Exploring Nara through Kojiki -Nara Kiki Man’yo Meisho-Zue, Kojiki Edition-

訂正古訓古事記 3巻 上中下』本居宣長訓

『訂正古訓古事記 3巻 上中下』本居宣長訓
 Owned by Nara Prefectural Library and Information Center

INTRODUCING KOJIKI

Kojiki is the oldest surviving record of early Japanese history and was produced in the early 8th century. Written using a unique mixture of narratives, quotes, story telling and songs, Kojiki follows Japan’s Imperial lineage from mytho-logical times to the early 7th century. Kojiki shows Nara as center stage and the scene of many important historic events and epic dramas.

稗田阿礼と太安万侶

Yamato is
The highest part of the land
The mountains are green partitions
Lying layer upon layer
Nestled among the mountains
How beautiful is Yamato

倭は 國のまほろば たたなづく 青垣 山隠れる 倭しうるわし

Song translation from A Waka Anthology By Edwin A. Cranston stanford University Press December 1993

Visit Nara, the Land of Kojiki.

There are many places to see in Nara Prefecture that relate to the fascinating stories in Kojiki.
With rivers, mountains, shrines, historic sites, folklore, legends, and more,
we’re sure that you’re going to love it.

POINTS OF INTEREST IN NARA

NARA map
japanmap

Getting Around IN nara

Nara is about a 30-minute train ride from Kyoto or Osaka, and getting around in Nara is easy. Major tourist destinations are connected by Nara’s extensive public transportation system. Rental bicycles are also a popular way to find your way around.

FAMOUS SIGHTSEEING SPOTS GUIDE

1.Around Nara City
  • Kasugataisha Shrine

    Kasugataisha Shrine

    One of the most popular shrines in Nara, it enshrines many of the deities that are mentioned in Kojiki stories. (Nara City)

  • Former Site of Heijokyu(Heijokyo Palace)

    Former Site of Heijokyu
    (Heijokyo Palace)

    The country’s first official capital. This is where O no Yasumaro first presented Kojiki to Empress Genmei. (Nara City)

  • Isagawa Jinja Shrine 写真提供:奈良市観光協会

    Isagawa Jinja Shrine

    Empress Isuke-yori-hime, wife of Emperor Jimmu, is enshrined here. The shrine holds a Lily Festival each year on June 17th. (Nara City)

2.Around Tenri and Sakurai
  • Miwa Myojin Shrine(Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine)

    Miwa Myojin Shrine
    (Ohmiwa Jinja Shrine)

    One of Japan’s first shrines. Mt. Miwa is considered to be the dwelling place of the Great Deity O-mono-nushi. (Sakurai City)

  • Hibara Jinja Shrine

    Hibara Jinja Shrine

    Part of the Miwa Shrine complex. It is well known for its beautiful scenery and view of the sun setting over Mt. Nijo. (Sakurai City)

  • Isonokami Jingu Shrine

    Isonokami Jingu Shrine

    One of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines. It is famous for its unique treasure of a seven-branched sword. (Tenri City)

3.Around Kashihara and Asuka
  • Kashihara Jingu Shrine

    Kashihara Jingu Shrine

    Kojiki states that Emperor Jimmu governed from Kashihara Palace. This shrine was built on the site of the palace. (Kashihara City)

  • Former Site of Asuka-no-kiyomihara-no-miya(Asuka Palace)

    Former Site of
    Asuka-no-kiyomihara-no-miya
    (Asuka Palace)

    Asuka-no-kiyomihara-no-miya was the palace of Emperor Tenmu, who first commissioned Kojiki. The palace was located on this site. (Asuka Village)

  • Ishibutai Tumulus

    Ishibutai Tumulus

    This immense stone burial mound from the Asuka Period is said to have been made for a member of the Soga clan. (Asuka Village)

4.Around Gose and Katsuragi
  • Katsuragi Hitokotonushi Jinja Shrine

    Katsuragi Hitokotonushi
    Jinja Shrine

    It is said that if a pilgrim states his or her wish in a single word at this shrine, the wish will be granted. (Gose City)

  • Mt. Nijo

    Mt. Nijo

    Emperor Richu escaped by going the south way around this mountain. From the top, you can see Nara in the East and the Port of Osaka in the West. (Katsuragi City)

  • Takamahiko Jinja Shrine

    Takamahiko Jinja Shrine

    According to Kojiki, a number of heavenly deities came down to Japan. A descendant of those deities is enshrined here. (Gose City)

5.Around Uda and Yoshino
  • Yatagarasu Jinja Shrine

    Yatagarasu Jinja Shrine

    Take-tsunumi, the deity that transformed into the “Raven with Many Feet,” is enshrined here. (Uda City)

  • Mt. Nijo

    Soni Highland

    Princess Medori and Prince Hayabusa-wake were killed here by the forces of Emperor Nintoku. (Soni Village)

  • Miyataki

    Miyataki

    On the Yoshino River, this place is near an area where Emperor Tenmu vacationed. (Yoshino Town)

History Comes Alive !
Nara Is the Land of Kojiki
Nara became Japan’s first capital in 710 A.D. and has been cherished as an important cultural and religious center in Japan for more than 1,300 years. Many of Japan’s oldest shrines and historical monuments as well as the area’s natural splendor, as decribed in Kojiki stories, are beautifully preserved in Nara.