Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital — and it shows. The city’s ancient park is roamed by over 1,000 sacred deer, while enormous wooden halls house the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Nara’s UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines represent the very origin of Japanese civilization.
Top Attractions
1. Todaiji Temple & the Great Buddha
The world’s largest wooden building houses Japan’s largest bronze Buddha (Daibutsu) — 15 meters tall, cast in 752 CE. Passing through the nostril of a pillar replica is said to guarantee enlightenment.
2. Nara Deer Park
Over 1,000 wild sika deer roam freely through Nara Park, bowing to tourists for shika senbei (deer crackers). These deer are considered divine messengers of the Kasuga Taisha shrine and have coexisted with the city for 1,300 years.
3. Kasuga Taisha
Nara’s most important shrine is famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, lit twice yearly in a spectacular festival. The forest walk to the shrine through ancient cedar trees is hauntingly beautiful.
Food & Drink
Nara is famous for its Miwa Somen (Japan’s finest thin noodles), Kakinoha-zushi (mackerel sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves), and Kuzu (arrowroot sweets). The local sake is excellent, made from some of Japan’s purest water.
Getting There
From Kyoto, trains reach Nara in about 45 minutes. From Osaka, about 35 minutes on the Kintetsu Nara Line.
