Yukimaru, the Beloved Dog of Prince Shōtoku from Oji Town, Nara
◆ Spring Appearance: April 19 (Sat) – 22 (Tue) at Kansai Pavilion Multipurpose Area◆ Fall Appearance (Scheduled): September 18 (Thu) – 19 (Fri) at Signature Pavilion Dialogue Theater “Inochi no Akashi” (Proof of Life), Forest Gathering Hall
What is Yukimaru?
Yukimaru is the official mascot of Oji Town in Nara Prefecture, known as the loyal dog of Prince Shōtoku.
Oji Town is located in the northwestern part of Nara Prefecture, bordering Osaka Prefecture. Since the opening of the first railway in the prefecture during the Meiji era, it has flourished as a “railway town.” In February 2026, the town will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its municipal organization.
Daruma-ji Temple in town is said to have begun with the meeting of Prince Shōtoku and Bodhidharma. Yukimaru, who always strolled with Prince Shōtoku, is a true expert on Oji! You can find many Yukimaru statues and illustrations throughout the town.
Let’s Try Pin Trading with Yukimaru!
Exchange pins with Yukimaru and make your trip unforgettable!Exclusive “Pin Trading” at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai!
Bring a pin badge from your country and exchange it for an original Yukimaru pin badge!
Oji Town aims to celebrate its 100th anniversary by exchanging with exhibitors from 100 countries and regions.
Exchange rules: Pin badges are limited to those representing “countries, regions, or municipalities.”
Take a Commemorative Photo with the Yukimaru Plush!
For Countries and Organizations that Exchange Pins
We’d love to take a commemorative photo of the Yukimaru plush with your pavilion.If you agree, the photos will be exhibited in Oji Town, Nara, Japan. In addition, the Yukimaru plush will be gifted to you.
Take Photos with Yukimaru and Share on SNS!
Your Pin Badge or Photo Will Be Displayed in Oji Town, Japan!
Photos taken and pin badges exchanged at the Expo will later be exhibited at the “Oji Town Community Exchange Center.”This is a special opportunity for your country’s badge to be displayed in Oji Town, Japan!
【Exhibition Venue】 Oji Town Community Exchange CenterExhibition updates will be announced on the Oji Town Tourism Association Instagram.
Post Photos with Yukimaru Using Hashtag #MeetYukimaru!
“Take a photo with Yukimaru and post it!”Use the hashtag #MeetYukimaru when posting
Take the Yukimaru plush home with you, capture photos in your town or country, and share them on SNS with the hashtag #MeetYukimaru!
Your photos with Yukimaru will connect your country with Oji Town. If your post is found, your country or region will be highlighted on a world map in the Oji Town exhibition space!
How to Participate
- Take a photo with Yukimaru
- Post it on Instagram / X with #MeetYukimaru
Instagram: @yukimaru_6668
Yukimaru’s Hometown – Oji Town, Nara
Oji Town itself is full of history, with local ramen, sweets inspired by Yukimaru, and many other delights.
Walking from JR Oji Station to Daruma-ji Temple along Yukimaru Road takes about 15 minutes.Highlights of Oji Town
- Daruma-ji Temple (Yukimaru’s grave, temple related to Prince Shōtoku)
- Yukimaru Road (a walking spot with Yukimaru’s footprints)
- Yukimaru Mini Plaza (Yukimaru goods and exhibits)
- Yukimaru Café Poem (Yukimaru sweets “Yukimāru”)
Access
- From Tennoji: About 20 min via Yamatoji Line (toward Nara / Kamo)
- From Osaka: About 40 min via Yamatoji Line (toward Nara / Kamo)
- From Nara: About 15 min via JR Line (toward Osaka)
- From Kyoto: About 75 min via Nara Line (toward Nara) / Yamatoji Rapid Service (toward Tennoji)
Access from Yumeshima (Expo Venue)
- From Osaka Metro Chuo Line “Yumeshima Station” to Bentencho Station (12 min)
- From JR Bentencho Station, take the Yamatoji Rapid Service bound for Nara or Kamo
- Get off at JR Oji Station (26 min from Bentencho)
For more travel information on Oji Town: Oji Town Travel Info (Guidoor)
Oji Town Celebrates its 100th Anniversary in 2026!
In February 2026, Oji Town, Nara Prefecture, will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a municipality.
Oji has long prospered as a key transportation hub and developed into a vibrant commercial town. Surrounded by nature and deeply connected to Prince Shōtoku, it is rich in historical romance.
Daruma-ji Temple, known as the “Temple of Daruma,” preserves a legend where Prince Shōtoku helped a starving man (believed to be an incarnation of Bodhidharma). Today, the temple even hosts the “All Japan Daruma-san ga Koronda Tournament.”
Download Yukimaru Wallpapers!
Take Yukimaru memories home on your smartphone!
Original Yukimaru smartphone wallpapers are available as gifts!
Set them as your home screen and stay with Yukimaru anytime!
How to download:
1. Long press (smartphone) or right click (PC) on the image
2. Select “Save Image” to store on your device
Follow & Share on SNS!
Check the latest updates about Yukimaru on Instagram!● Instagram @yukimaru_6668 (Oji Town Tourism Association)
● Oji Town Tourism Association Website
Share your Japanese memories with Yukimaru!
Post with #MeetYukimaru!
Yukimaru Profile
Name: Yukimaru (ゆきまる)- Gender: Male
- Age: 1 year old (still playful and pure)
- Personality: Relaxed, gentle, easygoing, affectionate, and curious
- Hobbies: Taking walks and basking in the sun
- Special Skills: Guiding visitors in Oji Town, falling asleep instantly
- Favorite Foods: Noodles, rice cakes (daifuku), okara, soy milk
- Favorite Phrase: “Harmony is to be valued”
Detailed profile here: About Yukimaru (Guidoor)
Yukimaru Dance
Yukimaru, the legendary dog from Japan’s history. Come to Oji Town and discover his story for yourself!