Oji Town, Nara — Home of Yukimaru

Welcome to Oji Town, Home of Yukimaru

Oji Town is located in Nara Prefecture, a region where you can experience Japan’s ancient history and culture up close. Nara is also within easy reach of Kyoto and Osaka, and is famous for the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple and the deer of Nara Park.
Historic Oji Town also has plenty to enjoy when it comes to food, from ramen to sweets inspired by Yukimaru.

Just outside JR Oji Station, you will find Yukimaru’s footprints. Follow them along Yukimaru Road, where you can spot Yukimaru statues along the way, all the way to Daruma-ji Temple, where Yukimaru’s grave is located.
Walk from JR Oji Station along Yukimaru Road to Daruma-ji Temple (about 15 minutes)

Who Is Yukimaru?

Yukimaru is the official mascot character of Oji Town in Nara Prefecture, modeled after the beloved dog of Prince Shotoku.
Located in northwestern Nara Prefecture on the border with Osaka Prefecture, Oji developed as a “railway town” after Nara Prefecture’s first railway opened here during the Meiji period. In February 2026, Oji celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment as a town.

Daruma-ji Temple in Oji traces its origins to a legend connecting Prince Shotoku with Bodhidharma. Yukimaru, who is said to have accompanied Prince Shotoku on his walks, certainly knows Oji inside out! Look around town and you will find Yukimaru statues and illustrations in all kinds of places.

Yukimaru Dance

Yukimaru is a legendary dog whose story has been passed down through Japanese history. Visit Oji Town and discover his story for yourself.

Highlights of Oji Town

• Myojin-yama (Panoramic views of six World Heritage sites — perfect for a hike!)
• Daruma-ji Temple (Home to Yukimaru’s grave and closely associated with Prince Shotoku)
• Yukimaru Road (A walking route marked by Yukimaru’s footprints)
• Yukimaru Mini Plaza (Yukimaru goods and displays)
• Yukimaru Café Poem (Home of the Yukimaru-themed sweet “Yukima-ru”)

A Place Connected to Prince Shotoku and Daruma

Daruma-ji Temple is associated with the legend of Prince Shotoku helping a starving man lying by the roadside, who was later believed to have been an incarnation of Bodhidharma. The temple is also the setting for the National Daruma-san ga Koronda Championship, based on the traditional Japanese children’s game.

Getting to Oji Town

• From Tennoji: About 20 minutes on the Yamatoji Line toward Nara/Kamo
• From Shin-Osaka or Osaka: About 40 minutes on the Yamatoji Line toward Nara/Kamo
• From Nara: About 15 minutes toward Osaka
• From Kyoto: About 75 minutes via the Nara Line toward Nara and the Yamatoji Rapid Service toward Tennoji

For more sightseeing information: Oji Town Travel Guide (Guidoor)

Oji Town Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary in 2026!

Oji Town celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment as a town in February 2026.
Oji has long prospered as an important transportation hub and developed into a lively commercial town. Surrounded by rich natural scenery, it is also a place filled with history and legends closely connected to Prince Shotoku.

Follow & Share on Social Media!

Follow Yukimaru’s latest adventures on Instagram!
Be sure to follow the Oji Town Tourism Association on Instagram.
● Instagram @yukimaru_6668 (Oji Town Tourism Association)
● Oji Town Tourism Association Website

Share your memories of Yukimaru and Japan!
Post with the hashtag #MeetYukimaru!

Download Yukimaru Wallpapers

Take Yukimaru with you on your smartphone!


Download an original Yukimaru smartphone wallpaper!
Set it as your home screen and keep Yukimaru with you wherever you go.

＜How to Download＞
1. Press and hold the image on a smartphone, or right-click it on a computer.
2. Select “Save Image” or a similar option to save it to your device.

Oji Town at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan!

Pin Trading with Yukimaru!

Trading Pins with Yukimaru
At Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Oji Town exchanged pins with participating countries, regions, and organizations as a symbol of friendship.
To commemorate the town’s 100th anniversary, Oji Town successfully exchanged pins with representatives from 100 countries and regions.
Yukimaru plush toys and other items were also given as mementos of the international connections created through Oji Town and Yukimaru.


``` ``` Pin trading was limited to pins representing countries, regions, pavilion exhibitors, and other participating organizations.

Photos with Yukimaru Plush Toys!

Pins and Gifts from the Expo Are Now on Display

The Oji Town Community Exchange Center is displaying pins, gifts, and other items exchanged at the Expo, together with photographs documenting Oji Town’s participation. Come and take a look!

【Exhibition Venue】 Oji Town Community Exchange Center
For the latest exhibition information, follow the Oji Town Tourism Association on Instagram (@yukimaru_6668).


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