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Typical japanese stone lanterns in Nara, Japan

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Overview

Japan's first permanent capital, Nara (奈良) is one of the country's most rewarding destinations. The biggest draw is the awe-inspiring Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a towering effigy first cast in the 8th century. Historically important temples and shrines house treasures of Buddhist art, and more can be found in the excellent Nara National Museum. All of this occupies a compact area in and around Nara-kōen, a large, grassy park home to many (somewhat) tame deer.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Horyuji Temple, Nara, Japan

    Hōryū-ji

    Nara

    Hōryū-ji was founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku, considered by many to be the patron saint of Japanese Buddhism. It's renowned not only as one of the oldest…

  • Todai-ji Temple, Nara

    Tōdai-ji

    Nara

    Nara's star attraction is its Daibutsu (Great Buddha), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. It was unveiled in 752, upon the completion of the…

  • Nara National Museum

    Nara National Museum

    Nara

    This world-class museum of Buddhist art is divided into two sections. Built in 1894 and strikingly renovated in 2016, the Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall &…

  • Kasuga Taisha

    Kasuga Taisha

    Nara

    Founded in the 8th century, this sprawling shrine at the foot of Mikasa-yama was created to protect the new capital, Nara. It was ritually rebuilt every…

  • Yakushi-ji

    Yakushi-ji

    Nara

    Yakushi-ji was established by Emperor Temmu in 680 as a prayer for his ailing wife (who actually outlived him to accede to the throne). With the exception…

  • (Isui-en garden View from), Todaiji Temple, Nara ..Todaiji Temple Nandaimon.., Kinki, Japan

    Isui-en & Neiraku Art Museum

    Nara

    Isui-en is an elegant garden in two parts: one created in the 17th century, in the style of an Edo-period (1603–1868) strolling garden, and another added…

  • Kōfuku-ji

    Kōfuku-ji

    Nara

    Kōfuku-ji was founded in Kyoto in 669 and relocated here in 710. The original Nara temple complex had 175 buildings, though much has been lost over the…

  • Tōshōdai-ji

    Tōshōdai-ji

    Nara

    Tōshōdai-ji was established in 759 by influential Chinese priest Ganjin (Jian Zhen), recruited by Emperor Shōmu to reform Buddhism in Japan. The main…

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Planning Tools

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Best Things to Do

Nara is a historic and picturesque Japanese city where sacred deer still roam the narrow streets. Here are seven reasons to visit Nara.

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