Visit Katsuragi City

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Katsuragi-shi, Nara
Visit Katsuragi City

Come experience and explore the beautiful nature and rich history of Katsuragi City (Nara)

19/03/2021

Otauematsuri – 御田植祭

Otauematsuri is a festival held at a shrine or temple in order to pray for a bountiful harvest in the upcoming spring. In the festival they re-enact the planting of rice seeds and tilling the rice fields with an ox as they did in the past. This year is an auspicious year considering that it’s the year of the ox in the Chinese lunar calendar.

1st & 2nd pic – Otauematsuri held on March 4th at Nagao shrine

3rd pic – Otauematsuri held at Tsukudanimasu Hitokotoneko Shrine in a previous year

Photo credits – Nishikawa

19/02/2021

It's been a cold week...

05/02/2021

The Olympic torch and flame passed through Katsuragi’s Kehayaza Sumo museum for viewing on 2 February.

There is still a lot of uncertainty whether the Olympics game will be held in Tokyo this year, nonetheless the flame is a symbol of hope amongst these dark times.

22/01/2021

Last week we received a thin blanket of snow at Taimadera. Looking forward to more snowfall this season ~

Photo credits - Nishikawa

15/01/2021

Tondo (とんど), dondo-yaki(どんど焼き) or Sagichou(左義長) is a fire-burning festival that occurs in Japan usually around the 15th of January. In this festival, people build a tower with harvested straw/reed, bamboo and Japanese cedar. New year decorations, kakizome (the first calligraphy of the year), lucky charms (omikuji, daruma dolls etc..) are then burnt in the roaring fire in order to wish for good health and success in the new year.

It is bad luck to toss auspicious items in the garbage, which is why they are burnt instead to express gratitude for the good luck they brought in the previous year. Furthermore, mochi, daidai (a citrus fruit resembling the mandarin), and other foods such as dango depending on the region are grilled in the fire in a skewer and eaten. By doing so, it is believed one will stay healthy without catching a cold.

Burning festivals are an ubiquitous spiritual tradition. The fire acts as a cleansing agent, to remove evil spirits, bad luck and past sins and usher in new growth. What will you wish for in the new year?

Photo credits – Nishikawa

12/01/2021

Happy new year from Katsuragi city 🎊. Let's hope 2021 is less of a trainwreck than 2020. We received our first snowfall today ❄️

25/12/2020

The winter peony – 寒ボタン

Have you heard of the amazing winter peony which can be seen coloring the winter landscape?

Regular peonies blooms without human intervention when it’s the right season. However, the delicate winter peony is artificially cultivated under a straw roof to protect it against the frost and they bloom against the harshness of the cold. In the world of flowers, it is celebrated as a noble flower which radiates with elegance and force.

Every year, Sekkoji temple in Katsuragi city is decorated with around 200 winter peonies. These winter peonies are preciously protected along with the temple which both have been inherited from generation to generation.

They bloom from every year from early December to early January and many visitors come to see them. Sekkoji temple is famous for it’s flowers, especially their winter peonies but is also proud of the 7000 normal peonies which bloom in spring.

Please visit Sekkoji temple if you have the chance.

Sekkoji temple
Address: 387 Someno, Katsuragi
Phone number: 0745-48-2031
Entrance fee: Adults (Junior high school and above) – 400 yen, Children – 200 yen
Access: ~13 minute walk from Nijojinjaguchi station, Kintetsu Minami Osaka line.

Photo credits - Nishikawa

11/12/2020

Ishikawa Goemon was a Japanese thief/ninja/outlaw born in the 16th century. Similar to Robin Hood, he is famous for stealing from the aristocrats and distributing their riches to the poor. He and his young son was eventually caught
and sentenced to death by being boiled alive in an iron cauldron.

This paper mark placed in the inside of Kehayaza Sumo museum entrance reads “12th of December” which is believed to be the date of Ishikawa Goemon’s death anniversary. It is inverted in order to prevent thieves, whom upon entering the building upside down like a ninja will see the mark and be reminded of Goemon’s gruesome death.

