Things To Do
in Ōra
Ōra is a town located in Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. It is known for its scenic natural beauty, including lush green mountains and picturesque rice fields. The town is also famous for its production of green tea, which is highly regarded for its quality.
Visitors can enjoy exploring local tea plantations, traditional Japanese architecture, and relaxing in hot springs.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day visiting the local shrine and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Take a stroll through the surrounding gardens to appreciate the natural beauty.
Head to a nearby café for a taste of local cuisine and refreshment. Visit the Ōra History Museum to learn more about the town's heritage.
Relax at a local onsen, soaking in the warm waters to unwind. Enjoy dinner at a traditional izakaya, sampling various Japanese dishes.
Embark on a hiking trail in the nearby hills, surrounded by lush greenery. Breathe in the fresh air and take in panoramic views of the landscape.
Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint, soaking in the tranquility of nature. Continue your hike and explore hidden waterfalls.
Return to Ōra and dine at a restaurant specializing in grilled fish. Spend the rest of the evening stargazing at a local park.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and rivers
- Access to local festivals and events
- Traditional cuisine and local delicacies
- Friendly and welcoming community
- Limited access to modern amenities in some areas
- Potential language barrier for non-Japanese speakers
- Isolation due to rural location, making travel more difficult
- Economic challenges due to a declining population
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities
Best Activities in Ōra
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking or trail running at Mount Akagi to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area including Lake Onuma and Lake Haruna.
Visiting Kusatsu Onsen for outdoor hot spring baths and scenic walks in the surrounding natural landscapes.
Exploring Shibukawa Skyland Park for activities such as paragliding, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful flowers and seasonal foliage.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ōra with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ōra
Visit one of these nice places.
Scenic mountain road with views of lush landscapes and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Picturesque lake offering stunning reflections of nearby mountains and clear waters.
Historic temple with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding area.
Scenic shrine located on the shores of Lake Biwa, known for its picturesque torii gate and tranquil surroundings.
Food in Ōra
Ōra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Indulge in fresh, expertly-crafted sushi, a staple of Japanese cuisine, at Uoshin, renowned for its premium seafood and culinary craftsmanship.
Must-Try!
Savor crispy yet tender octopus balls served with savory toppings at Takoyaki Doraku Wanaka, where the indulgent street snack is a specialty.
Experience the sumptuous flavors of grilled eel at Unagisakai Hamakawa, a traditional eatery revered for its exquisite eel preparations.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ōra better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Navigate the bustling stalls of Nishiki Market, offering a vibrant assortment of street food such as grilled skewers, savory snacks, and fresh local produce.
Explore Pontocho Alley's atmospheric street food vendors for an authentic taste of Ōra's culinary traditions, from grilled seafood to delectable sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ōra, it is important to show respect towards elders by using polite language and gestures, such as bowing when greeting or thanking them.
It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, a traditional inn (ryokan), or certain public spaces like temples and traditional tea houses to maintain cleanliness and respect for the space.
When dining in Ōra, it is polite to say 'itadakimasu' before the meal to express gratitude, and 'gochisousama deshita' after finishing to show appreciation for the food and the person who prepared it.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ōra with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ōra
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Japan, including in Ōra. In fact, tipping may even be considered rude in some situations. Good service is expected and included in the prices of goods and services.
In Ōra, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most common form of payment. While credit cards are gaining acceptance, especially in larger establishments, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions and in more traditional settings.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather
Expect hot and humid weather, ideal for beach activities and summer festivals
Great for fall foliage and mild weather, perfect for outdoor activities
Time for winter sports and enjoying hot springs
Ōra at Night
Hiking in Ōra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A picturesque mountain valley and part of the Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, Kamikōchi offers stunning hiking trails with views of the Azusa River and surrounding peaks.
Approximately two hours from Ōra, this park features beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails with rich biodiversity and landscape views.
Famous for its hot springs, Kusatsu also has excellent hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains, including trails leading to the active volcano Mount Kusatsu-Shirane.
A prominent volcano in the region, it offers various hiking trails with views from the summit and rich volcanic scenery.
This national park features various hiking trails, including paths through forests, along rivers, and across volcanic landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Ōra by plane.
Located approximately 70 kilometers east of Tokyo, Narita International Airport is one of the two primary airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area and offers numerous international flights.
Situated closer to downtown Tokyo than Narita, Haneda Airport primarily handles domestic flights but also offers a significant number of international routes.
Located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Kansai International Airport serves the Kansai region and is a major hub for international flights.
This airport is located on an island in Ise Bay, near Nagoya, and serves as a key international gateway in central Japan.
Located near Sapporo, New Chitose Airport is the main airport serving Hokkaido and offers both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in Ōra, making up the majority of the population.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the population.
A significant segment of the demographic is composed of elderly individuals, highlighting the aging trend in rural Japan.
This group includes college students and young professionals, who may be drawn to Ōra's educational institutions and job opportunities.
Families residing in Ōra often include children, reflecting the community's efforts to support youth education and activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan and is widely played at various levels, including high school, college, and professional leagues.
Soccer has gained significant popularity in Japan, with a strong professional league and a dedicated fan base.
Basketball is also popular in Japan, with both professional leagues and widespread participation at the school level.
Sumo is a traditional and culturally significant sport in Japan, with a rich history and dedicated tournaments.
Various martial arts, including judo, karate, and aikido, are practiced widely in Japan and have a strong cultural heritage.
Volleyball enjoys popularity both among men and women, with numerous clubs and competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ōra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine predominantly features seafood and meat, several establishments in Ōra, such as Mikoan and Vegans Cafe and Restaurant, offer a variety of delectable vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary needs can head to Cafeteria and Pancake cafe Komeda's Coffee, where they can relish gluten-free pancakes and other gluten-free options.