Tobihino

Sacred Grasslands

in the Heart of Nara Park

Nestled between Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Mt. Wakakusa, Tobihino is a vast open grassland that has remained largely untouched for centuries. Meaning “Flying Fire Field,” this serene expanse was once part of the sacred Kasugayama Primeval Forest and served as a ceremonial site for seasonal rituals conducted by the Kasuga Shrine since at least the Heian period (794–1185).

In the past, fire rituals and offerings were performed here to honor the kami (Shinto deities) and pray for prosperity and protection. The field’s name is believed to come from these spiritual events, where fire played a central symbolic role. Today, it remains a spiritually significant and protected area, where nature and cultural heritage coexist in harmony.

Visitors will often find Nara’s famous free-roaming deer peacefully grazing in Tobihino, framed by sweeping views of the hills and surrounding forests. It’s a quiet place for reflection and a popular local picnic spot—especially stunning during cherry blossom season in spring or under golden foliage in autumn.

If you’re walking through Nara Park, take a moment to step off the main paths and explore Tobihino, where nature, history, and spirituality gently intertwine.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Tobihino to life.

A person standing on a grassy field with trees and forested hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A park scene with green grass, several large trees, and a partly cloudy sky. There are a few people and a group of donkeys under one tree on the right side.
Open grassy park with trees in the background and a partly cloudy blue sky overhead.
A large green park with many trees and a clear, partly cloudy sky.
Open grassy field with trees and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.
People sitting on grass and children wearing red hats playing in a park with large trees and a blue sky.