Furusato Village is a nature-based recreation and community facility located in Higashiyoshino Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. Surrounded by the clear waters of the Shigo River and forested mountains, it offers a refreshing escape from the noise and pace of city life. Known as a green home away from home, this welcoming destination allows visitors to reconnect with nature and relax in a beautiful mountain setting.
Furusato Village offers a different experience in every season. In spring, cherry blossoms brighten the landscape. Summer brings cool streams and refreshing riverside scenery, while autumn transforms the mountains with brilliant foliage. In winter, frost-covered trees create a magical atmosphere. The gentle sound of flowing water and the fresh scent of the forest make it easy to forget everyday worries and enjoy a peaceful retreat.
Two camping areas, known as Tent Sites A and B, are located along the Shigo River. Tent Site A is close to the water, making it ideal for visitors who want to enjoy playing in the river. Tent Site B is nearer to the parking area and offers greater convenience when transporting camping equipment.
Barbecues beneath the open sky are a highlight of a stay here. After sunset, the clear mountain air and expansive star-filled sky provide a wonderful setting for sharing stories and relaxing with family and friends.
The visitor center, which serves as the main entrance to Furusato Village, occupies a charming wooden school building dating back approximately 100 years. Its nostalgic architecture gives the facility a distinctive atmosphere and reflects the area’s rural heritage.
Inside, the restaurant Ichie serves dishes featuring seasonal ingredients. In summer, visitors can enjoy salt-grilled sweetfish, while winter brings salt-grilled amago trout, a freshwater fish popular in mountain regions of Japan. The menu offers a taste of local seasonal flavors in a relaxed setting.
Furusato Hall can accommodate up to 80 overnight guests, making it suitable for everything from family trips to group stays. In addition to guest rooms, the building has training rooms and communal lounges that can be used for meetings, workshops, and social activities.
Staying amid the surrounding mountains and forests provides an opportunity not only to unwind but also to learn, share experiences, and strengthen connections with others. The facility is particularly well suited to groups seeking an outdoor retreat away from urban distractions.
Yahata Onsen is located within the Furusato Village grounds and offers two distinctive bathing experiences. One is a rock bath made with granite, while the other is a traditional bath crafted from fragrant ancient hinoki cypress wood.
The hot spring water is classified as a sodium bicarbonate spring. It is traditionally associated with benefits such as relief from fatigue, sensitivity to cold, and neuralgia. Bathers can relax in the warm water while enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings, making it an ideal way to unwind after outdoor activities.
Furusato Village was developed following the establishment of exchange ties between Higashiyoshino Village and the city of Sakai. Since then, it has served as a place where people can build relationships with one another while experiencing and appreciating the natural environment.
Facilities throughout the grounds make use of the area’s traditional rural scenery, including a riverside recreation area, a watermill hut, and a scenic suspension bridge. These features create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of village life.
With its beautiful natural surroundings and wide range of facilities, Furusato Village is an appealing destination for anyone seeking a peaceful break in the mountains of Nara Prefecture. Whether camping beside the river, soaking in a hot spring, enjoying local food, or spending the night in the forest, visitors can experience the relaxing charm of Higashiyoshino throughout the year.