Unraveling the secrets of Japan's ancient nation in Osaka
The museum, designed by Tadao Ando, focuses on the history of the early days of Japan's ancient state. It is currently undergoing renovations until March 2026, and is scheduled to reopen in April.

The Amida Buddha statue, known as the "Kawachi Great Buddha," is a gigantic statue of approximately 2.5 meters tall. It was designated a national treasure during the Meiji period (now an important cultural property following the implementation of the Cultural Properties Protection Act), and will be open to the public as part of the after-sales campaign, with no prior reservations required.

The temple is known as the place where Saigyo, a poet from the late Heian period, ended his life during the cherry blossom season, as he wrote in his poem, "I wish to die in spring beneath the flowers, around the time of the full moon in Kisaragi." Within the temple grounds, you will find Saigyo's tomb and the Saigyo Hall, and at the back of the main temple is the Saigyo Memorial Museum, which houses a statue of Saigyo and a collection of paintings, calligraphy, and materials related to Saigyo, and is open for a limited time only.

It is said to have been founded by En no Gyoja, who is said to be the founder of Shugendo, and is a famous temple where Kobo Daishi and other high priests practiced their asceticism. The temple is home to the 25th sutra mound of the Katsuragi Shugendo, which has been designated a Japan Heritage Site, and is also known as "Kokaji Temple," and is worthy of its name, as the temple is decorated with a 110-year-old weeping cherry tree, as well as sasanquas, camellias, and camellias that change color throughout the seasons. In this tranquil atmosphere, you can try out activities such as copying sutras and zazen meditation.

The name "Iwahashiyama" comes from a legend that En no Gyoja once commanded Japanese gods, including Hitokotonushi no Kami, who is enshrined in present-day Gose City, Nara Prefecture, to build a rock bridge to Mount Kinpu in the Yoshino region of Nara Prefecture. A rock called "Kume no Iwahashi" near the summit is said to be a remnant of this bridge. The mountainside is also dotted with megaliths and unusual rocks, such as the "Nabekamaishi," "Hokotateishi," and "Tainai Kuguri," allowing visitors to explore these megaliths, evoking the romance of ancient times. In 2020, the Shugendo (Katsuragi Shugendo) path, which stretches from Wakayama Prefecture to Nara Prefecture, where En no Gyoja first trained, was designated a Japan Heritage Site.

This gourd-shaped twin-circular tomb is rare nationwide, and is believed to have been constructed in the late Kofun period (late 6th century to early 7th century), when keyhole-shaped tombs were on the decline. With a mound length of 85.8m and a total length including the surrounding moat of 102m, it is the largest twin-circular tomb in Japan and is a nationally designated historic site. Within the stone chamber on the northern hill is a horizontal-type stone chamber, where two house-shaped stone coffins were placed, and grave goods were excavated. A stone chamber was also confirmed to exist on the southern hill, but as it has not been investigated, its contents are unknown. It was designated a national historic site in 1991, and is maintained and preserved as a park, popular as a place to relax and learn about history.

The only Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in the prefecture
Tondabayashi Jinaimachi is the only Jinanimachi in the prefecture designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. It is perfect for a historical stroll.

In addition to the outer garden and earthen floor, the interior of the residence is also open to the public. Guest rooms, the highlight of the building, are still in the Sukiya-style shoin style of the early Edo period.

An ancient temple with deep ties to Kukai and Kusunoki Masashige
This ancient temple was founded in 701 by En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo, and rebuilt by Kukai as a training center for the Shingon sect.

In addition to the public unveiling of the principal image of the temple, the Nyoirin Kannon statue, which is said to be the greatest work of esoteric Buddhist art from the Heian period, there will also be a special exhibition of important cultural properties such as the large silk-painted Zuikyu statue.

This is a memorial service for Lord Okuno, also known as Kusunoki Masashige, a Southern Court military commander with ties to Minamikawachi who was active during the Nanboku-cho period. It is an event held every year on the Sunday before or after May 25th, the day Lord Masashige died in the Battle of Kobe Minatogawa. Within the grounds of Kanshinji Temple is Nakain, where Lord Masashige studied as a boy and which is also the family temple of the Kusunoki clan. Further back in the temple grounds is the tomb where Lord Kusunoki Masashige's head was laid.

The home of the women's Takano surrounded by deep greenery
This historic temple was founded by Gyoki and is also known as Women's Koyasan because women were allowed to visit, whereas Mount Koya was off-limits to women.