SOUTHERN AREA
- Nara Highway over Kuragari Pass, running the southern area of Ikoma City, has long been crowded with travelers since ancient times as the shortest route connecting Osaka and Nara. Along the highway, lie the many footprints of Gyoki, the high priest of the Nara period, who was involved in creating the Big Buddha at Todaiji Temple, including his tomb at Chikurinji Temple.
Kuragari Pass, to this day, retains some cobbled streets and charm. The world renowned poet Matsuo Basho also passed through here on his final journey, before his untimely death.
Furthermore, at Oze area, once flourished as a post town for the travelers through the pass, a facility has been serving the hikers by warming up their legs with natural hot spring to ease their fatigue.
IKOMA AREA GUIDE
VISIT SPOTS
Highlights of the Northern Area
*Click on the images or spot names on the map for more information.
