Nara, formerly known as Heijokyo, served as the capital of Japan from 710 AD for 75 years. As an ancient cultural city, Nara is considered one of Japan’s birthplaces of ancient culture, with numerous temples, shrines, and historical artifacts. It is renowned as the “City of Temples and Shrines” and is regarded by the Japanese people as the “spiritual homeland.”
1. Weather
Nara enjoys a stable climate with four distinct seasons. The northern region is warm with abundant rainfall, while the southern mountainous areas receive more precipitation.
2. Popular Attractions
Nara Park: Covering an area of 511 hectares, Nara Park is surrounded by precious cultural heritage sites such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple. It is famous for its population of over a thousand wild deer, making it a highly popular tourist destination. In spring, it’s a cherry blossom hotspot; in summer, it’s surrounded by lush greenery, and in autumn, it offers brilliant autumn foliage. Simply strolling through the park and feeding the deer can fill an entire day’s itinerary.
Naramachi: Naramachi is a collective term for historical streets and neighborhoods developed since the Middle Ages and formally established in modern times. Located mainly in the southern central part of Nara City, it encompasses areas around Gangoji Temple, Takabatake, Kintetsu Nara Station, and Sarusawa Pond. Naramachi features historical shrines, temples, cultural relics, and traditional townhouses. In the area, there are also many facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes that have been revitalized from old private houses, preserving their historical charm.
Heijokyo Palace Site: The remains of the central palace of Heijokyo, the capital of Japan during the Nara period, were inscribed as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” World Heritage Site in 1998. Visitors can see reconstructed structures such as the Daigokuden (Great Hall) and Suzaku-mon Gate within the Heijokyo site, along with Suzaku Avenue, which divided the ancient capital into two sections. Since 2018, the new cultural exchange hub, Suzaku-mon Square, which integrates history, culture, cuisine, souvenir shops, and more across five facilities, has been opened to the public. The surrounding area has been designated as the Heijokyo Palace Site Historical Park, inviting visitors to leisurely stroll and experience the changing natural scenery and the profound historical legacy throughout the seasons.
3. Shrines and Temples
Todai-ji Temple: Todai-ji Temple is a prominent temple of the Kegon sect of Japanese Buddhism, also known as Daibutsu-den or the Great Buddha Hall. It was founded in the first half of the 8th century by Emperor Shomu, a devout Buddhist. Its most famous feature is the colossal national treasure, the “Great Buddha of Nara” statue. The official name of the Buddha statue is “Rushana Buddha,” standing at a towering height of 18 meters including its pedestal, displaying magnificent grandeur. The Daibutsu-den hall that enshrines the statue is also one of the world’s largest wooden structures remaining today.
Kasuga Grand Shrine: Established in 768 AD, Kasuga Grand Shrine is situated at the foot of Mount Mikasa, also known as Kasuga-yama, surrounded by ancient primeval forests. The shrine’s magnificent vermilion-colored halls enshrine deities such as Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto. According to tradition, the deer roaming around the shrine and Nara Park are considered messengers of the Kasuga Grand Shrine deities. The shrine’s annual festival, Kasuga Matsuri, held on March 13th each year, has been celebrated for over 1,200 years. Additionally, the shrine grounds are famous for its lanterns including hanging lanterns and stone lanterns of various shapes, donated and dedicated by devout worshippers since the Heian period, totaling approximately 3,000 lanterns accumulated over the centuries.
Kofuku-ji Temple: Originally founded as Yamashinadera in 669 AD, this temple of the Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism was relocated to its current site in 710 AD when the capital moved to Heijokyo (Nara) and renamed Kofuku-ji. The temple complex is home to several designated national treasures, including the five-storied pagoda, three-storied pagoda, Eastern Golden Hall, and Northern Octagonal Hall. It also houses national treasure-level Buddhist statues such as the wooden Thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu and Ashura. The National Treasure Hall is believed to have been constructed on the site of the temple monks’ dining hall and contains numerous precious scriptures, artifacts, and historical relics.
Horyu-ji Temple: According to tradition, established by Prince Shotoku, a reformer of the Asuka period, in 607 AD, this Buddhist temple was initially known as “Ikaruga-ji.” It is now the head temple of the Shitenno-ji sect of Japanese Buddhism. Despite some buildings being destroyed by fires, reconstruction in the early 8th century gave rise to the current layout of Horyu-ji, which remains preserved as the oldest surviving wooden architecture complex in the world. In 1993, it was inscribed as a world heritage site.
4. Transportation Guide
Nara boasts a highly developed public transportation system, especially its extensive bus services. With numerous bus stops throughout the city and frequent schedules, buses are the primary choice for both locals and tourists. Simply obtain a transportation card or purchase a daily bus pass to easily explore every corner of Nara at your leisure.
The JR Nara Line is another popular transportation option. Through JR, you can swiftly connect Nara with neighboring cities like Osaka and Kyoto. Travelers with JR Passes and regional tourist passes can choose their routes according to their preferences, enjoying convenient railway travel at the most cost-effective prices.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
Since there are relatively fewer overnight guests in Nara, if you want to stay overnight in Nara, choosing a hotel near Nara Park can provide an unforgettable experience of the park during the night and early morning.
