8 Historical Sightseeing Spots in Tawaramoto Town with Precious Ruins and Shrines

Tawaramoto Town is known as a quiet residential area, but it is also home to many sightseeing attractions.
For those who love history, Tawaramoto Town is a wonderful place filled with Important Cultural Properties, ruins, and temples and shrines. Tourists visit daily to catch a glimpse of these historical sites.
Here, we’ll introduce 8 historical sightseeing spots that reveal the deep history of Tawaramoto Town. After reading this page, you’ll be ready for sightseeing in Tawaramoto!

1. Karako-Kagi Ruins

The Karako-Kagi Ruins, a moated settlement from the Yayoi period, are located almost at the center of the Nara Basin, covering an area of about 42 hectares. Pottery and wooden artifacts unearthed in 1936 and 1937 became the basis for the chronological classification of pottery in the Kinai region. Excavations have continued since then, reaching 116 digs by 2015.
The settlement consisted of pit dwellings, raised-floor dwellings, pottery storage pits, and partition trenches. Many artifacts have been excavated from the Karako-Kagi site, including pottery, farming tools, carbonized rice, and animal bones. The discovery of unique structures suggests that this was a central settlement at the time.
There is also the Karako-Kagi Archaeological Museum nearby, which is highly recommended to visit along with the ruins.

2. Jurokumensite (Sixteen-Faced) and Yakuoji Ruins

Tawaramoto Town has many archaeological sites. Among them, one of the most popular with tourists is the Jurokumensite and Yakuoji Ruins, where many pieces of pottery from the Kofun period have been discovered. Located in the center of the Nara Basin, the site is within walking distance from Tawaramoto Station.
The area is surrounded by farmland, making it a great place for visitors who want to relax in a peaceful atmosphere.
In addition, there are many other valuable ruins in Tawaramoto that attract archaeology enthusiasts. Not only pottery from the Stone Age but also remains of settlements from the Heian period have been found, showing traces of people’s lives in Tawaramoto across the ages.

3. Sasahokoyama Kofun

Sasahokoyama Kofun is a historical site within walking distance from Iwami Station in Tawaramoto Town. The kofun is distinguished by its large double moats, and haniwa clay figures have been unearthed there. It was built in the first half of the 6th century.
Because kofun from which haniwa have been excavated are rare within the prefecture, the haniwa from Sasahokoyama Kofun are displayed at the Karako-Kagi Archaeological Museum.

4. Hirano Clan Jinya Site

In the Edo period, a jinya (fortified administrative residence) served as the regional government office, essential to local administration. Tawaramoto Town also had its own jinya, known as the Hirano Clan Jinya, named after Hirano Nagayasu, who governed the area.
From the Edo period until the abolition of the feudal domains in 1871, it functioned as the central administrative facility. Though it disappeared due to later development, a stone monument now marks the site. Some waterways and alleys remain, allowing visitors to sense the atmosphere of that era.

5. Tsushima Shrine

Among the many shrines scattered across Tawaramoto Town, Tsushima Shrine is especially beloved by the locals. Residents affectionately call it “Gion-san.”
The reason is that Tsushima Shrine hosts the “Gion Festival.” It is held annually on a weekend in mid-July.
During the festival, the Tawaramoto Ondo is sung, townspeople dance together, and entertainers or celebrities perform on a special stage, creating a lively atmosphere. Of course, it’s not only the locals who attend; many tourists also visit, making it easy for anyone to join in. If you plan your trip in July, be sure to visit.

6. Muraya Shrine

In Tawaramoto Town, not only Tsushima Shrine but also Muraya Shrine is among the well-known shrines. Dedicated to the divine couple Ōmononushi and Mihotsuhime, it is regarded as a matchmaking shrine, attracting many visitors, especially locals seeking blessings in relationships.
Muraya Shrine also holds historical significance. According to shrine records, Emperor Tenmu is said to have secluded himself in a hut within the forest on the shrine grounds. The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) also mentions that during the Jinshin War, forces from Ōmi stayed there. It is thought to have been used as an important base during the conflict.

7. Jinrakuji Temple

Jinrakuji Temple is said to have been founded in 674 by Hata no Kawakatsu, a retainer of Prince Shōtoku. In 807, Kōbō Daishi (Kūkai) is said to have stayed here after returning from Tang China and wrote the work Sangō Shiiki during his time at the temple, giving it distinguished historical importance.
The temple’s principal image is a Thousand-Armed Kannon created in the Heian period, flanked by statues of Prince Shōtoku and Hata no Kawakatsu.
One unique feature of Jinrakuji is the “Aji Pond” in front of the main hall. It is believed to have been constructed by Kūkai himself. In July and August, lotus flowers bloom beautifully in the temple grounds, blending harmoniously with Aji Pond.

8. Shikinomichi Hasegawa Observation Park

Shikinomichi Hasegawa Observation Park is a spacious park stretching 3.5 kilometers along the Yamato River, connecting Tawaramoto Town to Sakurai City.
The park features as many as ten plazas. For instance, “Nagame-no-Oka” offers sweeping views of the Yamato River and Yamato Plain, while “Michikusa Plaza” and “Genki Plaza” are perfect for active play with children. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom at “Sakura Plaza” and “Hanami Plaza,” drawing many locals and tourists alike.
The 3.5 km riverside route is also ideal for walking. Families and friends can enjoy a stroll together, and walking the full round trip provides ample distance for exercise. This is why not only tourists but also many Tawaramoto residents frequently walk here.

◎ Summary

Tawaramoto Town is located a bit farther from central Nara City, but it still offers plenty of sights to make it a worthwhile tourist destination.
Most of the attractions are shrines, temples, and ruins where visitors can immerse themselves in history. Within the town center, sightseeing can even be done on foot. It is one of Nara Prefecture’s hidden gems, so be sure to visit at least once.

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

8 Historical Sightseeing Spots in Tawaramoto Town with Precious Ruins and Shrines