An ancient temple in the mountains surrounded by fiery autumn leaves

Located on the upper reaches of the Murou River near the border between Nara and Mie prefectures, the compound is lined with temple buildings, including the Kondo Hall and the five-story pagoda, which are National Treasures. The scenery is particularly beautiful when the maple and ginkgo leaves change colors, and the path leading to the main hall from the arched bridge is especially note-worthy. In particular, the nighttime illumination of a dragon rising from the five-story pagoda unique to Murou-ji Temple, which is associated with the dragon god, is a must-see.
The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to early December. During the Momiji Festival, premium tours of National Treasures and valuable cultural assets that are normally closed to the public are also offered with an explanation from a Buddhist priest. Enjoy the harmony of autumn leaves and cultural assets that can only be experienced here.

Kyogen performed by the head of the Izumi school, which developed under the Tokugawa family

Have you ever heard of "Kyogen"? Kyogen is one of Japan's traditional performing arts. Created over 650 years ago it is considered the origin of Japanese theater, and the performance style's comic nature has earned it the nickname of the art of laughter. In 2015, it was designated a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Performed with rhythmic dialogue and gestures, Kyogen is unique in that it is performed bare-faced (without a mask/makeup), a feature uncommon in the world of theater, which stems from its origins as a religious ritual.
The current repertoire includes fairy tale-like stories as well as more humanistic tales of menial workers who love alcohol, are clumsy, and are lazy, which makes for a show that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You will be able to see, hear, and use your imagination to enjoy the performance along with the scenery around you.
At Murou-ji Temple, which has ties to the Tokugawa family, a Kyogen performance by the head of the Izumi school will be performed exclusively for the 2024 Momiji Festival.

Michelin-class Dining

Ushigen Honten is a long-standing restaurant established in Nara that has been passed down for five generations. It was introduced in the 2017 edition of the Michelin Guide Nara as the only long-established meat restaurant where you can enjoy Yamato Haibara beef (A5 grade black wagyu). Dishes featuring Yamato Haibara beef and Yamato vegetables* are offered exclusively to tour participants.

*Vegetables produced in Nara Prefecture (former Yamato Province) using unique cultivation methods inherited from local history and culture
https://ushigen.com/