Hase 長谷

Hase is located to the south of Nara City . The main attraction, Hasedera Temple , sits on a forested hillside and looks out on the Hase River running through the valley below. Climb up to the temple from Hasedera Station in Sakurai city.

It is accessible via train from Nara and Osaka.

From Nara, take the JR Manyo Mahoroba Line to Sakurai, taking about 30 minutes. Transfer to the local Kintetsu Osaka Line. The temple is a 15- to 20-minute walk from Hasedera Station.

There are also direct trains from the Osaka area.

From the station, walk through a quiet neighborhood with streets so steep they sometimes comprise only staircases. These narrow, winding streets are a real treat, embodying a feeling of rustic, rural Japan.

Cross the bridge over the Hase River to reach the main temple road. Here, wooden buildings line the street. The closer you get to the temple, the more shops and restaurants you will see. Try a traditional snack such as kusamochi, a type of sweet rice ball, to enhance the feeling of visiting historic Japan.

Slow down and enjoy the simple delights of the town. By the time you reach the temple gates, you will have had an experience worth remembering.