noun
great and splendid land (of Yamato)
Archaic poetic term for the ideal land of Yamato, often associated with ancient Japanese mythology and literature.
古事記には、まほろばの地として大和が描かれている。
In the Kojiki, Yamato is depicted as a great and splendid land.
noun
spiritual center of the land; one's spiritual home
Extended from the ancient ideal land to a more personal, spiritual sense of a place that feels like a true home or heartland.
彼にとって、この村は心のまほろばだ。
For him, this village is his spiritual home.
noun
excellent location; splendid place
Modern figurative use for any place that is exceptionally good or ideal, often with a nostalgic or poetic tone.
この公園は都会のまほろばのような場所だ。
This park is like a splendid place in the city.
The exact derivation is uncertain; it is an ancient Japanese word appearing in early poetry and texts, often associated with the Yamato region.