Tucked away in the hills of Uda, Nara, the Murou Art Forest is a breathtaking 7.8-hectare open-air museum where the boundary between nature and art completely disappears. Conceived to revitalize the region and protect the landscape, this unique park transforms the rolling hills into a living, interactive masterpiece. Instead of just viewing the installations, visitors physically step into them—wandering through the Spiral Bamboo Grove, following the Path of the Sun, and watching the changing seasons redefine the scenery. It is a tranquil, sensory sanctuary designed to offer a world-class escape from the rush of modern life.
Where is the Murou Art Forest?
The Murou Art Forest is located in the city of Uda within Nara Prefecture, in the far eastern mountainous part of the prefecture. It is accessible from Muroguchi-Ono Station by train, a short bus ride then a short walk.
About the Art Forest
The Murou Art Forest was born from a 1997 civic project aimed at revitalizing Uda, Nara's landslide-prone terrain into a cultural landmark. The park’s foundational blueprint was envisioned by local sculptor Bukichi Inoue, who dreamed of a harmonious open-air museum in his home village. Following Inoue’s passing, world-renowned sculptor Dani Karavan was chosen to realize the vision, spending years designing the 7.8-hectare landscape into a unified, interactive masterpiece. Opened in 2006, Karavan’s geometric installations seamlessly blend with local history, even aligning structures with the ancient "Path of the Sun" ley line to connect modern art with centuries of Japanese heritage.
Visiting the Murou Art Forest
The easiest way to get to the Murou Art Forest is by train as it is relatively close to Muroguchi-Ono Station. See the FAQ below for some more information about getting to the railway.
This area is most famous for its hydrangeas in May/June but there are also excellent cherry blossoms and other late spring flowers. The fall is also amazing with the leaves changing all around the mountains.
Another great way to travel to the art forest is by a tour. We offer a day tour that leaves all the transportation to us, starting from Tsuruhashi Station. Tour the Muroji Temple, the dragon's cave shrine, explore the village and walk through an art forest! Check it out below!
Top Things to do in/from Osaka
Looking for other things to do around the area? Check out our "40 Things to Do in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Where to Stay" for places around the entire region. For those interested in history and culture in Osaka city itself there is Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha and Senkoji Temple. The natural beauty of the Muroji Temple in Nara is also something that can't be missed! The entire region has a many awesome sights such as the Great Buddha of Nara, Kifune Shrine in Kyoto, Arima Onsen in Kobe and Koyasan in Wakayama. So much to do, you could be here for weeks without feeling bored!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you get there?
You can get there by train. Take the Kintestu Osaka Line from Tsuruhashi Station until Muroguchi-Ono Station. Then a hop on a bus at a stop right across from the station. The bus takes about 15 minutes. The art forest is about a 10 minute walk up a hill! There are maps and bus times tables at the station that can help you find the way if you feel lost!
How much does it cost to get in?
It is 410 yen to enter the Murou Art Forest
How long should I spend here?
If you walk walk with a good pace through the area it takes about an hour but if you take time to interact with the exhibits it can take up to 2 hours.
Is there food sold here or near here?
The area near the art forest is a town with plenty of food. If you are there during a weekday or the winter the number of shops drops significantly so be prepared for that.
Is there anything to be careful of?
The walk up from the bus stop is a bit steep so it can be tiring for those who are not in the best of shape.
