From Osaka: Muroji Temple, Dragon Shrine & Art Forest Tour
ID: GYG1334085-2037492
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
09:00 hours
Description
Discover the spiritual and artistic wonders of Nara's Murou area on a day tour from Osaka. Visit Muroji Temple, Muroryuketsu Shrine, and the Murou Art Forest.
Begin your journey at Osaka's Tsuruhashi Station and hop on a train to Muro. Enjoy the scenic ride through the Japanese countryside before transferring to a short bus ride that takes you into the heart of the mountains.
Arrive at Muroryuketsu Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to a powerful water deity. Explore the mystical cedar groves and the sacred "Dragon Hole" cave, where a dragon is said to reside. Feel the deep-rooted spiritual traditions that predate modern architectural Shintoism.
Next, visit Muroji Temple, established in the late 8th century as a sanctuary that welcomed female practitioners. Admire the harmonious integration of the temple with the rugged forest landscape and see the smallest outdoor five-storied pagoda in Japan.
After exploring the temple, take a break for lunch in the charming village surrounding the temple. Try the local specialty of yomogi-mochi or mugwort rice cakes, or enjoy a refreshing somen dish during the hot summer months.
Continue to the Murou Art Forest, a sprawling outdoor gallery designed by renowned sculptor Dani Karavan. Walk along the sun-aligned paths and minimalist structures, where the natural topography of a former landslide site has been transformed into a series of monumental geometric installations.
As you head back to the station, make a final stop near Onodera Temple to see the colossal, 13-meter-tall image of Miroku Bosatsu carved directly into the rock.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Nara's Murou area on a day tour
- Visit Muroji Temple, known as the "Women's Koya," with a 5-story pagoda
- Explore Muroryuketsu Shrine, a sacred site dedicated to a water deity
- Wander through the Murou Art Forest, a gallery by sculptor Dani Karavan
- Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Japanese countryside from Osaka
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The tour involves walking up to 12,000 steps
The tour starts at Tsuruhashi Station in front of the ticket machines near the gates of the JR Line (West Gate)
The times listed in the itinerary are for reference only and the actual tour may vary depending on actual conditions such as weather and trains.
This is a walking tour that takes you outdoors for hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Please bring sunshade and rain protection if necessary.
If you feel uncomfortable during the tour, please let us know. We will do our best to help you.
This tour includes free time. We will make sure you know when and where to meet again. If you get lost or forget your meeting point, please call us immediately.
Meet-Up Location: Tsuruhashi Station JR Line (West Gate) @ 8:50
Please meet us at the JR Line (West Gate) of Tsuruhashi Station Station next to the ticket machines at 8:50. It is very near the "Hakuundai Tsuruhashi-ekimae" restaurant if you are looking for something other than locations in the station for directions.
If you are coming by the Kintetsu or JR lines be careful not to exit through the "transfer gates." It is very easy to do so and the station staff may give you a good scolding if you do.
Let us know if you're having trouble—we’re happy to help guide you in real time if needed. See you soon!
INCLUDED
- Entrance fee and guided tour of Muroji Temple
- Guided tour of Murou Ryuketsu Shrine
- Entrance fee for the Muro Art Forest
- Train tickets required for the tour
- Bus fares required for the tour
- Guided tour with an English speaking guide
- Visit to Muroji Magai-butsu
NOT INCLUDED
- Food and drinks(Lunch)
- Transportation to/from the tour meeting points
- Accommodation
- Personal expenses
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
