Hasedera Temple
SAKURAI CITY
Sakurai is located in the center of the south-east part of Nara Basin,the cradle of Japanese culture.This city has a long history.It was first
developed as a political,economic and cultural center.
This rich history can be seen from the remains of palaces and ancient
civilization,and by burial mounds dating from between the 2nd and 6th
centuries scattered all around the city.In the middle ages,SAKURAI was
a borough of shinto shrines and Buddhist temples,where numerous cultural
and trading activities took place.Later,it was used as a stop-over by
travelers and it is now known as the city of the temples.
The specialities of the city,known all over Japan,are wood and Somen
(Japanese vermicelli).
The landscape is beautiful throughout the year.In spring,the plains
and mountains are covered with flowers and greenery,with cherry blossoms
and with spring dew which blurs the lines of Mt.Miwa.The garden of the
Hasedera temple is covered with peonies.In summer,one can feel the
freshness of the rivers.
In autumn,the colors of mandarin oranges and persimmons can be seen
near Yamanobe.The Tanzan shinto shrine is covered with splendid red
autumn leaves.
As winter comes,the mountains,rivers,shrines and temples become covered
with a light layer of snow.The landscape of every season brings tranquility
and calm in surroundings embellished with historical monuments and other
proofs of the traditional cultural heritage.