Photo credits - Nishikawa

04/12/2020

Spotted some cosplayers at Okuin, Taimadera

Photo credits - Nishikawa

27/11/2020

Mt Nijo - perfect time to go for a hike to see some autumn colours

20/11/2020

A few ongoing exhibitions at Taimadera temple:

1) Special viewing of the sliding doors at Okuin temple
9am – 4pm, 14 Nov ~ 29 Nov

2) Special viewing of the main hall at Sainanin temple
9am – 5pm, 21 Nov ~ 30 Nov

Also perfect time to see the Autumn leaves and the twin pagodas (national treasures)

Address: 1263 Taima, Katsuragi

Photo credits: Nishikawa

16/11/2020

At Chujodo they sell delicious yomogi mochi topped with red bean paste. Yomogi also known as Japanese mugwort has been used historically in Japan for it’s medicinal properties. It is rich in dietary fiber, chlorophyll, vitamin B1 and B2.

For 300 yen you can try this local delicacy served with hot green tea.

Access: Chujodo(中将堂本舗), Taimadera 55-1.

It’s located next to Taimadera station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka line.

06/11/2020

Chrysanthemums on exhibition in front of Katsuragi Shinjo city office.

Chrysanthemum cultivation began in Japan during the Nara and Heian periods(early 8th to late 12th centuries) and they have special significance in Japanese culture. The Imperial Seal of Japan is a chrysanthemum and the institution of the monarchy is also called the Chrysanthemum Throne.

23/10/2020

Nagao Shrine – Water basin

One is expected to wash their hands and rinse their mouth as a Shinto purification ritual before they enter the shrine at these water basins otherwise known in Japanese as chozuya or temizuya(手水舎).

The holy water is commonly spouted from the mouth of a dragon which are mythical creatures associated with water in Asian culture. Typically they are also intelligent Gods and providers of good fortune. This is fascinating compared to the malevolent fire-breathing dragons and vassals of destruction which are commonly depicted in the West.

The real question who would win in a battle pitted against each other?

16/10/2020

Autumn marks the beginning of the rice harvest in Nara

09/10/2020

Shōjin ryōri (精進料理) is a form of Buddhist cuisine that is followed by monks and many believers of Buddhism in Japan. It is usually vegetarian or vegan and is based on the dharmic concept of non-violence.

You can try shōjin ryōri at the various sub-temples within Taima-dera. Each temple has different prices so for more info please contact:

Gonenin　0745-48-2004
Nakanobo　0745-48-2001
Okuin　　0745-48-2008
Sainanin　0745-48-2202

Photo credit - Nishikawa

02/10/2020

Red spider lily / Higanbana

Higanbana (彼岸花) which means the flower of higan has deep significance in Buddhism. Ohigan is the other side shore of the Sanzu river which separates this life from the afterlife in the Japanese Buddhist tradition. As a result the flower is often associated with death and is used in funerals and also as an offering when visiting the graves of ancestors.

Higanbana signals the arrival of fall in Japan and can be seen all around Katsuragi. The bulbs are poisonous and higanbana are especially common around rice paddies and rivers to keep pests and mice away.

This shot is taken along the Kintetsu Minami Osaka line and the red contrasts vividly against the green fields and blue sky.

Photo credits - Nishikawa

04/09/2020

On July 4th, a memorial was held for Taima no Kehayaza (one of the founders of Sumo Wrestling) at his tombstone in Katsuragi. The Buddhist priests also prayed for the ongoing safety of the current Sumo wrestlers amidst these difficult times.

Photo credits - Nishikawa

14/08/2020

Summer has come... It’s getting real hot and muggy these days. Let’s eat some watermelon roll cake (Limited-sales, available at Katsuragi michi-no-eki until 16 August).

