Nara trip, Nara tour

Nara Prefecture is known for its many famous spots for viewing autumn leaves. There are many ancient temples where the autumn leaves shine brightly, such as Tanzan Shrine, where the 13-story pagoda and maple trees compete with each other, and Muroji Temple, where you can enjoy autumn leaves lit up at night. However, what we recommend in Nara in the fall is viewing the autumn leaves in nature, such as in gorges and valleys. This time, we will introduce two recommended spots.
The first is Dorokyo Gorge, located in Yoshino Kumano National Park and spanning Nara, Mie, and Wakayama prefectures. It is a scenic spot with a clear stream flowing quietly among a row of oddly shaped rocks and huge boulders. It is also known as a "modern unexplored place" due to its difficult access and surreal, mysterious beauty. In autumn, we recommend relaxing and enjoying the contrast between the deep green water surface and the red maple leaves from a water jet boat.
The second is Mitarai Valley in Tenkawa Village, where you can enjoy the colorful mountains and clear streams that sparkle in emerald green. The sight of the entire mountain covered in a variety of colors fascinates all who visit. Of course, it's not just the autumn leaves that are amazing; the beauty of the valley is also amazing. The waterfall that flows smoothly between the huge rocks is so beautiful it will cleanse your mind. There is a walking path, so you can easily visit. Dorogawa Onsen is nearby, so it's a great place to take a bath after a hike.

Nara is home to many traditional crafts that highlight the skills of its artisans. Excellent crafts such as Nara fans with their beautiful openwork carvings and Nara lacquerware with its brilliant mother-of-pearl work have been passed down through the generations. Among these, the "Nara brush" has an especially long history.
Around the 9th century, Kukai, who visited China as a Japanese envoy to the Tang Dynasty, returned to Japan with Chinese Buddhism, art, and various books. Among them was how to make calligraphy brushes. A man named Sakanai Kiyokawa, who learned the latest calligraphy brush making methods under Kukai's supervision, made brushes in Nara and presented them to Emperor Saga. This is said to be the origin of Nara brushes.
Nara brushes are made by craftsmen who skillfully combine various animal hairs that differ in length, hardness, and thickness. Everything is done by hand from start to finish, and the high quality is maintained, so there are many loyal users. If you are interested in calligraphy or painting, you should try using Nara brush.