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Isonokami Jingu Shrine
An ancient shrine in which a divine sword is enshrined
The object of warship is a divine sword called "Futsunomitama no Okami". Old records say the shrine dates back to the 7th to 8th century, when a powerful clan, the Mononobe, had military control over the area and the shrine was used to store weapons. Its main hall of worship dates from the 12th century, and is one of the oldest examples of shrine architecture in Japan. The ancient artifacts and treasures excavated in the shrine grounds are enshrined in its main hall.
tel0743-62-0900 / Open 7 days a week
admissionAdmission free (Shrine treasures and accessories are not open to the public)
accessTake bus No. 20, 24 or 28 from JR or Kintetsu Tenri Station and get off at Ishinokami Jingu Mae. A 5-minute walk from the bus stop / A 30-minute walk from JR or Kintetsu Tenri Station

Chogakuji Temple
The oldest Buddhist statue in Japan with gems inset in its eyes
It is said that this temple was established in 824 A.D. by Kobodaishi, the founding priest of the Shingon Sect Buddhism. In the main hall are the "Amidabutsu," the main Buddha in Buddhism, and two other Buddhist statues to protect it. The three statues, all of which have crystal eyes, are Japan's oldest Buddhist images of this kind and are designated as important cultural assets. In May, the beautiful Hirado Tsusuji (azaleas) in the grounds are in full bloom. Visitors also have the chance to taste locally produced Miwa Somen noodles in the kitchen.
tel0743-66-1051 / 10:00 - 17:00 / Open 7 days a week
admissionadmission300
accessTake bus No. 60 or 62 from JR or Kintetsu Tenri Station and get off at Kaminagaoka Chogakuji Mae. A 10-minute walk from the bus stop / A 20-minute walk from JR Yanagimoto Station

Sumo Shrine
The origin of Sumo wrestling
Sumo wrestling is the national martial art of Japan, in which wrestlers compete for superiority in power and technique. It is said that Sumo Shrine is the place where sumo first began, and it is here, according to records, that Nominosukune and Taimanokehaya competed before the 11th Emperor, Suijin. The winner of the competition, Nominosukune, is enshrined in a small shrine in the sanctuary. We can still see the remains of the sumo ring where that competition took place.
tel0744-42-9111 (Sakurai City Tourist Association)
admissionAdmission Free
accessTake bus No. 60 or 62 from JR or Kintetsu Sakurai Station and get off at Sumo Jinja Guchi. A 20-minute walk from the bus stop

Hashihaka Burial Mound
One of the oldest tombs in Yamato (Nara Prefecture)
A large keyhole-shaped tomb mound, 272m in length, that was, according to "Nihonshoki", the Chronicles of Japan, a collaboration between humans and the gods - the former worked during the day and the latter at night. It is said that a noble princess was buried here. The princess married "Ohmononushi", the deity of Mt. Miwa. One day the princess learned that her husband was a snake and screamed aloud in surprise. Her husband, the deity, returned to Mt. Miwa, and the princess was so distraught she killed her private parts by stabbing herself with chopsticks (hashi). This is how Hashihaka (the Chopstick Tomb) was named.
tel0744-42-9111 : Shoko-Kanko-Ka (the Commerce and Tourism Divn., Sakurai City)
admissionAdmission free
accessTake bus No. 60 and 62 from JR or Kintetsu Sakurai Station and get off at Hashinaka. A 5-minute walk from the bus stop on foot / A 10-minute walk from JR Makimuku Station
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