Full-Day Unique Sumo Experience in Katsuragi, Nara

This temple was founded in 612 by Imperial Prince Maroko, brother of the famous Prince Shotoku while the villages of the region served as rotating capitals. The temple was then moved to its present location in 681 by Maroko’s grandson and served as the main temple for the now extinct Hosso sect. The main object of worship of the temple is the Yakushi, the healing Buddha but the most popular attraction is the Taima Mandala, a pictorial representation of paradise the Pure Land.

We were able to admire the traditional Japanese street Taima-dera before going to the temple of the same name. We then saw how it could remain traditional while modernizing. Let’s stop there longer after visiting the temple and before or after the sumo Kehayaza museum. The street is full of hidden treasures, treats and souvenirs.

Sumo, Japanese wrestling, is now recognized worldwide as a part of Japanese culture, but few people really know it. Sumo was born in Nara, in the city of Katsuragi, in the Taima district. Visiting Katsuragi is also an opportunity to learn more about this sport in the Kehayaza Sumo Museum.

Chujodo Honpo: After the effort, comes the reward. After the sumo experience, we can enjoy delicious chujo mochi, red bean paste on rice paste, the local specialty, in Chujodo Honpo, on the way home. The very good pastry shop is in this traditional Japanese street in front of the station before heading back to new adventures.