Photo credits by Nishikawa. @ 葛城市

03/08/2020

Honoikazuchi Shrine (aka Fuefuki Shrine) is becoming a hotspot for Kimetsu no Yaiba fans and cosplayers.

Recently the hanging ema (votive wooden tablets) are filled with pictures of Agatsuma Zenitsu.

Photo credits - Nishikawa

22/07/2020

Aragoshi peach cocktail – Umenoyado brewery

Umenoyado brewery is a local brewery that has been producing high quality sake for the last 120 years.

Method: Mix 200ml of milk, 1g of agar powder and 10g of sugar into a pot (add in some almond essence if you fancy). After the powder and sugar has dissolved, put mix into the freezer. Once frozen, cut the block into ice-cube sizes and pour in Aragoshi peach liqueur. Enjoy this refreshing cocktail on a hot summer’s day!

For more cocktail recipes see https://www.facebook.com/umenoyado

Photo credits: Umenoyado brewery

10/07/2020

Camembert cheese

It’s been a long dream of the owner of Latte Takamatsu (a dairy farm and café) to make a camembert cheese. Finally, using the yeast from Umenoyado sake brewery they were able to produce a deep rich flavored camembert cheese.

Authentic, tasty cheese is hard to come across in Japan and is definitely something I miss from overseas. Latte Takamatsu is now selling it at their shopfront and as part of their café menu.

09/07/2020

Tsuyu -（梅雨）

Another cloudy and rainy day in Katsuragi as the rainy season continues. Take care everyone, especially if you live in areas prone to mudslides.

07/07/2020

Hydrangea at Honoikazuchi Shrine (葛木坐火雷神社) also known as Fuefuki Shrine in Katsuragi @ 葛木坐火雷神社（笛吹神社）

03/07/2020

This cannon was donated to Honoikazuchi Shrine (葛木坐火雷神社) also known as Fuefuki Shrine in Katsuragi in June 1909. The cannon is Russian-made and was used during the Russo-Japanese war in 1904-1905. It’s a rare and interesting sight seeing a cannon at a shrine.

Recently, Honoikazuchi Shrine is becoming a hotspot for people cosplaying as Zenitsu Agatsuma from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. So why not try your hand at cosplaying sometime?

Photo credit: Tannaka

12/06/2020

Diamond trail (ダイヤモンドトレール）

The diamond trail is a 45km-long path running along the Kongo mountain range separating Nara, Osaka and Wakayama prefectures. The photos are parts of the diamond trail route from Mt Nijo to Mt Yamato Katsuragi. The path is quite well-shaded even though the path follows along the ridges of the Kongo ranges.

12/06/2020

(下日本語あり) As voted by official qualified experts in tourism and food tasting, Ajino-hashimoto is one of the top 3 lunch spots in Taima, Katsuragi.

They are most famous for their kawara soba which is fried soba served on top of a heated roof tile (like a hot plate) giving the soba a crispy texture. The soba is topped with beef, golden egg, spring onions and seaw**d.

Location: Nara pref, Katsuragi, Taima, 350 (はしもと商店 on Google)
Hours：10:00～18:00PM (closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month)

Phone: 0745-48-8410
3月9日放送の「ゆうドキッ！」で奈良検定の最高ランクの資格を持つ観光・街歩きの達人「まほろばソムリエ」が選んだ訪れてほしい店ベスト３を紹介されました。順次紹介させていただきます。

味のかけ橋
住所:奈良県葛城市當麻350
電話:0745-48-8410
定休:第2・第4月曜日
営業:10:00～18:00

Photo credits and Japanese written by Nishikawa

29/05/2020

Mt. Yamato Katsuragi – Azaleas

Around mid may each year Mt. Yamato Katsuragi comes alive with thousands of pinkish red Azaleas covering the mountain. In Japanese, they say 「一目百万本」meaning “1 million trees in one glance.” I was blessed with excellent weather on the day and the floral reds contrasted against the stark green of the trees and the blue mountains and sky was a sight to behold.

