Strolling on the Yamanobe-no-Michi in Tenri, Nara Prefecture
When traveling, I want to enjoy the scenery and townscapes of the area leisurely. coworker told me about an unattended sales stand on a quiet mountain path in Nara Prefecture having many repeat visitors, which piqued my curiosity. So, I decided to visit Yamanobe-no-Michi on a solo trip over the weekend. I took a train from Kyoto Station to JR Miwa Station and started my hike.
Japan's oldest road, where you can't help but take many side trips.
Yamanobe-no-Michi is the oldest road in Japan, recorded in the Kojiki (The Record of Ancient Matters) and Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan). This time, I walked from JR Miwa Station, aiming for the ruins of Uchiyama Eikyū-ji Temple in Tenri City. I walked along a gentle path with little elevation, listening to the sounds of insects and birds.
After walking at my own pace for about 40 minutes, I discovered a shrine. I stopped by and found Hibara Oyasumi Dokoro nearby, where I took a short break with ohagi (rice cake covered with sweetened bean paste) and homemade plum juice. It's fun to take breaks as you go.
After walking at my own pace for about 40 minutes, I discovered a shrine. I stopped by and found Hibara Oyasumi Dokoro nearby, where I took a short break with ohagi (rice cake covered with sweetened bean paste) and homemade plum juice. It's fun to take breaks as you go.
Encountering numerous unattended sales stands along the way, I couldn’t help but take many side trips on my hike. As I was looking at an unattended sales stand selling sweet summer oranges, I overheard a twosome saying, "There seems to be a Western-style restaurant around here," so I decided to check it out, too.
A delicious and heart-warming restaurant that reminded me of my true self.
I visited Yoshoku Katsui, located in the Tenri City Trail Center, an information and rest stop along Yamanobe-no-Michi. It was just around lunchtime, and as I was overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere, the owner-chef, Katsui, smiled and said, "Hold on."
"Yoshoku Katsui" opened in 1999 in Shinsaibashi, Osaka and proved very popular. Katsui had been at the forefront of his industry. He began considering a balanced life of work and play by returning to his hometown of Tenri City when he was 45. An opportunity arose to relocate by chance and he took it.
When I took my seat and looked at the menu, I asked for recommendations, to which Katsui replied, "The best thing to order is what you feel like eating right now."
When I took my seat and looked at the menu, I asked for recommendations, to which Katsui replied, "The best thing to order is what you feel like eating right now."
"When it's hot, try something cold. Or how about I get another helping of rice today? It would be good to do or choose what you want in everything," he said. Taking his advice, I ordered the Fried Prawn Set Meal.
As I savored the large fried prawn, I realized, "It might be nice to follow my instincts sometimes." I couldn't help but smile at the delightful taste I had encountered Waving goodbye to Katsui, who said, "Come and visit again," I resumed my walk along Yamanobe-no-Michi.
As I savored the large fried prawn, I realized, "It might be nice to follow my instincts sometimes." I couldn't help but smile at the delightful taste I had encountered Waving goodbye to Katsui, who said, "Come and visit again," I resumed my walk along Yamanobe-no-Michi.
A beloved unattended sales store serving as a unique place of rest.
As I was thinking of taking a short break, I came across an unattended sales store called "Sengiriya" with a sign for shredded Japanese radish.
When I approached the front of the store, the owner, Nakaya greeted me with a "Hello there." When I asked about the shredded Japanese radish, which is also part of the store's name, "sengiri (meaning shredded), " Nakaya explained, "A friend brought me shredded Japanese radish and asked me to sell it many years ago. That's how it started, and since then, I've also started selling other things from my farm together."
When I approached the front of the store, the owner, Nakaya greeted me with a "Hello there." When I asked about the shredded Japanese radish, which is also part of the store's name, "sengiri (meaning shredded), " Nakaya explained, "A friend brought me shredded Japanese radish and asked me to sell it many years ago. That's how it started, and since then, I've also started selling other things from my farm together."
I bought some cut strawberries for a break. Inside the store, there was a notebook on the table filled with messages from past visitors. "I read it once a week. People write things like 'Please sell beer here,' so I use it as a reference," he said.
When I told him, "I'm sure everyone is healed by your kindness," he replied shyly that when he would return from the rice fields, he would always show up at the store and chat with the customers. He said that talking to them heals him, too.
When I told him, "I'm sure everyone is healed by your kindness," he replied shyly that when he would return from the rice fields, he would always show up at the store and chat with the customers. He said that talking to them heals him, too.
I enjoyed a brief chat with Nakaya and then left Sengiriya.
After arriving at the ruins of Uchiyama Eikyū-ji Temple and finishing my hike, I headed to my accommodation at Fairfield by Marriott Nara Tenri Yamanobenomichi. Having walked a long distance for the first time in a while, I spent the rest of the day relaxing in my room.
After arriving at the ruins of Uchiyama Eikyū-ji Temple and finishing my hike, I headed to my accommodation at Fairfield by Marriott Nara Tenri Yamanobenomichi. Having walked a long distance for the first time in a while, I spent the rest of the day relaxing in my room.
Observing cultural property repairs up close. A Michi-no-Eki where you can feel history.
As my spontaneous solo trip was coming to a close, I found it hard to leave just yet, so I decided to visit the Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) Nara Prefecture Historical and Artistic Culture Complex, adjacent to the hotel.
Seeing a sign for the "Restorations and Exhibition Wing," I thought, "Maybe I can see something historical and unique to Nara?" As I dropped in for a visit without much thought, I found technicians repairing cultural properties right before my eyes!
Seeing a sign for the "Restorations and Exhibition Wing," I thought, "Maybe I can see something historical and unique to Nara?" As I dropped in for a visit without much thought, I found technicians repairing cultural properties right before my eyes!
They are repairing cultural properties designated by the prefecture here. You can freely tour the four restoration studios for historical buildings, archaeological discoveries, paintings and writings, and Buddhist sculptures. I had thought I would have to visit again to see Nara's cultural properties, so this was a pleasant surprise.
I also visited the farmer’s market and the Artistic Culture Wing inside the Michi-no-Eki, enjoying my time without noticing how quickly it passed.
I also visited the farmer’s market and the Artistic Culture Wing inside the Michi-no-Eki, enjoying my time without noticing how quickly it passed.
It was a leisurely overnight trip walking on Japan's oldest road, with many side trips on the way. Enjoying the unexpected encounters made it feel like a trip that was truly my own.
"For the first time, I feel like the side trips were the most memorable part of the trip." As I rode on the rocking train home, I couldn't help but smile. It is okay to travel like this. Having found a new BASE where I can be myself, I feel like I can enjoy each day, being honest with myself more than before.
"For the first time, I feel like the side trips were the most memorable part of the trip." As I rode on the rocking train home, I couldn't help but smile. It is okay to travel like this. Having found a new BASE where I can be myself, I feel like I can enjoy each day, being honest with myself more than before.
