Shimokitayama, village in Yoshino district, Nara prefecture, Japan
Shimokitayama is a small village nestled in the mountains of Yoshino district, characterized by traditional wooden houses and narrow streets that wind through the settlement. The village consists of seven main hamlets arranged in a circle around the center, surrounded by green forests and rice terraces on the hillsides.
The village was part of the ancient Kii Province and developed into its modern form during the late 1800s. Over the centuries, it remained a small community that preserved and passed down traditions of farming and forestry through generations.
The village name reflects its location in the mountains of the region. Local artisans continue to practice traditional crafts like woodwork and pottery, keeping centuries-old techniques alive as part of daily village life.
The village has no train station and is best reached by car, with winding mountain roads being part of the journey experience. Accommodations are simple and family-run, featuring traditional tatami mats and sliding doors that provide an authentic stay.
One hamlet called Zenki is now uninhabited but once served as a place for Buddhist monks and spiritual practitioners with special religious significance. This abandoned settlement reveals the deep spiritual roots that have been anchored in the mountain landscape for generations.
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