Inamura Rock: Majestic autumn landscape with vibrant foliage and peaceful village in Japan.
A picturesque autumn day in Japans Kanto region, with Inamura Rock towering over a peaceful village below.

Nippara: Where The Samurai Came To Find Peace

Chance discoveries are often the most amazing. It was on the road to Nippara limestone caves that I found this village of little interest yet total surprise.

The tiny settlement, clinging to the mountainside, is overlooked by the impressive Inamura Rock. There are only about 60 residents, and the school has been closed for a long time. But the location is unique: this is part of Tokyo metropolitan area yet you’d think the village wants to stay hidden as far away as possible, out of sight.

autumn, natural, nature, nishitama, rock, village
Inamura Rock
autumn, natural, nature, nishitama, rock, village
Inamura Rock

History bears this out. Civil war was rampant in 14th-century Japan, with Emperor Go-Daigo in constant confrontation with the shogunate. The samurai warriors in the pay of the emperor lost the battle on the Kansai front, so in search of a haven of peace they took refuge at Inamura, founding Nippara below the protective rocky barrier.

What most fascinates me is that this village is still there centuries later, safeguarded by the rock and the samurai descendants, despite the implausibility of its very existence.

autumn, natural, nature, nishitama, rock, village
Inamura Rock
autumn, natural, nature, nishitama, rock, village
Inamura Rock
autumn, natural, nature, nishitama, rock
Inamura Rock
abandoned, autumn, haikyo, japan, japanese, nishitama, ruin, urban exploration, urbex, vending-machine
Inamura Rock
autumn, natural, nature, nishitama, rock
Inamura Rock

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Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

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Turquoise whispers, Snow embraces sandy shore — Winter's canvas speaks.ターコイズの囁き、 雪が砂浜を包む — 冬のキャンバスが語る。#tottorisanddunes #winterbeach #uniquescenes #japaneselandscape #offbeatjapan #japan #travelphotography #serenitynow
Turquoise waves clash with gray sentinels of concrete— nature's dance with man. 青波が 灰色の守り手と舞う— 自然と人の踊り。#oceanview #tetrapods #seawall #coastaldefense #offbeatjapan #japan #natureandman #aerialphotography
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Under soft light's glow, Textures whisper stories here— Night swallows the day. 光の下、 話す質感、夜— 昼を飲み込む。 #yokocho #urbanjapan #moodyvibes #japanstreets #nightscapes #offbeatjapan #japan
Cherry blooms whisper On the island of stillness, Mist holds nature's breath. 桜が囁く 静けさの島で 霧が息を呑む #offbeatjapan #japan #sakura #cherryblossom #naturelovers #serenity #reflections #dreamscape
Cool blue pool of dreams Framed by fiery autumn hues, Silent whispers merge. 静かな青い夢のプール 燃える秋色に縁取られ、 静かなささやきが交わる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #haiku #abandonedbeauty #autumnvibes #hiddenarchitectures #naturecontrast
Blue night whispers here, Red lights dance with signs aglow, Takoyaki dreams.  青い夜ささやく 赤い光舞う 看板は輝く たこ焼きの夢  #offbeatjapan #japan #takoyaki #japanstreetnight #urbanserenity #neonnights #suburbansoil #quietstreets
Worn stones tell stories, Ancient gate meets cityscape— Tradition whispers. 石畳 古門で都市会う 伝統囁く #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandmodernity #cityscape #serenity #ancientarchitecture #urbanblend