The park was designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Dani Karavan, known for his site-specific works that blend art with the natural environment.
The project was commissioned to honor the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of the historic Murou-ji Temple.
The sculptures are purposefully positioned to align with specific solar events and celestial tracking.
The park's design intentionally leaves large portions of the valley in its natural state to contrast with the rigid geometric installations.
One of the primary installations includes a long, zig-zagging stone path that creates an optical illusion against the sloping valley floor.
Murou Art Forest is an expansive open-air sculpture park integrated into the natural landscape of a valley in Uda, Nara Prefecture. Designed by Israeli environmental sculptor Dani Karavan, the site features installations intended to harmonize with the local topography and climate. The park includes a spiraling stone staircase, reflecting pools, and earthworks that respond to the position of the sun. Unlike traditional museums, the art here is site-specific and requires visitors to traverse uneven, grassy terrain to view individual works. The forest serves as a memorial to the 1,200th anniversary of the founding of the nearby Murou-ji Temple. The layout utilizes the natural stream and existing vegetation to frame its geometric stone and metal sculptures. It is managed by the city of Uda and maintains a minimal footprint to preserve the rural environment of the Yamato Highlands.
The elevated viewing point looking down the valley to capture the contrast between the zig-zagging stone path and the natural green slopes.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the terrain is sloped, uneven, and often muddy.
Bring sun protection and insect repellent, as the park is an open, grassy area with limited shade.
Walk the full length of the path to experience how the sculptures change visual perspective as you climb higher.
Attempting to visit in heavy rain, as the grass paths become slippery and the visibility of the art decreases significantly.
Closed on Tuesdays; if Tuesday is a national holiday, the park closes the following day instead.
Stay on marked paths to protect the grass and soil; climbing on the sculptures is strictly prohibited.