Unfortunately, the azalea viewing season might be over by now but Mt. Yamato Katsuragi is still worth hiking especially before mid-summer hits. Whilst the mountain is actually managed by the neighboring city (Gose), there are many routes from Katsuragi one can take to reach the peak such as by heading west from Katsuragi Sanroku park, Yashikiyama park or along the Takenouchi Kaido until you hit the diamond trail and heading south from there.

22/05/2020

Tree Peony also known as ボタン（牡丹）in Japanese are prized for their large, prolific blooms that can grow up to 25cm in diameter.

Katsuragi City is famous for it’s peonies and it is one of their official flowers together with the chrysanthemum. Some popular spots where they bloom are Taimadera and Sekkoji temple.

Now that the state of emergency has been uplifted, it could be a good time visit (but don’t forget to practice safe social distancing!).

First picture: Taimadera – Okuin

Second picture: Sekkoji temple

Photo credits by Nishikawa

01/05/2020

Chinponkanpon festival was held on April 18 at Kakinomoto Shrine and Eigen temple to celebrate the death anniversary of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.

Hitomaro was born in Yamato province (Modern day Nara) and is considered one of the four greatest poets in Japanese history. Many of his poems can be found in the Man’yoshu, the oldest extant collection of Japanese Waka (poetry in classical Japanese).

The mochi throwing event that is usually part of this festival was cancelled this year in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Photo by Nishikawa

24/04/2020

Takenouchi Kaido – 竹内街道 (Pt.2)

Takenouchi Kaido was built by Emperor Suiko in 613 AD and is Japan’s oldest national Highway. It spans 26kms starting from Sakai City (Osaka) and ends at Nagao Shrine in Katsuragi City. The road then continues further East along Yokooji road all the way to Asuka in Nara.

In ancient times, missionaries from China arrived in Naniwa (present-day Osaka) in the West and travelled through to Asuka (Nara) in the East along these roads whilst introducing technology and Buddhism.

During the Middle Ages, the roads connected many important trading towns, and in modern times it has flourished as a road for people traveling on pilgrimages to the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture.

The Takenouchi Kaido/Yokooji historic road offers travellers fascinating variety of scenes and you will be able to encounter and appreciate the historical changes in the area over the past fourteen centuries. Along the way you will be able to see old temples, shrines, houses and nature, recreating the atmosphere of Katsuragi city back then.

Please take a look at the YouTube link below for more info! (In Japanese).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFi8PWoLnA&fbclid=IwAR3ciNGA7q6_naiiNSBDEJgi4ePYqz2uC5OLO1a-EP0j6T6vsCNbKKwb8z8

竹内街道は推古天皇21年（613年）に開放して26キロで堺市から葛城市の長尾神社までの日本の最古の国道です。横大路に続きて飛鳥までに延長します。

古代には、大陸からの使節団が難波宮から飛鳥京を訪れ、先進技術や仏教文化を伝えた。

中世には経済都市を結び、近世には伊勢参りの宿場町としての賑わいを見せ、場所ごとに様々な表情を浮かべる。

1400年の歴史の移り変わりを周辺の歴史遺産を通して感じさせる日本最古の国道。それが竹内街道・横大路(大道)なのである。

リンク先をご覧ください。

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFi8PWoLnA&fbclid=IwAR3ciNGA7q6_naiiNSBDEJgi4ePYqz2uC5OLO1a-EP0j6T6vsCNbKKwb8z8 @ Katsuragi-shi, Nara, Japan

17/04/2020

En no Gyoja (役行者,"En the ascetic") also known as En no Ozuno (born 634AD, in Katsuragi and died c. 700–707) was a Japanese ascetic and mystic. He is traditionally held to be the founder of Shugendo, a syncretic religion incorporating aspects of Taoism, Shinto, esoteric Buddhism and traditional Japanese shamanism.

