【奈良】 Tenkawa Daibenzaiten Shrine & Dorogawa Onsen/Menfudo Shonyudo Tour

• * Explore Tenkawa Daibenzaiten Shrine, one of Japan's three great Benzaiten main temples, and experience the remnants of Kukai's training and its mysterious culture.
• * The clear streams of Mitarai Valley flow through the gorge, creating a natural landscape painting woven with huge rocks and waterfalls.
• * With distinct seasons, the valley offers unique scenery in each season: fresh greenery in spring, coolness in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and white snow in winter.
• * The entire valley hiking trail is approximately 7 km long with moderate slopes, suitable for easy hiking or family trips, allowing you to fully enjoy a forest bath.
• * You can choose Dorogawa Onsen Street to experience the Showa-era hot spring town, relax, and experience the atmosphere of a training retreat.
• * Or take a monorail train to explore Menfudo Limestone Cave and admire the straw-shaped stalactites and the dreamy underground landscape.

Embark on a soul-enriching journey through Nara's hidden gems, where natural beauty meets historical culture. The tour departs from Osaka and begins at Tenkawadai Benzaiten Shrine, one of Japan's three main Benzaiten schools, dedicated to Benzaitennyo, the goddess of music and performing arts. The shrine has a long history, serving as a pilgrimage site for ascetics and high priests since Kukai's training. Visitors can experience the sacred atmosphere in front of the main hall, admire precious Noh masks and costumes, and witness the unique fusion of Shinto and Buddhist cultures. Legend has it that Prince Oama prayed here for victory, and a celestial maiden appeared, protecting the imperial court. This history imbues the shrine with a deep sense of mystery. Afterward, explore Tenkawa Village on foot (**Pick up a hiking map; General Information Center closed on Wednesdays, and during the New Year holidays. Hiking route: Tenkawa Village General Information Center - Katsura no Ooki - Mitarai Valley Rest Area - T