Untouched for thousands of years, Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest stretches out across an area of around half a kilometer, behind Kasugataisha Shrine. With logging and hunting prohibited since AD 841, this is a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, wild animals, rare birds and insects.
There are hiking courses in the forest that pass a waterfall and small caves carved with Buddha figures. You can climb up to Mount Wakakusa for spectacular views over the city. It is also possible to drive along the Nara Okuyama Driveway which snakes across Mount Wakakusa and looks out over the forest expanse. Many bus tours also include the drive on their route.
