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Koriyama Castle during the Spring with pink Cherry Blossom flowers
Koriyama Castle
Home/Destinations/Asia/Japan/Nara

Nara

Overview

Take a trip to Nara on your Japan vacation.

Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan.

The first permanent capital city of Japan from 710 - 784 AD, Nara flourished under the influence of Buddhism, leading to the creation of numerous cultural assets, buildings, and books. However, as the influence and political ambitions of the Buddhist monasteries grew, the Japanese government deemed them a serious threat and so moved the capital to Nagaoka in 784 AD.

1300 years old, rich in cultural history, and featuring some of Japan’s oldest temples, Nara is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has the largest number of buildings designated National Treasures in Japan.

Todaiji Temple is a large Buddhist complex featuring the Great Buddha Hall, the largest wooden building in the world, housing the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana.

Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries, the Kasuga Taisha Shrine is famous for its bronze and stone lanterns leading up to the shrine.

Both these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are situated in Nara Park, located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa and established in 1880. Featuring various other monuments, the park is home to wild Sika Deer which roam freely amongst temples and shrines.

Only one hour away from both Osaka and Kyoto, Nara’s cultural history makes it a must-see attraction in Japan.

At a Glance
LanguagesJapanese
CurrencyJapanese Yen (JPY)
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