Tourist Information

Nagi TFR 2019

Welcome to Nagi

Nagi is a town located in northern Okayama Prefecture, with Mimasaka to its east, Tsuyama to its west, Sho-o to its south, and quasi-national park Mount Nagi and Mount Taki connecting it with Chizu in Tottori Prefecture to its north.
With the Nagi Museum of Contemporary Art and Yokozen Kabuki, Nagi has developed a unique charm. It is a town that breathes art and culture as if blended with nature.

In 2012, the Nagi Town Declaration for Child-rearing Support was announced, leading to unique measures for child-rearing and settlement for young people, resulting in a Total Fertility Rate of 2.95 in 2019, one of the highest in Japan.

Nagi Town Outline (2020)
English - All About Nagi（PDF：9,449KB）
Française - Faites le tour de Nagi（PDF：6,412KB）

YouTube
Nagi English Sub Playlist (2020)

Other
Nagi Tourism Pamphlet (2018)（PDF：3,146KB）
Nagi Art & Nature Pamphlet (2021)（PDF：754KB）

Nagi MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art)｜奈義町現代美術館

Working from a base proposal by famed architect Arata Isozaki, winner of the 2019 Pritzker Architecture Prize, Nagi MOCA is made up of three installations that are both elements of the museum’s structure and art works in their own right. Pushing the established conceptions of what it means to experience art, we invite you to explore the manipulation of shape and light, to take a moment to reflect and meditate.

Yokozen Kabuki (traditional Japanese theater)｜横仙歌舞伎

Continuing a rich tradition since Edo-era Japan, Nagi’s Yokozen Kabuki is recognized as an important intangible folk culture asset of Okayama Prefecture. Distinctive and dramatic, kabuki has long been a Japanese icon. If you’re in the area at the right time, seeing a show first-hand in Nagi is an unforgettable experience. Kabuki performances take place across the year, with the highlight show taking place in autumn over two days.

Bodaiji Ginkgo Tree｜菩提寺のイチョウ

The large ginkgo tree at Bodaiji Temple, nestled up in the mountainside of Mount Nagi, is recognized by the national government as a natural monument and a prefecture-wide symbol for Okayama. According to legend, the influential Buddhist reformer Honen planted the tree when he began his initiation as a monk, following his statement that ‘learning begins from the roots’. 40m tall and 13m wide, the Bodaiji Ginkgo Tree is one of the Yomiuri Shimbun’s Top 100 Famous Trees of Japan for good reason. Watching the passage of time for 900 years, the tree stands with an unmatched presence, all the more alive for the years it has passed.

Mount Nagi｜那岐山

Nagi takes its name from the nearby Mt. Nagi (elev. 1255m). Affording a breathtaking view of the area from the top of the mountain and serving as a backdrop for daily life in the town below, Mt. Nagi’s majestic presence draws eager trekkers all year round. Designated as a national park, Mt. Nagi is a showcase for the diversity and beauty found in Japan’s changing seasons. Starting with spring’s new life, the landscape turns to a brilliantly rich green in summer, which in turn sets alight with autumn colors. Culminating with snow-clad winter vistas, the mountain is a sight at any point of the year.

Yama no Eki｜那岐山麓山の駅

The easiest way to experience the heart and soul of Nagi is through ‘Yama no Eki’ (roughly translated to ‘the mountain’s station’), a resort spot with cottage facilities and a number of hands-on activities. It is also the best place to pick up souvenirs and local specialties, which can be sampled first hand at Yama no Eki’s restaurant.
More Information (Japanese)

Yashiki Falls｜屋敷の滝

A water source for surrounding habitation, the waterfall takes its name from the ruins of an estate left behind by a Japanese general during the Warring States era. Delightfully cool and clear, during the warmer parts of the year you will often find people playing in its shallows.

Jabuchi Falls｜蛇淵の滝

Jabuchi Falls spill at the entrance to the trekking trail for Mt. Nagi – the slow thunder of the water over rocks is a great way to start the trail, made more interesting by being a key setting for the local Sanbutaro Legend. If you’re curious about where a half-snake woman (who would give birth to a baby that grows up to be a giant) would live, this waterfall is worth a look.

Nagi Beef｜なぎビーフ

Nagi Beef is an exceptionally high-grade wagyu beef that has found its way into fashionable restaurants around Japan. And for good reason: the breeding and care of Nagi Beef has been refined over many generations, along with the pedigree of calf to cow. Recently, Nagi Beef has been recognized at the Wagyu Beef Prize Show, coming in at 2nd place nationwide.

Nagi Vicarya Museum｜なぎビカリアミュージアム

Built to the shape of a shell, the museum exhibits the now-extinct vicarya (bikaria), a relative to today’s sea snail. Fossils from 50 different species are presented across 300 displays, and outside you can dig for actual fossils from 16 million years ago.

Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Camp Nihonbara｜陸上自衛隊日本原駐屯地

Visits to the base, observation of the tanks and helicopters displayed outside, and entry to the merchandise store are possible by contacting the Public Relations Office.
More Information (Japanese)

Yearly Events

Mid-April	Yokozen Kabuki (Spring Show at Matsugami Shrine) Nanohana (Canola Flower) Festival
Early-June	Hotaru (Firefly) Festival
August 14	Nagi Town Summer Festival
October	Agriculture and Forestry Festival
November	Mount Nagi Trekking Event Bodaiji Ginkgo Tree Illumination Yokozen Kabuki (Autumn Show across two days at Nagi Town Culture Center)

Directions

From Okayama: 1.5-hour by car or JR Tsuyama line to Tsuyama Station (90 min) then bus (bus stand 3) to Nagi Terrace (40 min).
From Tottori: 1-hour by car along Route 53, or train to Tsuyama Station (120 min) then bus to Nagi Terrace (40 min).
From Kyoto/Osaka: Highway bus to Mimasaka Interchange (2 to 3 hours), taxi to Nagi (20 min).

Bus Timetables
Chutetsu Bus Timetable (From Tsuyama)（PDF：336KB）
Nagi Bus Timetable (From Mimasaka, Shoo)（PDF：192KB）