Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is a city steeped in history and tradition. With its well-preserved ancient temples, beautiful gardens, and friendly deer roaming freely, it’s no wonder why Nara is a popular destination for travelers. In this blog post, I’ll take you on a journey through Nara, sharing some of the best things to see and do in this beautiful city.
Getting to Nara
Located less than an hour away from Kyoto and Osaka by train, Nara is easily accessible from both cities. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen bullet train to either Kyoto or Osaka and transfer to a local train to Nara. Once you arrive at Nara Station, you can easily navigate the city on foot or by bus.
Exploring Nara Park
One of the main attractions in Nara is Nara Park, a large public park that’s home to over 1,200 free-roaming deer. These friendly creatures are considered sacred in Japanese culture and are protected by the city. Visitors can purchase special deer crackers shika senbei to feed the deer and take photos with them.
Nara Park is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Todai-ji temple, one of Japan’s most famous temples. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, which is over 15 meters tall. Visitors can enter the temple and admire the intricate architecture and beautiful artwork.
Another must-visit attraction in Nara Park is the Kasuga-taisha Shrine, a Shinto shrine known for its thousands of stone lanterns and beautiful architecture. The shrine is especially beautiful during the annual Setsubun Mantoro festival in February, when all of the lanterns are lit up at night.
Discovering Nara’s History
In addition to its natural beauty, Nara is also known for its rich history. The Nara National Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s past, with a collection of over 12,000 artifacts from the Nara period 710-794). The museum’s main focus is Buddhist art, including sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy.
Another historic site worth visiting is Horyu-ji temple, the world’s oldest wooden structure. Located about an hour away from Nara Station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the oldest surviving examples of Japanese Buddhist architecture, including several buildings that date back to the 7th century.
Experiencing Nara’s Local Culture
Nara is also a great place to experience Japanese culture firsthand. The city is famous for its mochi sweet rice cakes and sake rice wine), both of which can be sampled at local shops and restaurants. Visitors can also try their hand at traditional crafts such as pottery, calligraphy, and paper-making at workshops throughout the city.
If you’re visiting Nara in the spring, be sure to check out the annual Nara Toka-e festival, a celebration of the city’s cherry blossoms. During the festival, the trees in Nara Park are illuminated at night, creating a stunning and romantic atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
From its friendly deer and historic temples to its delicious food and rich culture, Nara has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, this charming city is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why not add Nara to your next trip to Japan and discover all that it has to offer?
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