Nara City was the Capitol of Japan for approximately 80 years from the year 710 until 794, and during these 84 years Nara was the hub of Japan for new information, trends from China as well as then end point of the Silk Road.
Located only 40 minutes from Kyoto, which became the Capitol of Japan after Nara, Nara is easily accessible and many of the major attractions can be seen in a day. The Nara park is some 1600 acres large and over 1300 sacred and protected Japanese Deer roam freely in the park. The deer are a crowd pleaser and if you feed them correctly, they will bow their heads to say thanks. It is however, important not to tease or treat these sacred animals in anyway to harm them
A noticeably different atmosphere from Kyoto, this old Capitol offers a chance to see the Todaiji Temple, which is one of the largest wooden structures in the World along with the largest Buddha Statue in all of Japan. Isuien Garden is close to Todaiji Temlpe and offers a beautiful stroll through a prime example of a perfect garden. Kasuga Taisha is the headquarters for Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan, and unique in itself as there are very few Shrines that have 3 Gods residing in the same location. A delicate balance of Temples, Shrines and World Heritage locations here in Nara can then lead you to the old Nara-machi area for maybe a Kaki-no-ha Sushi (Sushi rolled in Persimmon leaves) lunch which is one of Nara’s famous dishes. Nara National Museum is actually not visited by many, but is a must for art and history lovers.
If you have been to Nara before, but want to visit other locations, it is highly recommended to explore the outer areas of Nara Prefecture. Base yourself in central Nara or even in a Ryokan in the Yoshino area and Nara awaits. This could include the fabulous Yoshino Area, especially in the Cherry Blossom season. Kinpusen-ji Temple is in Yoshino and happens to be the second largest wooden structure in Japan, after Todaiji Temple. If you stay overnight in Yoshino, you can treat yourself to a Zen Medication or Wooden prayer plaques (Gomaki) Temple Service in the morning.
With the right transportation, and especially if you want to experience and view some of the oldest and most interesting Buddha Statues and Temples, you can visit locations such as Horyuji Temple, Yakushiji Temple, Hasedera Temple, and like when you arrive at the Joruri-ji Temple, you will stimbkle on one of the most spectacular hidden discoveries.
Highlights: Nara Park • The Deer of Nara Park • Todaiji Temple (Giant Buddha) • Wakakusa Mountain • Kofukuji Temple • Kasuga Shrine • Old Nara machi town • Horyuji Temple • Yoshino • Kipinsenji Temple • Hasedera Temple • Yakushiji Temple • Joruri-ji Temple
Recommended length of stay: 1-2 nights