Another side of Nara, Japan | Day trips to Ikoma & Hasedera, Hidden Gems, Temples | 3 day Itinerary

Another side of Nara, Japan | Day trips to Ikoma & Hasedera, Hidden Gems, Temples | 3 day Itinerary

Hi everyone, the next few day we’ll be spending in Nara I used to think Nara only has deers and Todaiji temple but there’s actually so many hidden gems to explore and today we’re in Ikoma which is only 15 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara station this cute cat is what we’re gonna ride up Mount Ikoma to Hozan-ji Temple this cable car is popular for this unique design, the cat is called Mike and there’s also a dog named Bull it’s quite a rocky way up you can also ride a second cable car to Sanjo Amusement Park from here but our stop for today is Hozanji temple there’s a small town leading up to the temple the town is so empty… I wonder if I came on a day everything is closed it’s a little bit eerie the lights are on but the doors are closed it’s like walking through an abandoned town doesn’t this building look like it’s from Howl’s moving castle? and of course it’s closed too I found one restaurant that’s open so we’ll have lunch here this restaurant is serving Indonesian and Balinese dishes this set also came with 3 side dishes this was a great choice for lunch time to explore the rest of the town at top of the hill is this temple with hundreds of stone lanterns lining the temple path these lanterns get lit up around dawn and then you enter into the main temple Hōzanji is considered as one of Japan’s Three Great Sacred Temple walking beyond the main ground you can find the inner sanctuary here you’ll find a stairway leading up to the forest the stairway is lined with these Jizo statues it kind of feels like you’re entering another world the atmosphere is so mysterious many of the statues are draped in red bibs, jewellery and knitted hats, placed prayers it was also starting to rain a little it also gets darker deeper into the forest you go there a small shrine nestled in the forest decided to head back before it started raining more looks like the lanterns are lit now today we’re going to explore Nara city starting with a quick coffee how cute is this since I’ve been to Nara a couple of times now I’m going to try and explore areas I haven’t been before the weather is so nice today the first location is a bit past Nara park which was quite peaceful early in the morning I guess most of the tourist come in the afternoon I’ve also noticed the deers are a lot calmer in summer maybe because of the heat the place we’re going is on top of that hill make sure to buy some deer snacks at the park before you head up as you cannot buy any on the hill there is a bit of a hike to get up and it was a bit more steeper then it looks especially in the summer heat and just when you think you’re done but this is the amazing view from the top there was only a few people and wild deers roaming around need a little rest first go glad I brought some deer snacks as soon as the snacks were done the scenery looks straight out of a painting you also get this panoramic view of the city it’s such a great place away from the crowds time to head back down make sure to bring some water if you decide to go! the walk down took less than 10 minutes came to see the famous mochi pounding there is no set times for mochi pounding but it is said to happen every 30 minutes I personally came at 11:20 and they were just starting it was still slightly warm when I got it the texture of the mochi is so soft and chewy I also really like the mugwort flavour time for some lunch this is my favourite dish from Nara the rice is well vinegared rice topped with slices of lightly salted or pickled fish I need a little break from the heat this is a tea house that serves both Japanese meal and tea it also has a view of this lovely Japanese garden I think this has become one of my favourite things to do on a trip a little moment of peace I have one last stop for today this place is said to have one of the most beautiful sunsets in Nara this temple is also part of the famous Todaiji temple this is the second hall tucked away in the hillside arrived just before sunset right on golden hour love all the shadows such a stunning view the best view is when the sun aligns with the lanterns end to another day time for my morning coffee found this cute little local coffee shop getting plant envy the shop is small but cosy the coffee was delicious too we’re headed on another day trip today we’ll be visiting Hasedera which is about 50 minutes from Nara there’s a temple there that’s famous for hydrangeas so we’re going to go check it out the area is quite rural but there is a small, traditional town leading up to the temple the streets are filled with old wooden houses, shops, and inns the area developed over centuries to serve pilgrims visiting Hasedera you’ll find local shops selling sweets, pickles and souvenirs the area feel paused in time there are still a few restaurants and cafes although a lot of them seem to be closed going to have some lunch before heading to the temple this restaurant is in a renovated old private house which makes you feel at home the set comes with chicken, keema and chickpea curry it’s actually quite easy to find vegetarian dishes in Nara the curry was surprisingly quiet spicy which I really liked let’s go explore the temple grounds this temple is most famous for these 396 step wooden staircase leading up the hillside Hasedera is also known as the “Temple of Flowers” it has stunning seasonal displays, peonies in spring, maples in autumn and hydrangeas in summer there’s still more to the temple to see the main hall is built on a platform overlooking the mountains kind of reminds me of Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera the temple grounds also has a small cafe the cafe also looks out onto the mountains it’s so peaceful to look out at this view I hope you guys enjoyed this little trip to Nara can you guys guess where I’m headed next?

I used to think Nara was only known for deers and temples but every time I go back there’s something new to discover! On this trip I tried to visit lesser known areas of Nara. From the forest temple of Hōzan-ji in Ikoma to quiet corners of Nara City and the mountain temple of Hasedera. If you’ve also done all the main areas of Nara and looking for something new to add to your itinerary, I hope this gives you ideas 🙂

Time stamp:
0:48 Day trip to Ikoma
1:34 Cat cable car up to Mt Ikoma
2:51 Walk around empty town
5:25 Exploring Hōzan-ji
10:57 Hidden gems in Nara city
12:54 Mount Wakakusa viewpoint
16:50 Mochi pounding at Nakatanidou
19:23 Match in Japanese Tea house
21:18 Best sunset view atTodai-ji Nigatsu-do
23:35 Sorairo Coffee (local cafe)
25:46 Traditional town in Hasadera
28:27 Hasedera Temple Hydrangeas display

Filmed in late June – hydrangea season!

Places mentioned:
Mahara Jyaya
14-1 Monzencho, Ikoma, Nara 630-0266, Japan
Hōzan-ji, Sandō
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YoJ6qF27gQDsKPD49
Nakatanidou
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zKNZ3GfG4Uki9Ls38
Izasa-Nakatani-hompo Yumekaze-hiroba
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9bXgHz4p98cMu8z48
Sanshu-tei
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZG2YiCBTB2Rsvhz7
Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GvC8gZ8cPVsRsZBt8
Mount Wakakusa
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7LL6n2rfTACRVi7DA
sorairo coffeee
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bqz9FY6RQweN8BUX7
cafe NAGY
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UyVczv4Ts2Qmsyj76
Hasedera Temple
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVTf32AdHP22EMSC8

(#narajapan #japanvlog #ikoma #naratrip #hōzanji #hasederatemple #japantravel )

» ABOUT ME
Hi there! I’m Sol, I was born in Korea but grew up mostly in Sydney, Australia! After living in Tokyo for 4 years I’ve relocated to Seoul! I love to travel, find cute cafes and document my daily life. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy!

☕ If you want to buy me a coffee!
https://ko-fi.com/sollife

Sol Life Playlist:

Instagram: @solli.fe (https://www.instagram.com/solli.fe/)

Contact/ Business inquiries:
sollife02@gmail.com

Camera:
Iphone 16 pro
Sony a7iv

Editing program:
Adobe Premiere Pro

© Sol Life 2024 All rights reserved
Downloading the video, sharing and secondary editing is prohibited.