Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Uda City and Nabari City
Uda City and Nabari City have many beautiful nature spots to visit. Some highlights are Sonigahara Plateau, with its great views, Yatagarasu Shrine for a peaceful vibe, Byoubu Rock Park, which is fun for families. Akame 48 Waterfalls is perfect for seeing beautiful nature throughout the year.
For a peaceful experience, visit Ryuuouga-fuchi or the historic Muro-ji Temple. Ryuu-ken Shrine is also a popular place for spiritual energy, and Muro-san Kamigamine Park Art Forest combines nature and art. In spring, the Matabei Cherry Tree (Hongo’s Takizakura) and Uchimaki Community Forest are lovely places to enjoy nature.
Sonigahara Plateau
Sonigahara Plateau is known for its stunning views all year round. In autumn, the pampas grass (susuki) is especially beautiful, but the landscape is gorgeous in every season. The panoramic views of the mountains and the fresh highland breeze make it a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.
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Yatagarasu Shrine
Locals have loved Yatagarasu Shrine for centuries and has a mystical feel. It’s dedicated to the Yatagarasu, a three-legged crow from Japanese mythology, and is popular with those athletes. The crow is said to have guided Emperor Jimmu from Kumano to Yamato. Visiting the shrine gives you a chance to experience its rich history and spiritual atmosphere.
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Byoubu Rock Park
Byoubu Rock Park is famous for its large “Byoubu Rocks,” which look like the folds of a traditional Japanese folding screen. The park offers beautiful views year-round, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall. Walking along the trails feels like stepping into another world. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and perfect for those looking for a peaceful escape in nature.
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Akame 48 Waterfalls
Akame 48 Waterfalls is located in Nabari City and is a popular tourist spot known for its clear waters and beautiful forests. The lush greenery in spring and colorful autumn leaves draw visitors year-round. The easy walking trails are great for families and beginners. Fudo Falls, the most famous waterfall, is known for its powerful flow. It’s a peaceful place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the soothing sounds of the forest.
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Ryuuouga-fuchi
Ryuuouga-fuchi is a peaceful spot with clear waters and a lush green forest. The reflection of the sky and mountains on the lake makes it feel like another world. The walking trails are perfect for a relaxing stroll in nature. At dawn and dusk, the changing light on the lake creates a magical atmosphere, making it a popular place for photography.
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Muro-ji Temple
Muro-ji Temple in Uda City is an ancient site with a history dating back to the Nara period. Surrounded by beautiful nature, it offers lovely views of cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves. The main hall and five-story pagoda are national treasures, showcasing stunning ancient architecture. The temple also holds many cultural treasures, including impressive Buddha statues. It’s a peaceful place where history and nature unite for a calming experience.
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Muro-ryu Ken Shrine
Muro-ryu Ken Shrine is a place where nature and history blend. It is famous for the mystical “Dragon’s Hole” cave, where a dragon is said to have lived. The shrine hosts important festivals, like the Autumn Festival, which help preserve local traditions. It remains a sacred site, honoring the spiritual and historical heritage of the area.
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Muro-san Kamigamine Park Art Forest
Muro-san Kamigamine Park Art Forest is a beautiful spot in the Muro region where art and nature come together. The park features sculptures and art installations scattered across the landscape, offering a unique experience that changes with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy both the artwork and stunning views, with cafes nearby for a relaxing break.
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Matabei Cherry Tree (Hongo’s Takizakura)
The Matabei Cherry Tree (Hongo’s Takizakura) in Uda City is a historic cherry blossom tree over 300 years old. Its elegant pink petals draw visitors each spring, with many people gathering hanami (flower viewing) under its branches. Beloved by locals and popular with photographers, it’s a symbol of spring in the region.
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Uchimaki Community Forest
Uchimaki Community Forest is a beautiful place to enjoy nature year-round, perfect for hiking and picnicking. In spring, the fresh greenery and birdsong create a calming atmosphere. 500 cherry trees bloom offering a stunning sight during cherry blossom season. With easy walking trails, it’s great for families to enjoy a relaxing forest bath. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a closer connection with nature.
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8 Recommended Restaurants and Cafes in Uda City and Nabari City
The Uda and Nabari area is not only known for its beautiful nature but also for its charming eateries. At Obanzai Hikari, you can enjoy traditional home-style obanzai (a variety of small, seasonal dishes) made with fresh, local ingredients. Yuno Cafe, by Shorenji Lake, serves delicious coffee with a lovely lakeside view. Hekoki Manju Tamakiya is famous for its local treat, hekoki manju, loved by both locals and tourists. Yumoto Akame Sansuien offers meals in a peaceful, nature-filled setting, while Ten Coffee Shop serves handmade roasted coffee. These spots are a must-try when visiting Uda and Nabari City.
Obanzai Hikari
At Obanzai Hikari, you can enjoy traditional obanzai made with fresh, local ingredients, loved by both locals and tourists. The warm, wooden interior creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere. A highlight is the seasonal small side dishes, made with fresh vegetables, offering delicate flavors that change with the season.
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Yuno Cafe
Yuno Cafe, located by the shores of Shorenji Lake, is a warm and inviting cafe run by a local carpenter from a construction company in Nabari City. The cafe offers a relaxing atmosphere with stunning views of the lake, making it an ideal place to unwind. The lunch plates, made with a variety of fresh, wholesome ingredients, are both colorful and nourishing, while the homemade scones are delicious. The cafe is also pet-friendly with outdoor terrace seating, and it’s a great spot for families with small children. Enjoy a peaceful time with a cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery.
