Welcome!

The River of Heaven
TENKAWA VILLAGE, Yoshino Nara

Okutani River

Welcome to Tenkawa Village, the connoisseur's haven.

Blessed by the co-existence of natural beauty and fine Japanese tradition and culture.

Shugendo, a syncretic religion, incorporates Japan's ancient nature worship with Shinto and Buddhism.

(Many Japanese believe that God or an essence of him exists in mountains, water or huge trees. This could be based in Shugendo, which preaches that God resides in every single tree and blade of grass) As the origin of Shugendo, Tenkawa Village has been long been regarded as a sacred land and home of the God of water, considered the source of life. We find mention of it at many of the major milestones of history spanning over 1350 years. .

The village, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site, has in recent years developed a reputation as a mystical or holy land or the home of spirits where we pray for the restoration of the origin or the recovery of things lost.

Escape the bustle of the metropolis and enjoy the relaxed countryside where you are in close contact with nature and the root of Japanese spirit and culture. You MUST taste fresh water from the Village, which is considered by many as a water sanctuary of sorts, and treat your senses with the charms of a clear, beautiful flowing emerald green stream!

Misenkan
A traditional Japanese-style inn lullabied by a babbling brook

Okutani River

Our small and casual inn accommodates up to a maximum of four groups a night but allows you to genuinely experience Japanese culture as it is manifested in the daily lives of Japanese people, something you will never get from city hotels or large tourist hotels. Our motto is offering with sincerity the "hospitality" that has been cultivated over our long history.

Wear a yukata and sleep on a futon in a Japanese-style room blessed by the burbling nearby of a fresh Tenkawa Village stream. Enjoy Japanese cuisine and local specialties cooked with aromatic soft water from famous Japanese springs. Refreshing water, savory cooked rice, hearty miso soup and soothing teas are offered to reinvigorate tired travelers. (Enjoy the flavor of Japanese rice freshly cooked immediately before serving!)

Along with the beautiful culinary offerings, we recommend savoring some of our high grade sakes, particularly local sake brewed with a longer process and more care than you will find at leading breweries.

Let the babbling brook just outside your room soothe your weary bones!

You will find the lack of convenience in terms of transportation in Tenkawa Village is fully made up for by the scenic and natural beauty of Japan. Though staff members are not familiar with foreign languages, they keep their eyes out for all customers and provide service to foreigners with a smile.

  • Check-in: from 3:00 p.m.
  • Check-out: 10:00 a.m.

Our facilities

Building

Our Yoshino-date (a traditional construction method in which a building is erected on a slope facing a river) building features a number of staircases. Please be aware that these stairs must be used to move between your room and the restaurant or bath. (No elevators or escalators.)

Room

  • The floor and alcove posts are made of precious Yoshino cedarwood while the outdoor deck of the premium room is of Yoshino cypress. Enjoy the babbling brook and the cedar aromas. (The entrance and ceiling of the premium room are made of wood from approximately 80-year old Yoshino cedars)
  • Japanese tea sets are supplied in each room.
  • The tap water in the building is safe and drinkable. (The soft water of Tenkawa Village is considered by many to be among the tastiest in Japan)
  • Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
  • Please refrain from smoking except outdoors on the deck.
  • The electric toilet seats are equipped with hot water spray feature.

Bath

A semi-open-air bath is available in the Grand Rooms “Sora” and “Seseragi”. However, the private use of the on-site bathroom is available to guests staying in Premium Rooms “Kafu” and “Mizumari” (please mention the desired period of use in advance).

Please note that　the water in the bath is not ONSEN (hot spring water) and is not circulated. However you will find that the soft water has a strong refreshing effect that even improves the tone of your skin.

For guests staying in Premium Rooms “Kafu” and “Mizumari

  • Please be informed that the open-air bath is not available during peak hours as we honor preferences in order of arrival or reservation.(Please understand the reservations are limited to 45 minutes.)
  • The baths do not open in the morning. Please use the showers. Kindly make a reservation in advance of using it. (the previous evening)
  • The baths close at 22:30. Morning shower until 8:30am.

Meals

Dinner

dinner

  • Please inform us upon arrival of your preferred dinner time, whether from 18:00, 18:30 or 19:00.
Botan-nabe (Boar meat) stew
Roast Venison
Grilled Amenouo fish
Noodle-wrapped Ayu sweetfish
Yurine (lily bulb) steamed bun dressed with thick Yoshino Kudzu broth

