NaraLeisure

Sakurai City Buried Cultural Properties Center (桜井市立埋蔵文化財センター)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Pay respects at the foot of Mount Miwa (三輪山), said to be among Japan's oldest shrines, and walk through the cedar-lined approach

About 15 min from the previous stop

About 60 min here

About 20 min to the next stop

Next stop: Walk and snack on local specialties like mugwort mochi on the stone-paved approach street, and enjoy the atmosphere in front of the Nio Gate

About this spot

A municipal museum displaying pottery, wooden items, ornaments, and other artifacts excavated from surveys within Sakurai City. Admission is free. Centered around artifacts from the Makimuku Site (纏向遺跡), said to be a strong candidate for the location of Yamatai (邪馬台国), the museum introduces the traces of daily life and religious practices in ancient Yamato in an easy-to-understand manner. The exhibits feature child-friendly panels and scale models that help you deepen your understanding of the ancient atmosphere felt during your visit to Omwa Shrine. Located very close to Tsunakoshi Shrine, which receives tonight's fireworks offering, this convenient spot allows you to preview the venue as well.

Tips

About 10 minutes by car from Omwa Shrine, or approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Sakurai Station. Free admission. Regular hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but on the day of the fireworks festival, check the city's official website beforehand for opening status. Parking available. Since the surrounding area becomes the evening fireworks venue, it's wise to note restroom locations during daytime.