Is Yao just another suburb of Osaka? No. Yao is a city with a rich history waiting to be discovered.
Yao sits east of central Osaka. It is close enough for a day trip. You will find picturesque sights both natural and manmade here. Mount Takayasu offers nature. Ancient burial mounds and old temple towns offer history.
Let’s start our exploration at Yao Tourist Information Center. It is near Yao Station. Here, you can get information about local sights. You can also rent a bicycle to explore.
With brochures in hand visit the Kawachi-ondo Museum. It promotes kawachi-ondo. This is a narrative style of Bon dance. It originated in Yao City. The museum displays music and memorabilia. You can buy a hand towel as a souvenir.
After the museum, you might be hungry. Kusuki is a soba and udon house nearby. They are known for smooth soba noodles. Visit in the spring to try soba with Yao young burdock leaves.
Next, cycle to Kenshoji Temple. It was once a jinaichou. These were self-governing communities. They were built around Buddhist temples. This town offers a glimpse into Japan’s past.
Continue to the Former Yasunaka Shinden Kaisho. It is also the Former Residence of the Ueda Family. These buildings were built in the Edo period. They are now Yao City cultural assets. Regular events showcase the structures and history.
Our final stop is Nagomi no Hitotoki Cocoro Jyuku. It is a place to rest. They offer sweets made from rice flour. They also have creative cuisine with natural ingredients. It is near Kintetsu Yao Station for an easy return.
Yao offers a contrast to Osaka’s city center. It has the townscape of old Japan. It is a wonderful city to visit.
Yao’s history goes back to the Stone Age. Humans lived here. There was cultural development here too. Resources like water and animals made it flourish.
Onji Jinja Shrine was established in 470 AD. It is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. The Imperial Court trusted it. The shrine has divine rabbit and dragon messengers. Their summer festival features young men carrying a portable shrine.
The Shionjiyama-kofun was built in the 5th century. It is a keyhole-shaped tomb. It is one of Osaka’s biggest burial mounds. The Takayasu-Senzuka kofun Cluster has over 200 tumuli.
Dokyo was a Buddhist monk from Yao. He was trusted by Emperor Shotoku. The emperor planned to build Nishino-Kyo in Dokyo’s hometown. But the project was canceled.
In 587 Prince Shotoku built Daiseishogunji Temple. He expressed gratitude for victory. People call it “Taishi-do.”
Yao has been a center of craftsmanship. It was once known for “Kawachi-Momen” cotton. Today, Yao is the top producer of toothbrushes in Japan. There is even a toothbrush statue near Yao Station. MIKI HOUSE children’s clothing company has its head office in Yao.
Kawachi Ondo is a soulful Bon dance. It originated from Jokoji Temple. Laborers shouted in rhythm while carrying timber. In 2017 Yao citizens set a Guinness record. 2872 people danced in yukata kimonos.
Yao Airport handles media reports and pilot training. Some carriers offer sightseeing flights.
Manger is a popular pork cutlet restaurant. Yamagaya is a soba restaurant. Torindo and Yohei Torindo are traditional sweets shops.
Yao also produces agricultural products. These include edamame and wakagobo. Wakagobo is young burdock. Benitade is water pepper.
So, is Yao just a suburb? No. It is a city where history and culture meet. It is waiting for you to explore its hidden gems.