Shugendo involves the practice of mountain ascetism and En no Gyoja spent much of his life as an ascetic on Mt. Katsuragi, Mt. Kinpusen and the Omine ranges. As a result he is believed to have attained spiritual powers such as the ability to cast spells and the power of flight. He is also often accompanied with two demons whom he converted to become his servants. In 699, he was accused of using evil sorcery to mislead people and consequently was banished to Oshima island.

Yesterday Japan declared a nationwide state of emergency due to COVID-19. It’ crucial we all practice safe social distancing. Monk mode, on!

10/04/2020

In order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, this year’s Nerikuyo event on April 14 will be held in Taimadera’s main hall and unfortunately will not be open for public participation.

Photo by Nishikawa

03/04/2020

Sakura are in full bloom this week all around Katsuragi

1st photo – Katsuragi Sanroku park
2nd photo – Taimadera, Okuin Temple ft. Renka-chan
3rd photo – Taimadera, Gonenin Temple
4th photo – Northside of Taimadera

Photos by Nishikawa @ Katsuragi-shi, Nara, Japan

27/03/2020

Nerikuyo is expected to be held on 14 April 2020 from 4PM at Taimadera.

Nerikuyo is a unique ceremony that has continued for more than 1000 years and happens annually in order to celebrate Princess Chujo and her accession into the Pure Land. Besides being well-loved by everyone, Princess Chujo crafted the Taima-Mandala, a Japanese National Treasure and an important artifact for Pure-land Buddhists. It is believed that at the age of 29, Princess Chujo was guided by 25 Bodhisattvas to ascend into the Pure-land without experiencing death.

At the Nerikuyo ceremony you will a re-enactment of said event, with 25 people adorned in elaborate clothing walking with dancing like movements down a bridge they build specifically for this event. They will carry a small lotus pedestal with the figure of Princess Chujo representing her spirit and carry it to the Mandala hall where she will ascend into the Pure land.

Photo by Nishikawa

19/03/2020

Tamaya Kamameshi –　玉や釜飯

(下日本語あり)As voted by official qualified experts in tourism and food tasting, Tamaya Kamameshi is one of the top 3 lunch spots in Taima, Katsuragi.

Kamameshi (lit. iron pot rice) is rice flavoured with soy sauce, sake and mirin topped with meats and vegetables being slow cooked in an iron pot. The rice is slightly burnt on the bottom adding a desirable fragrant flavor.

At Tamaya Kamameshi you have the choice between (Pork, chicken, beef and fried tofu). The meal is accompanied with some small dishes, pickles and miso soup.

Location: Nara pref, Katsuragi, Taima, 1242 (or search Tamaya Kamameshi on google)
Hours：11：00～4PM (closed on Monday and Tuesdays, open on public holidays)

Phone: 0745-48-5470
3月9日放送の「ゆうドキッ！」で奈良検定の最高ランクの資格を持つ観光・街歩きの達人「まほろばソムリエ」が選んだ訪れてほしい店ベスト３を紹介されました。順次紹介させていただきます。

釜めし玉や
住所：奈良県葛城市當麻1242
電話：0745-48-5470
営業：11：00～
定休：月・火曜日（祝日は営業）

Photo credits and Japanese written by Nishikawa

13/03/2020

Hakuho Sho

Hakuho recently visited Katsuragi City to perform a purification ceremony on the newly repaired Sumo ring at the Kehayaza Sumo Museum. We were blessed with Hakuho’s visit who is considered by many to be the greatest Sumo Wrestler of all time.

Hakuho is a Mongolian born, professional Sumo Wrestler who achieved the highest rank in Sumo of Yokozuna at the age of 22, which he still maintains till today. He has an outstanding list of records such as most career wins and most top division championships. Unless you follow Sumo it might be hard to comprehend how remarkable it is, but just imagine Hakuho as being the Roger Federer of the Sumo world.

