Yamanobe Pass

Get the Flash Player to see this video.


Yamanobe Pass (山の辺の道) is the oldest major load that appears in Japanese Myth, Kojiki and Nihonshoki. It is located eastern Nara Prefecture. The road connect Sakurai and Nara. The trail takes about 5 hours of walking and visit many historical sites of ancient Japan such as Kofun.

Tourist Info.
Trail starts at Isonogami Jingu Shrine and finish at Omiwa Shrine.
There are many restroom on the pass and maps.
It is about 15km long walk.

0. at Nara Station.
1. use JR Sakurai Line to Tenri.
2. walk to Isonogami Shrine 30 min.

MLJ Online Shop

Map around Yamanobe Pass

Detailed Travel Guide

Isonogami Jingu Shrine
Isonogami Jingu Shrine is one of the oldest Shrine in Japan. It enshrines Futsunomitama which is the divine sword. Therefore, it has a museum that displays many traditional Japanese weapons. The worshipping building is the national treasure of Japan.

Chogakuji Temple
Chogakuji Temple is one of the oldest temple in Japan located in Nara. It was established in 824 by priest Kukai. There are many historical buildings and treasures that are over hundreds of years old. Most of them are registered as the important cultural assets of Japan. It has a beautiful garden with pond. At the back side montain, there are great buddha stone statues. It is also known as the flower temple, especially leading raod has a beautiful Azalea.

Kuroduka Kofun
Kuzuka Kofun is one of mausoleum located in Nara. It is 130m long front circle back square Kofun constructed in late 3rd century. There is a museum that displays the relics found in here.

Emperor Suijin Kofun
Kofun of Emperor Suijin is located in Nara Prefecture. It is also known as Andonyama Kofun (行燈山古墳). Emperor Suijin is 10th Emperor of Japan. This Kofun is 242m wide and 23m tall constructed in early 4th century. It is the 16th largest Kofun in Japan and located on the Yamanobe Pass. This Kofun is the early Kofun of Yamato Kingdom that is the former nation of Japan.

Emperor Keiko Kofun
Kofun of Emperor Keiko is located in Tenri Nara. It is also known as Shibutanimukouyama Kofun . Emperor Keiko is the 12th Emperor of Japan. It is 310m long and 23m tall front circle back square Kofun located in Nara. It is the 7th largest Kofun and constructed in late 4th century.

Hibara Shrine
Hibara Shrine is one of the oldest Shrine in Nara. It is the original location of Ise Jingu Shrine. In the time of Emperor Suijin, he asked royal princess to establish Ise Shrine here. There is unique 3 entrances Torii gate and enshrines Mt. Miwa. Entire field is filled with beautiful small rocks like garden.

Hashihaka Kofun
Hashihaka Kofun is one of mausoleums located in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture. Archaeologist said this might be the Kofun of Queen Himiko. Queen Himiko is the ruler of ancient Japan that appears in Chinese record. This Kofun is about 278m long and 30m tall front square back circle Kofun. It was constructed in middle of 3rd century.

Omiwa Shrine
It is one of the oldest Shrine in Japan. It was established even before the Japanese historical records. It has a beautiful worshipping building that is registered as the national important cultural aseets.
// //