OHARANO
大原野

 
 
 
 

Oharano is a quiet and expansive agricultural area southwest of Kyoto City that is typically overlooked by visitors to Kyoto as without guidance it can be tricky to navigate. It was the hunting grounds of the imperial family during the Heian period over 1,200 years ago. The slow farming life visible here creates a peaceful atmosphere that is immediately felt upon arrival.

The Oharano area is mentioned in one of the oldest books in the world- the 11th century classic “Tales of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu. The idyllic scenery is often described in the Japanese poems of Kokinshu and Shinkokinshu. Locally known for the production of its bamboo shoots, the beauty of its bamboo groves and the majestic scenery it is a popular place for locals for hiking and mountain temple walking courses. With countless historical sites, bamboo groves and abundant farmlands it is a delightful place to spend time exploring hidden spots away from the heavily crowded sites in town.

TRAIN ACCESS:
Shijo Kawaramachi Station- Higashi Muko Station
[HANKYU LOCAL LINE: 13 MINUTES]

 
 
 
 
 

SITE DESCRIPTIONS

Yoshiminedera
善峯寺

Yoshiminedera is a temple nestled in the Nishiyama mountains on Kyoto’s southwest border. From this temple complex one can take in views of the city as well as enjoy cherry blossoms, brilliant azaleas, and hydrangeas in abundance. Home to what is known as the longest pine tree in Japan, Yoshiminedera sprawling grounds are a perfect getaway from the hectic city center. >>>

 

Jurinji
十輪寺

Jurinji is located along the road up the mountain towards Yoshimidera. It was built in 850 with the hope that Emperor Montoku’s wife could bear a child and soon after she did just that. Since this time people visit this temple to pray for children or for an easy birth. >>>

 

Bamboo Forest Walk
竹藪さんぽ

The bamboo shoots cultivated in this region are said to be among the best in Japan. This high level is achieved because of the suitable terrain and farming methods that date back over hundreds of years. The groves that these bamboo shoots are grown in are called yabu, and exist seemingly everywhere. >>>

 

Farm Land
農地さんぽ

Kyoto is well-known for the many temples and shrines that fill it’s landscape. However, most visitors don’t make it out to the Kyoto countryside, which offers the opportunity to connect on a completely different level with Japan. >>>

 

Shojiji (Hana No Tera)
勝持寺

A short walk away from Oharano Jinja and Shohoji lies Shojiji, a small Tendai-sect temple known for its cherry trees in spring and maple trees in autumn. Founded in 679, Shojjii once had as many as 49 buildings on its original precinct, but unfortunately many of them were destroyed during the Onin War in the second half of the 1400’s. The temple is connected with the samurai turned poet-monk named Saigyo who stayed on the grounds as a young man and wrote a poem describing the bothersome tourists who only came to the temple to gaze at the cherry blossoms. >>>

 

Shoboji
正法寺

Shohoji is a Shingon sect Buddhist temple founded in the 8th century. Shohoji is home to a variety of treasures including an image of a thousand-armed Kannon with three faces and a garden filled with stones in the shape of birds and beasts collected from multiple prefectures across Japan. Visually striking in all seasons, Shohoji is a miniature paradise far from the busy tourist spots. >>>

 

Oharano Jinja
大原野神社

The vast precincts of Ohara Jinja are located at the foot of the nearby Nishiyama mountains and is surrounded by the deep green forest which turn bright red in autumn. Oharano Jinja is a branch shrine of the ancient Kasuga Taisha in Nara and is known for its deer imagery as the deity that visitors pay homage to here, Kasuga Daimyojin, is traditionally shown riding a white deer. It is hardly known, even to Kyoto residents, but it was once considered among the top 22 shrines of Japan. >>>

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