kami, the goddess of water. The people of Higashiyoshino Village have long prayed for her protection to ensure good harvests. Records note that as many as 96 rituals for rainmaking and rain-stopping were performed up until the time of the Ōnin War, showing how important the shrine was to the village.
The main hall, built in 1829, has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Higashiyoshino Village. Additionally, the stone lanterns within the grounds have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

6. Sekiteian

Among the historical sightseeing spots full of romance in Higashiyoshino Village is Sekiteian, the residence where the haiku poet Hara Sekitei once lived. Deeply fond of Higashiyoshino, he composed many haiku inspired by the natural scenery surrounding him.
Sekiteian offers a glimpse into life in those times and is one of the few historical sites in Higashiyoshino Village. It is open to the public free of charge and attracts tourists daily.

7. Higashiyoshino Village Folklore Museum

The Higashiyoshino Village Folklore Museum was created thanks to the initiative of Professor Tsuboi, who was from Higashiyoshino Village, and with the cooperation of local residents. It was originally Ogawa Second Elementary School in Yoshino Village, but after its closure, the site was converted into the folklore museum. Visitors often feel a sense of nostalgia here.
Inside the museum, folk cultural assets focusing on customs and lifestyles are displayed. The exhibits are divided into four sections: mountain work, festivals, daily life of the past, and local climate and history. It is a sightseeing spot where you can learn about the history of Higashiyoshino Village.

8. Mount Takami

In Higashiyoshino Village, there is a spot known for its beautiful scenery—Mount Takami, which stretches across Higashiyoshino Village into Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture.
The scenery of Mount Takami is at its most beautiful in winter, when snow blankets the mountain and its trees, turning the entire mountain pure white. Many tourists visit to catch a glimpse of this striking sight.
Nearby is Takami-no-Sato, home to 1,000 weeping cherry trees. In spring, the entire area turns pink, attracting large numbers of visitors. There is even a limited-time light-up event at night, making it one of the most outstanding sightseeing spots in Higashiyoshino Village.

Name: Mount Takami
Address: Mount Takami, Higashiyoshino-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.kankomie.or.jp/spot/detail_3406.html

◎ Summary

Higashiyoshino Village is full of sightseeing spots centered on hot springs and outdoor activities. You can enjoy pure water, fresh air, and stunning scenery.
Time flows gently in Higashiyoshino Village, surrounded by nature. Take the time to enjoy the entire village, where you can truly feel the peace and beauty of the great outdoors.