A Journey Through Japan’s Oldest Road and the Five Elements
Return to Nature, Season, and the Senses
cofunia is a small inn of four-guest lodges in Tenri, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It stands at the foot of Nishiyamazuka Kofun, a keyhole-shaped burial mound, roughly halfway along the Yamanobe-no-Michi, Japan's oldest road. The trail runs between Tenri and Miwa stations, passing Isonokami Shrine, Chogakuji Temple and a line of kofun along the way.
The four lodges follow the five elements of East Asian thought: Kogane (metal), Mizu (water), Tsuchi (earth) and Ki (wood). A fifth building, Hi (fire), holds the dining room, where dinner is a hot pot of seasonal medicinal herbs, breakfast is rice porridge with fermented foods and garden herbs, and lunch is a seasonal wellness set available by reservation.
Access
Address：1021 Kayo-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, Japan (Google Maps)
Phone : +81-743-20-6393
Mail : reservation@cofunia.co.jp
Transportation
Train:
25-minute walk / 7-minute taxi ride to cofunia from JR Nagara Station
Taxi:
Nagara Taxi: 0743-66-0088
Kintetsu Nara Taxi (Towa Office) : 0743-63-1131
The taxi fare from JR Nagara Station to cofunia is approximately ¥1,000.
Bus:
From Tenri Station (JR or Kintetsu), take the Nara Kotsu Bus (Platform ①) bound for Sakurai Station North Exit. Get off at Joganji Bus Stop. cofunia is around a 10-minute walk from there.
Parking Information
Parking lot address: 666-1 Kayo-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture (Google Maps)
Note: When you drive to cofunia, please park your car in this parking lot and take a little walk to the inn, as we don't have a parking lot within the premises of the inn.
Yamanobe-no-michi Walking Guide
cofunia is located along the historic Yamanobe-no-michi trail, which connects Tenri and Miwa. As you enjoy the changing seasonal landscapes, we invite you to explore our favorite local shops and sightseeing spots nearby.
| Stops | Walking Time (approx.) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenri Station (JR / Kintetsu) | |||
| ↑ | 30 min. (2.1 km) | ||
| Isonokami Shrine | |||
| ↑ | 15 min. (0.8 km) | ||
| Ruins of Uchiyama Eikyuji Temple | |||
| ↑ | 30 min. (1.5 km) | ||
| Yatogi Shrine | |||
| ↑ | 10 min. (0.6 km) | ||
| Takenouchi Kango shuraku | |||
| ↑ | 15 min. (1.0 km) | ||
 | |||
| ↓ | 10 min. (0.6 km) | ||
| Nenbutsuji Temple | |||
| ↓ | 15 min. (0.9 km) | ||
| Chogakuji Temple / Tenri Trail Center | |||
| ↓ | 10 min. (0.6 km) | ||
| Andonyama Kofun | |||
| ↓ | 10 min. (0.6 km) | ||
| Shibutani Mukoyama Kofun | |||
| ↓ | 45 min. (2.5 km) | ||
| Hibara Shrine | |||
| ↓ | 5 min. (0.3 km) | ||
| Genpi-an | |||
| ↓ | 20 min. (1.2 km) | ||
| Omiwa Shrine | |||
| ↓ | 10 min. (0.6 km) | ||
| Miwa Station (JR) |
Before Your Visit
cofunia is located within a quiet rural village. Due to the nature of the property, and in order to help protect its original structure, we kindly ask for your understanding regarding the following points:
- All buildings are renovated traditional wooden houses, and are non-smoking throughout.
- The renovations preserve much of the original architecture, so you may encounter small steps or uneven flooring in some areas. Handrails are provided, but please be cautious.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. For cellular connectivity, reception may be limited depending on your mobile carrier or location.
Operating Schedule
Please check our reservation page.
Company
cofunia Inc.
Founded: September 29, 2023
Address: 1021 Kayo-cho, Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, 632-0042, Japan
Co-Directors: Chisato Maeda & Takumi Takano
Business Activities: Accommodation management, tourism services, event planning, and product development