So come check out the Kehayaza Sumo Museum which has a history exhibition of Sumo, including various Hakuho memorabilia! @ 相撲館

06/03/2020

Spring is here! 春が来た！

It’s the end of the cold season and the start of hayfever season. (It’s still cold... 😅) .

Here are various pictures of events around Katsuragi city – celebrating the start of Spring and praying for a bountiful harvest.

First pic: 4 March, a ceremony held at Nagao Shrine (長尾神社) praying for a bountiful harvest of the 5 cereals/grains(rice, wheat, beans, awa millet and kibi millet).

Second pic: 6 March, a ceremony at Tsukudaniimasu Hitokotoneko Shrine (調田坐一事尼古神社) praying for a bountiful harvest of the 5 cereals/grains.

Third pic: The stalks of horsetail (tsukushi/つくし) sprouting earlier than expected this year, signaling the onset of Spring. Tsukushi is a fairly common wild plant / w**d in Japan. As it happens it is also edible and delicious! @ Katsuragi-shi, Nara, Japan

Photos courtesy of Katsuragi Tourism department

28/02/2020

Takenouchi Kaido – 竹内街道 (Pt.1) (下日本語あり）
Takenouchi Kaido was built by Emperor Suiko in 613 AD and is Japan’s oldest national Highway. It spans 26kms starting from Sakai City (Osaka) in and ends at Nagao Shrine in Katsuragi City. The road then continues further East along Yokooji road all the way to Asuka in Nara. .
In ancient times, missionaries from China arrived in Naniwa (present-day Osaka) in the West and travelled through to Asuka (Nara) in the East along these roads whilst introducing technology and Buddhism.

During the Middle Ages, the roads connected many important trading towns, and in modern times it has flourished as a road for people traveling on pilgrimages to the Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture.

The Takenouchi Kaido/Yokooji historic road offers travellers fascinating variety of scenes and you will be able to encounter and appreciate the historical changes in the area over the past fourteen centuries. Along the way you will be able to see old temples, shrines, houses and nature, recreating the atmosphere of Katsuragi city back then.

Please take a look at the YouTube link below for more info! (In Japanese)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFi8PWoLnA&fbclid=IwAR3ciNGA7q6_naiiNSBDEJgi4ePYqz2uC5OLO1a-EP0j6T6vsCNbKKwb8z8

竹内街道は推古天皇21年（613年）に開放して26キロで堺市から葛城市の長尾神社までの日本の最古の国道です。横大路に続きて飛鳥までに延長します。
古代には、大陸からの使節団が難波宮から飛鳥京を訪れ、先進技術や仏教文化を伝えた。

中世には経済都市を結び、近世には伊勢参りの宿場町としての賑わいを見せ、場所ごとに様々な表情を浮かべる。

1400年の歴史の移り変わりを周辺の歴史遺産を通して感じさせる日本最古の国道。それが竹内街道・横大路(大道)なのである。

リンク先をご覧ください。

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TFi8PWoLnA&fbclid=IwAR3ciNGA7q6_naiiNSBDEJgi4ePYqz2uC5OLO1a-EP0j6T6vsCNbKKwb8z8

25/02/2020

Nagao Shrine（長尾神社）

It is not known exactly when Nagao shrine was built, but according to one text it is estimated to have been built sometime during the Asuka period (538-710AD). Nagao Shrine has been a shrine of historical significance and many people used to gather at the shrine because it was the starting point to the Takenouchi route / Yokooji (the oldest National highway) in Japan. As a result, the shrine attracts a lot of passersby and visitors who come to pray for safe travels.

Furthermore, there is a frog statue (last pic) outside the entrance of the shrine which people rub for auspicious reasons. Frog is かえる（kaeru）in Japanese, which is also a homonym for return 帰る(kaeru). Therefore by rubbing the frog’s head, you are praying for good luck that you will safely return.

Nagao Shrine is easily accessible by train and about a four minute walk from Iwaki station.