"Nara Kaede no Sato Hirara" is attracting attention as a unique facility built on the site of a former elementary school. It's a place where you can enjoy a relaxed pace, with a garden featuring maple trees from around the world, a nostalgic wooden school building, and even a cafe and library.
"Nara Kaede no Sato Hirara" is a tourist facility located in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, built on the former site of Uta Elementary School. While preserving the charming wooden school building beloved by the community, a new maple-themed garden has been developed, transforming it into a space where nature and culture merge.
Its appeal lies in the ability to relax and enjoy the seasonal scenery within its spacious grounds. It's perfect not only for sightseeing but also for those who want to escape their daily routine and refresh themselves.
The biggest feature of this facility is its collection of maple trees from around the world.
Approximately 1,200 varieties and 3,000 maple trees are planted here, allowing visitors to encounter varieties rarely seen in Japan. While the autumn foliage season is spectacular, the charm also lies in enjoying different expressions throughout the year, such as the fresh greenery of spring or the cool shade of summer. The scenery woven by leaves of different colors and shapes is impressive, offering a chance to leisurely stroll and experience nature.
Within the grounds, the original wooden school building has been repurposed, creating a space filled with a sense of nostalgia. A cafe is located in what was once a classroom, offering a cozy atmosphere where visitors can relax surrounded by the warmth of wood.
The time spent enjoying a moment while gazing at the light streaming through the large windows and the maple scenery outside is exceptional. It's not just a place for a break during sightseeing, but a comfortable spot that makes you want to visit specifically to spend time here.
Furthermore, the facility also houses a library, "Ganshoku Bunko," providing a quiet environment. It features a collection of books primarily on plants and cooking, as well as photographic works by Taikichi Irie, allowing visitors to enjoy intellectual pursuits alongside the maple garden.
The quiet atmosphere unique to a wooden school building, where you can pick up a book, offers a luxurious experience not often found in daily life. Despite being a tourist destination, the tranquility and spaciousness are distinct charms of this facility.
"Nara Kaede no Sato Hirara" is a place where nature, architecture, and human activity intersect. Why not discover your own way to spend time in its leisurely flow?
■ Access Information
Address: 135-2 Furukoichiba, Utano, Uda City, Nara Prefecture
Access (car): Approximately 30 minutes from "Hari IC" on the Meihan National Highway
Access (train): Take a bus from "Haibara Station" on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, get off at "Furukoichiba Mizuwake Jinja-mae," and it's a short walk.
Parking: Available
■ Basic Information
Facility Name: Nara Kaede no Sato Hirara
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays (open if it's a public holiday)
Admission Fee: Free
TEL: 0745-84-2888
▼Nara Kaede no Sato Hirara
https://udakaedenosato.main.jp/