When Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 it was called Heijokyo, a city that was considered the cradle of Japanese culture. Nara was also home to Buddhism’s finest temples and much of the times grand buidings still stand today and have been registered on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List as an irreplaceable part of the cultural heritage of all humanity.
Nara was Japan’s capital city during the years 710 to 784. Today Nara is the capital city of the Nara Prefecture and one of the most culturally significant cities in Japan with many of its temples and shrines listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Naramachi is the old town district of Nara that was once home to merchants homes and their stores along the narrow streets of a former temple’s grounds.
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One of the more outstanding art museums in Japan the Nara National Museum specialises in Buddhist arts and is located in the world famous Nara Park.
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Established in 1880 the beautiful Nara Park was designated as a scenic spot in 1922 and is a must for any visitor to the old capital. Positioned at the foot of Mount Wakakusa the park is home to some of the city’s most famous and historic temples and shrines many of which have been designated a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The park is also home to the city’s symbol the lovely sika deer which roam freely around the historic sites and thousands of daily visitors.
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The Kasuga Grand Shrine (also known as Kasuga-taisha) was founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara Family around the time when Nara was the capital city of Japan.
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Also spelt as Tōdai-ji Temple, The Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple origionally founded by Emperor Shomu to enshrine the Great image of Buddha Vairocana. Completed in 752 as the Head-temple of all provincial temples in Japan, the building was the largest of all of Japan’s Temples.
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Also spelt Kōfuku-ji or Kohfukuji, the Kofukuji Temple is an UNESCO world heritage listed site that dates back to a temple that was built 669AD. When Nara became the new capital of Japan the temple was moved to its present location and renamed Kofukuji in 710AD.
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The majority of Nara’s most popular attractions are situated around Nara Park which is a 5 minute stroll from Nara’s railway stations. Along the way you indulge in a bit of shopping with everything from local Nara craft’s and cuisine to cheesy souvenirs being catered for.
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Nara is a popular tourist destination in the Kansai region and being under an hour from Osaka and Kyoto makes for a perfect day trip to the city.
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If you think this guy is odd wait till you see his pink friend.
