Nara

Nara, 42 km south of Kyoto, is an ancient capital of Japan and was also the cradle of Japanese art, literature and culture, although industry is also very important. The main attraction places for tourists are around Nara railway station. […]

Nara, 42 km south of Kyoto, is an ancient capital of Japan and was also the cradle of Japanese art, literature and culture, although industry is also very important.

The main attraction places for tourists are around Nara railway station. Nara Park is better known as “The Deer Park”, as the hinds and tame deer roam freely.
To the west is the Kofukuji Temple, built in 710. A large number of valuable Buddhist statues are exhibited in the National Treasury House, and within the temple grounds is a five-story pagoda that is reflected in the waters of the Sarusawa pond.

The Nara National Museum has a large collection of Buddhist art with characteristic pieces from each period of its history.
But perhaps the Todaiji Temple, where the Great Buddha of Nara is located, is one of the most famous ancient monuments in the city. The Daibutsu-den, where the bronze statue is located, is the largest wooden structure in the world. Another popular place is the Kasuga Grand Shrine, built in 768 and one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. The vermilion lacquered buildings form a striking and stylish contrast to the surrounding greenery. 1,800 stone lanterns cover the walls of the sanctuary and a thousand metal lamps are suspended from the eaves of its rooms.

Horyuji Temple, 45 minutes by train from Nara Station, is not only breathtakingly beautiful, it is one of the most important places of worship in Japan. The temple, whose group of buildings has remained intact, is the oldest in the country. It was founded in 607. It is made up of forty buildings, and is said to be the oldest wooden structure in the world.
Nishinokyo, west of Nara, houses several 8th century temples of great artistic, architectural and historical importance.
A few kilometers away, Asuka offers a trip to the origins of Japanese history. The surroundings of Nara offer amazing walks and discoveries.

 

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