Yamanobe no Michi - Nara, Japan

While planning my trip to Nara, I came across the Yamanobe no Michi Trail (山辺の道)—said to be Japan’s oldest recorded road. The idea of walking a path that’s been used for over a thousand years was too fascinating to pass up.

The trail winds gently through the foothills east of Nara, passing quiet villages, shrines, and ancient temples. It’s peaceful, easy to follow, and offers a glimpse of rural life far from the city’s bustle. Along the way, I found unmanned farm stands selling fruits and homemade pickles—payment left in a simple honesty box, a lovely reflection of countryside warmth.

By the end of the walk, I realized the Yamanobe no Michi isn’t just a hiking trail—it’s a journey through Japan’s living history, where nature, tradition, and everyday life intertwine beautifully.