Example menu

  • Roast venison: Local venison from Yoshino Omine area served with soy sauce and grated ginger.
  • Grilled Amenouo fish: Grilled freshwater fish (trout family) known as the "the Queen of streams"
  • Noodle-wrapped Ayu sweetfish: Ayu, representative of freshwater fish in Japan, wrapped in thin somen noodles and deep-fried. This, our original and signature dish is fully edible. Grab both ends with your hands and take a hearty bite into the best part – the dorsal portion (the upper part on the plate)!
  • Renkon Manju: Minced chicken wrapped in lotus root paste and steamed, topped with Yoshino Kuzu Starch Sauce. (Yoshino Kuzu: Kuzu is a starch made from the root of the vine plant, and the one produced in Yoshino is the most famous and valuable in Japan. It is also known as a warming herbal medicine.)
  • Botan-nabe (Boar meat) stew (single serving of boar meat stew flavored with miso): The wild boar from Tenkawa Village boasts the highest quality in the Kansai area, and the dish is distinctive for the fatty portion that boils to the top. The meat is odorless and not too greasy but is exquisite in flavor.
  • Udon noodles with Yoshino Kudzu: Special Udon noodles kneaded with Yoshino Kudzu, served in a special bowl to prevent noodles from getting too soft. Enjoy the soft and pleasant texture on your tongue. Take care not to spill the broth collected in the cork lid.
  • Other offerings include vinegared dishes, pickles (served with rice) and dessert (home-made tea or soy-flavored panna cotta).

Breakfast

  • Please inform us after dinner of your preferred breakfast time, whether from 7:30, 8:00 or 8:30
Boiled tofu
Sashimi konnyaku
Deep-fried tofu

Example menu

  • Boiled tofu: Scoop tofu out with your mesh spoon into a bowl with ponzu vinegar, and enjoy! (In summer, hiyayakko (cold tofu dish) is served with ginger, soy sauce and other seasonings.)
  • Deep-fried tofu: Served with grated ginger and soy sauce. Tofu and deep-fried tofu made with highly-praised Tenkawa water is highly popular with our guests.
  • Sweetened rainbow trout: Cooked so soft that the head and bones are all edible.
  • Raw egg (Japanese people generally serve a raw egg on a bowl of rice and sprinkle with a few drops of soy sauce, but we can substitute it for fried egg upon request.)
  • Seasoned nori (laver): Wrap a morsel of rice with a piece of seasoned nori and enjoy! Try dipping in a bit of soy sauce served in a small dish before wrapping.
  • Sashimi konnyaku: Wasabi-soy sauce flavor. Enjoy traditional handmade Tenkawa konnyaku.
  • Miso soup: The signature menu item of Japanese cuisine. It is considered that the quality of the flavor of miso soup alone expresses the quality of the restaurant.
  • Pickles: pickled plums and vegetables: served with rice. Our rice is known as a delicious dish all by itself.

About Drinks

please try some local sake in addition to beer, shochu (distilled spirits) and wine.

Our special!

"Hanatomoe" and "Kaze no Mori" is made using natural methods. (without adding chamicals)

"Hanatomoe" – Local sake in Yoshino

Rich and soft, acidity and sweetness, smooth, classical, full bodied.

"Kaze no Mori" – Local sake in Nara

Easy to drink, clear and refreshing, fruity. (new wave)

  • Junmai sake, or sake kept in a Yoshino cedar cask (comes in a small bottle) is also available.
  • In addition, you might want to try the "josen" class sake, a Japanese version of table wine, served as hot sake in a tokkuri bottle with a choko cup.
  • Also we have some local beer （made with spring water in Tenkawa Village）, shochu, and other local sake. Feel free to ask for our Sake selections.
  • Canned chuhai (canned alcohol beverage made of shochu or other spirits mixed with juice and soda) is also available. (alcohol content varies)

We hope this has given you an insight into the importance we place on ingredients such as our wild game and other local ingredients.

Please inform us in advance of any food allergies (e.g. buckwheat noodles), or any foods you are prohibited to have for religious or other reasons. Please understand, however, that we might not be able to meet certain requests.(The regular menu items above may contain meat, fish, flour, and soy products.)

Where To Go

Natural beauty and fine Japanese tradition and culture

VIew from the summit of Mt. Hakkyo-ga-take: It rises 1915 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in the Kinki district
Mitarai Valley: Famous for autumn leaves.
Tenkawa-Jinja Shrine
Great tree of gingko at Raigei-in
Misen-gawa river
Bouldering Area along MIsen-gawa

Three hours from Kyoto or 2.5 hours from Osaka, Nara or Kansai International Airport — Tenkawa Village packs in the essence of Japan not only with its abundance of natural beauty, but also with its rich history and culture. Relax and unwind by a beautiful river or at a shrine with its unique atmosphere.

Major must-see sights in Tenkawa Village

Tenkawa-Jinja Shrine

Known as one of the three major miraculous shrines enshrining the goddess Benzaiten in Japan. Originally known as the goddess of water but now famous as the goddess of performing arts. the Shrine is visited by many artists. (Approx. 3 km from the inn: Free transportation available)

Mitarai Valley

One of the most beautiful valleys in the Kansai area boasts a clear emerald green river you simply must see. Experience the overwhelming view of a waterfall or suspension bridge. Why not take a slow walk there to wash your face or bathe your feet in the fresh river waters? (Approx. 2.5 km from the inn: About 40-minute walk one way. Free transportation available)

This course is part of the 7.4 km hiking course to Dorogawa Onsen, where you will find public baths and the calcareous cave. (Take a regular bus to return to the inn)

Tennokawa Onsen

Public spa (JPY 700) open between 11:00 and 19:30. Closed on Tuesday. (Approx. 3 km from the inn: Free transportation available)

  • If you have more time, why not visit the Dorogawa Onsen district a 10-minute bus ride away in addition to the destinations above. We also recommend a walkabout at Ryusenji temple.

