Located close to Osaka in the district of Nara, the city of Sakuraï has a long history that points to traces, scattered everywhere, of ancient 2nd- through 6th-century civilizations.
During the Middle Ages, Sakuraï was a town that was close of the Shintoist and Buddhist temples where numerous cultural and business activities were carried out. It would later be a stopover point for travelers.
What the city is especially known for are its wood and Japanese vermicelli noodles.
The name “Sakuraï” comes from the Sakura-no-I pits located in Oaza tani.
One of the Emperor’s subjects respectfully offered him a cup of sake when he was participating in a celebration on a boat while in the company of the Empress. Cherry blossom petals fell into to Emperor’s cup. That surprised him and he asked where the blossoms were from. They had bloomed on Mount Wakigami-muroyama. The Emperor had the cherry tree transplanted at the edge of the Tominosato pure water fountain. Tradition says that that is the origin of the name “Sakuraï.”
Omiwa-jinja (Shintoist temple)
People say that this is the oldest temple in Japan. Founded to honor Mount Miwa, it is meant for the veneration of the deity Oomononushi-nookami, whom the all the makers of sake in Japan recognize as the goddess of the same. Many pilgrims visit this temple, especially on the 1st and 15th of every month.
Hasé-déra (Buddhist temple)
This is a famous ancient pilgrimage site. Some 500,000 people come to it every year, from every corner of the country, to pray to the wood statue of Juichimén-kannon bosatsu.
The Doban-hokkésesso-zu, an engraving on copper that depicts the prediction method employed by a Buddhist sect, is kept in the temple.
Some 7,000 peony plants, which make this site famous throughout Japan, blossom inside the temple enclosure.
Abé-monzyuin (Manjusri Temple)
The Buddha at this temple, which is famous as a “bodhisattva” of wisdom, is one of the most important in Japan. People take their children there to pray before they take their exams.
Hashihaka-kofun
A giant burial mound (4th or 5th century) that has a total length of 893 feet. According to legend, it was the tomb of a princess. To build it, men had to work on it during the day, while the deities were supposed to work on it during the night.
Katayakeshi
This spot is the cradle of Sumo. Two immensely popular wrestlers, Nomino-sukuné and Taimano-kéhaya, were pitted against one another during a tournament that was played out in front of the Emperor about 2,000 years ago.
Master Sadaïchi Gassan: “A Living National Treasure”
Recognized as one of the best Japanese sabre makers of our time, when it comes to the sculpture of blades, in particular, Master Sadaïchi Gassan, has been on the “living national treasure” list since 1971.
Mairie de Chartres
Place des Halles
28000 Chartres
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