Yagyu Kaido
Area
Category
The ancient road to Yagyu, a sacred place for samurai swordsmen
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Yagyu Kaido is an ancient route that runs from the center of Nara City to the village of Yagyu, passing through the valley between Mt. Kasuga and Mt. Takamado. Locations along the route, such as Setarin and Ninnikusen, whose names originate from Buddhism and are modeled after Indian holy sites, suggest that this was already a site of Mountain Buddhism during the Nara and Heian periods (710-1185). Around 300 years ago, after the establishment of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryū school of swordsmanship, many samurai traveled this road seeking to learn the new style in Yagyu, the center of the Yagyu clan. With each hiking course and location on Yagyu Kaido, you can experience a variety of natural settings, scenery, and historical periods. In total, there are three recommended courses available. Get ready for an adventure!
General Information
- contact details
- 0742-93-0001（East of Nara City Branch Office
and 0742-94-0002 Yagyu Tourism Association） - Website
Trip to Unveil the History of the Yagyu Clan as Great Swordsmen
- Remarks
[Recommended Courses]
①Takisaka no michi road
If you start from downtown Nara, Takisaka Road serves as the first part of the Yagyu Kaido. The uneven stone pavement continues, believed to be a remnant of the renovation work done when the Yagyu clan became the official swordsmanship masters of the Tokugawa Shogunate and were appointed as feudal lords.
As you walk along this road, you can enjoy the crisp, clear air while listening to the murmuring river and the rustling trees, which will refresh your mind no matter when you visit.
②The Swordsman's Road
This course begins at Enjoji Temple, the midpoint of the road, and ends at Yagyu. It passes through villages with a nostalgic atmosphere, continues to the steep slope of Kaeribasa-toge Pass, the most challenging part of the road, and finally arrives at Yagyu.
The rural landscape below you is especially recommended. This course can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. In spring, it spreads like a grassland. In autumn, the golden, shining rice ears are a magnificent sight, and the autumn leaves of Enjoji Temple are also very beautiful and mysterious.
③ Yagyu-Kasagi Road
This course starts at the Yagyu bus stop, where you can see the "Jubei Cedar" and "Ata Stone Buddha," which are full of legends. It then goes to JR Kasagi Station, where you can experience Kasagi's history. Numerous megaliths and oddly shaped granite rocks still preserve their unique scenery, making it a recommended destination for those who want to enjoy it at their own pace.
