MieLeisure

Natsumi Temple Ruins (夏見廃寺跡)

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 20 min to the next stop

Next stop: Look out over Lake Hinachi and the valley below from the top of the dam

About this spot

On a hill in Natsumi, Nabari City, this historic park preserves the remains of a temple from the Asuka and Nara periods. No buildings survive, but the positions of the foundation stones of the main hall and the pagoda are marked, so you can imagine the scale of the complex as you walk. The lawn is wide and the views open, a pleasant place for children at the age when they want to run around. In the neighbouring exhibition hall you can see excavated materials such as senbutsu clay Buddha plaques, real objects that came out of the ground. Walking here while the morning is still cool makes the afternoon water play feel even better.

Tips

The neighbouring exhibition hall posts its opening days and fees, so check in advance if you plan to visit. The historic park itself is free to walk around. There is little shade, so a hat and drinks are essential. In summer there are insects in the grass, so insect repellent makes things more comfortable.