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Hekoki Manju Tamakiya
Hekoki Manju Tamakiya is a beloved traditional sweet shop located in Nabari City, famous for its signature hekoki manju. These unique treats are made by filling a soft, sweet potato-based dough with fillings like red bean paste or custard, and then shaping them into the form of a ninja. The shop’s catchy slogan is, “Laugh with the name, satisfy with the taste!” Once you try them, their unforgettable deliciousness will leave you craving more. Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s a must-visit spot, especially when you’re in the area visiting Akame Forty-Eight Waterfalls.
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Yumoto Akame Sansuien
Yumoto Akame Sansuien is a peaceful hot spring resort by nature, offering a relaxing environment for both body and mind. The onsen, with its fresh spring water, is gentle on the skin and perfect for easing stress. Srrounded by clear streams and lush mountains, the area feels serene. The changing seasons add to its charm, with especially beautiful autumn foliage. The interiors are designed in a traditional Japanese style, creating a calm, soothing atmosphere for a truly relaxing experience.
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Ten Coffee Shop
Ten Coffee Shop in Nabari City is a hidden gem for coffee lovers. The shop takes great care in roasting coffee beans slowly with a small hand-powered roaster, ensuring a perfect cup every time. In addition to great coffee, their homemade snacks, with freshly baked treats changing daily, are a hit. The warm, wooden interior creates a cozy, inviting space to relax. Whether you’re enjoying coffee or a pastry, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful break.
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Gohan Cafe SOU
At Gohan Cafe SOU, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh, seasonal local ingredients that change throughout the year. The cafe is known for using locally sourced ingredients, offering an authentic and sustainable dining experience. The bright, airy interior, with natural light and wood, creates a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere. With delicious, health-conscious meals and warm service, Gohan Cafe SOU provides a comforting experience for all who visit.
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Yomogi-filled Kōbōyaki Eikichi
This shop is famous for its kaitenyaki (Japanese sweet-filled pancakes) made with locally harvested yomogi (Japanese mugwort). The yomogi is processed right after harvest to keep its strong aroma and rich flavor. Inside the chewy dough, the sweet red bean paste filling is perfectly balanced, complementing the yomogi without overpowering it. The shop’s beloved grandmother bakes each one by hand, starting early in the morning. A bite will bring a sense of nostalgia. After visiting Muro-ji Temple, stopping by this shop is the perfect way to refresh and lift your spirits.
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Cafe Kaede
Cafe Kaede is a charming cafe surrounded by nature, offering handmade lunch plates and delicious desserts. Housed in a repurposed old school building, it feels like stepping back in time to your school days. The cafe is surrounded by 3,000 maple trees, and from late October to late November, visitors can enjoy stunning autumn foliage with vibrant red and yellow leaves.
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4 Recommended Ryokan (Japanese Inns) in Uda City and Nabari City
Here are some accommodations that offer healing experiences through the local nature. Uda Yakuyu no Yado Yatakeya is a ryokan famous for its herbal baths, as its name suggests. In addition to the hot springs, guests can enjoy meals made with local ingredients. Tsukihi is another ryokan that blends modern design with traditional elements, making it a popular choice for couples and families. Soni Kodama Resort – Tawa offers a relaxing stay surrounded by nature, with plenty of activities to enjoy. At Kamakurayama Nouen, you can experience local food culture through satoyama activities. The appeal of the ryokan in Uda City and Nabari City is the chance to unwind and enjoy nature at its best.
Uda Yakuyu no Yado Yatakeya
Uda Yakuyu no Yado Yatakeya is a ryokan where you can enjoy a unique herbal bath in a nature-filled setting. The highlight of this ryokan is its medicinal herbal baths made with locally sourced herbs from Uda City. These herbs are carefully chosen based on ancient wisdom to provide health benefits and relaxation. In addition, the ryokan offers signature dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, giving guests a true taste of the region. The guest rooms are designed in a peaceful, traditional Japanese style, and each one offers stunning views of Uda City’s natural beauty.
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Tsukihi tsukihi
Tsukihi is a ryokan set in a peaceful location with the natural beauty of Uda City as its backdrop, offering a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The interior combines modern sophisticated with traditional Japanese design, creating a perfect balance of comfort and style. The ryokan serves creative cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients, delighting the taste buds of all who visit. Guests can also try traditional activities like ikebana (flower arranging) and enjoy soothing relaxation services. With its serene environment, beautiful nature, and exceptional hospitality, Tsukihi ensures that every guest has a truly unforgettable experience.
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Soni Kodama Resort – Tawa
Soni Kodama Resort – Tawa is a retreat where guests can relax in a nature-filled environment. The resort offers rooms surrounded by trees, with windows that frame stunning, seasonal views of the natural landscape. The resort’s cuisine is a standout feature, highlighting fresh, local ingredients to create vibrant, seasonal dishes. Guests can escape the stress of everyday life and unwind in this peaceful setting. The resort also offers a variety of activities, like nature walks and stargazing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature, and enjoy unforgettable experiences fully.
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Kamakurayama Nouen
(This photo is quoted from the official website.)
This inn is a 100-year-old traditional farmhouse located in a village. Offers a unique satoyama (countryside) experience and a taste of local food culture. Inside the rustic building, guests can gather around the irori (hearth) to share stories and create lasting memories. In the evening, enjoy the beauty of the starry sky, and in the morning, wake up early to watch the stunning sunrise over the mountain peaks across the river. It’s an experience far from city life, providing a special connection with nature and a peaceful escape from the family grind.
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