Rates

Our recommended plan

"Enjoy Tenkawa luxury full-course dinner"

Kaiseki meal + A spacious and comfortable grand room comes with a (semi) open-air bath.

Our Special!
"Mou-ippin–just one more YAMATO-NIKUDORI Teppan-Yaki"

one-of-a-kind feast = The room and services above + "Grilled Free-range Chicken YAMATO-NIKUDORI　(Nara’s famous local chicken) & coffee after breakfast"

Rates: JPY 20,700 [Weekday]
per night per guest for two-guest reservations including dinner and breakfast

  • Tax and service charges included.
  • Higher rates apply on Saturdays, etc.

Onigiri lunch boxes

We offer ONIGIRI (Traditional triangle shaped rice ball) lunch boxes for your hiking trips or other excursions. (@ JPY 900)
Please request one at the time of reservation or by the night on which reservation is made.

  • Please be aware that our staff members' English language ability is quite low. (Please speak slowly and use simple language)
In the case of a car, it is possible to snow in the winter, so be sure to wear studless tires. We recommend to add options for rental cars.

Access

From Tokyo

Go to JR Kyoto station first. Take a Kintetsu train from Kyoto station, transfer at Kashiharajingu-mae station and get off at "Shimoichiguchi" station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line (approx. 90 minutes on Limited Express trains). Take a Nara Kotsu bus at the station bound for Dorogawa Onsen or Nakaiosumi stop, and get off at "Tenkawa-kawai" bus stop (approx. an hour). You will find MISENKAN not far from the bus stop.

From Osaka

Take a Kintetsu Limited Express (bound for Yoshino) from Osaka-Abenobashi station [JR Tennoji station] and get off at Shimoichiguchi station (approx. 1 hour on Limited Express trains). Take a Nara Kotsu bus at the station bound for Dorogawa Onsen or Nakaiosumi bus stop, and get off at "Tenkawa-kawai" bus stop (approx. an hour). You will find MISENKAN not far from the bus stop.

  • Fare including limited express fare from Osaka-Abenobashi station to Shimoichiguchi station: JPY 1,620 (one way)
  • Contact Nara Kotsu in advance as there are only a few buses departing from Shimonoichiguchi station. (JPY 1,130 for a bus or approx. JPY 8,000 for a taxi. We recommend getting 3 or 4 people together and taking a taxi for cost-savings)
  • From Kansai International Airport, transfer at JR Tennoji Station to the Kintetsu Line, or take an Airport Limousine bus from the Airport bound for Yamato-Yagi station.
  • Note: The timetable and fares are effective january 2024. Please reconfirm them before departure.

Minimum-length itinerary
Ref.: As of January 2024 (weekdays)

[Day 1 (Outward journey)]

In Nara City: Feed the deer in Nara Park, Visit Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) at Todaiji Temple, etc. Depart in the afternoon

Owner's recommendations: Definitely worth a look is the double-time rice cake making at "Nakatanidou", a Japanese-style confectionary shop located in the "Moichido-no Shopping Street" near Nara station and Sarusawa Pond. Note, however, that the event is held at irregular times.

  • Depart Kintetsu Nara station at 12:21
  • Transfer at Yamato-Saidaiji station and take a Limited Express train departing at 12:40 to Kashiharajingu-mae station. Then, take another Limited Express on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line departing at 13:46 and get off at "Shimoichiguchi" station at 14:11
  • Take a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Dorogawa onsen at 14:20 and get off at "Tenkawa-kawai" bus stop. The scheduled time of arrival at the inn: 15:15

Stay at Tenkawa Village MISENKAN — "a traditional Japanese-style inn replenished by a babbling brook" —
Check your baggage and hike to "Mitarai Valley".

[Day 2 (Homeward journey)]

Check your baggage following checkout, then if time permits visit Tenkawa-Jinja Shrine

  • Take a Nara Kotsu bus at 11:39 (for about an hour)
  • Depart Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi station at 12:48 by The Blue Symphony train. This Train is a popular train, so reservations are recommended in advance. It will cost more JPY 730 besides regular fare
  • Arrive at Osaka-Abenobashi station at 13:51. See Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest observatory
  • Visit Osaka Castle or Umeda Sky Building. Stay in Osaka city
  • Depart Kansai International Airport on the following day

Owner's recommendations: In Osaka, you must try "kushikatsu" (deep-fried skewers) and "takoyaki" (octopus dumpling), as well as 551 HORAI's "butaman" (steamed meat bun), all available in the basement section of Kintetsu Department Store at Osaka-Abenobashi station. For train lovers, we recommend riding the famous Sakura Liner and Blue Symphony.