Area Guide
Nara
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Nara Park
This spacious park is home to the most famous icon of the area, thousands of freely roaming deer. A perfect place to start a day of sightseeing from or a pleasant place to have lunch. No trip to Nara is complete without a visit to Nara park.
Nara Park
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Todaiji Temple
For many visitors to Japan this temple is seen to be one of the most beautiful and spiritual. Millions of people from all over the world visit this world heritage site every year, and marvel at the worlds largest Buddha statue that is housed here.
Web-Japan.org
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Naramachi
The narrow lanes of this ancient district offer many opportunities to discover the old Japan. There are many cafes, restaurants, galleries and small shops housed inside some of the ancient buildings.
Nara Prefecture
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Kofukuji Temple
This large pagoda is breathtaking both close up and from a distance as part of the skyline of the ancient city that is Nara.
The Yamasa Institute
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Mt. Kasuga Forest
This forest in the north of the area offers walks in a forest of ancient trees with breathtaking views in any season. At the base of this mountain lies yet another world heritage site — Kasuga shrine.
Nara Prefecture
Much much more...
There are literally hundreds of places to visit as well as things to see and do in the Nara area. Far too many to list here... Here are some further links.
Nara Prefecture
Wikitravel
Nara City Tourist Section
Osaka
Osaka is Japan's second largest city and has a population of close to 9 million people. This huge urban sprawl is an exciting adventure into working Japan.
The city can be divided into two main areas, each with it's own centre.
Closest to Yougendo is "Minami" (south) Osaka consisting of the city's major nightlife, shopping, clubbing and eating areas. Train stations around the minami area are Tennoji, Namba, Imamiya and Shinsaibashi (tube station). Minami has a valid reputation for being the true Osaka. It has a very Asian feel.
"Kita" (north) Osaka consists mainly of business districts, the castle area, and some shopping areas... Whilst being home to thousands of office workers by day, Kita Osaka, like it's southern counterpart comes into it's own at night. The main train station for this area is JR Osaka (Hankyu Umeda).
Osaka is well worth a visit and often rather than follow guide book it's good to just turn up and see what will happen... Quite often something does!
Links to Osaka information.
Osaka Visitor's GuideJapanCornerGourmet NavigatorUniversal Studios JapanOsaka Aquarium KaiyukanLocal Area
Mostly not to be found in the guide books the immediate area of Oji has some well worth seeing places to visit. Aside from the famous spots of Nara, Kyoto and Osaka feel assured that those days when getting on yet more trains feels like a chore there is plenty to see and do around Yougendo. Here is a sample of what is on offer...
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Horyuji Temple
Housing the world's oldest wooden structure this world heritage site attracts a huge number of visitors from both inside and outside of Japan. Extremely close to Yougendo, a visit to Horyuji makes it clear why this is probably the most famous temple in Japan.
Wikitravel
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Mt. Shigi
This local landmark is rich in history, culture and nature. Amongst the numerous temples it is a perfect place for strolls, hikes, picnics and recreation. Easily reachable on foot from Yougendo some consider Mt. Shigi to be one of the best off the beaten path places to visit in the area.
Japan National Tourist Organization -
Horinji Temple
Located amongst the quiet rice fields of Ikaruga town Horinji temple is just one of the many beautiful constructions in the area.
Ikaruga Town
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Niji no Yu
Taking its water from The kaminomaki hot spring this modern bathing complex featuring a dynamic open-air bath, a sauna, a steam bath, a cave bath, a "hidden" bath and a cypress tree scented bath.
Nara Prefecture
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Shigi Hot Spring
Rich in minerals this hot spring is said to be beneficial for a variety of ailments including neuralgia, muscle ache, and bad circulation as well as promoting overall well being.
Shigi-san Kanko Hotel
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Nodoka Mura
This outdoor park focuses on family orientated leisure activities such as vegetable picking, ground golf, animal petting, picnics, sports and more.
Shigisan Nodoka Mura (Japanese only)
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Kinki Long Distance Nature Trail
Running through the Yamato mountain range that separates Osaka and Nara this hiking path runs through the forests, villages and small agricultural areas of the peaks. Stunning views and nature can be seen all around the year.
Nara Prefecture (Japanese only) -
Ikaruga History Walks
The Ikaruga Information Center offers five walking courses around the Horyuji area. Whilst having a lot of temples and historical sites on route they also cover some of the local areas where Everyday Japanese life goes on.
Horyuji Information Center
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