Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Odaigahara
One of Kansai’s best-known mountain destinations, with scenery unique to the Kii Mountain Range.
A plateau-like mountain area straddling the border of Nara and Mie prefectures, with Mount Hidegatake at 1,695 m as its highest peak. One of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, the entire area is designated as a Special Protection Zone of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and more. Known as one of the Kansai region’s top hiking destinations, it offers a wide variety of routes, from easy hikes for beginners to more challenging mountain trails for intermediate climbers.
Its climate, said to bring the heaviest rainfall in Japan alongside Yakushima, has nurtured dramatic scenery including the towering cliffs of Daijagura, magnificent ravines, and rich primeval forests of spruce and beech. These uniquely beautiful landscapes captivate hikers, and many visitors return again and again.
The area is divided into the Higashi-Odai area, where beginners can casually enjoy hiking and mountain walks with its main scenic viewpoints, and the Nishi-Odai area, where permission is required to enter in order to protect its precious primeval forest. With a wide range of hiking routes available, choose one that matches your skill level and interests.
Highlights
-
A plateau-like mountain area with Mount Hidegatake, at 1,695 m, as its highest peak.
-
A wide variety of routes are available, from casual hiking trails to full-scale mountain climbing courses.
-
The area’s famously heavy rainfall, said to be the highest in Japan, has created beautiful scenery such as magnificent ravines and mystical primeval forests.
-
Entry to the Nishi-Odai area requires advance entry application and attendance at a lecture.
Photos
-
Magnificent ravine scenery stretches out from the viewpoints
-
The thrilling sheer cliffs of Daijagura
-
Dead standing trees and fallen logs create an atmospheric landscape
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
It is available only inside the Odaigahara Visitor Center.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
They are available only at the parking lot. There is also one in Nishi-Odai, but it is a portable toilet (100 yen).
Q
If I do not enter Nishi-Odai on the day, will the 1,000-yen certification fee be refunded?
A
No. It is an administrative fee for certification and is non-refundable.
Q
Are there trash bins?
A
No. Please take all trash generated on the mountain home with you. Also note that acts prohibited under the Natural Parks Act include collecting plants and animals and using fire.
Q
Can I take photos with a drone?
A
Advance permission is required.
Q
Can I bring pets?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 大台ヶ原
- Postal Code
- 639-3702
- Address
- 660-1 Tochinoki, Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara
- Phone
- 07468-3-0312 (Odaigahara Visitor Center)
- Closed on
-
When the Odaigahara Driveway is closed (rainfall restrictions)
※Rainfall restriction information <Nara Prefecture - Road Restriction Information>
From late November to mid-April (winter closure)
※Winter closure period information <Odaigahara Visitor Center / Nara Prefecture Official Website> - Hours
- Open for walking freely
- Admission
-
Higashi-Odai: Free entry
Nishi-Odai: 1,000 yen (certification fee)
※Advance entry application and attendance at a lecture are required. Apply through the Kamikitayama Village Chamber of Commerce (07468-3-0070, https://r.goope.jp/kamikitayamamura/free/nishioodai) - Access
- Approx. 2 hr. 45 min.–3 hr. by bus bound for Odaigahara from stop South Exit Bus Stop 1 at Kintetsu Yamato-Yagi Station or East Exit Bus Stop 1 at Kintetsu Kashiharajingu-mae Station, then a short walk from the last stop
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
Popular Articles