Nara

In the early 8th century, Japan moved its capital to Heijo-Kyo and the Nara Era began. Nara Horyuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, and Tang Shodaiji Temple not only recorded the prosperity of this era, but also witnessed the cultural exchange between China and Japan. Behind the solemnity of these ancient temples and shrines, deers have become another symbol of Nara today, with their bowing habit and adorable appearances.

Horyuji Temple, a Thousand-Year-Old Temple

Horyuji Temple was founded in 607 AD, and many of the temple’s halls were built between the 7th and 8th centuries, making it the oldest surviving wooden building complex in the world. Horyuji Temple has 18 national treasures, including the Golden Hall and the Five-storied Pagoda, as well as a large collection of Buddhist art from the Hakubo and Asuka periods.

Horyuji Temple

World's Oldest Wooden Halls

Horyuji Temple is considered to be the oldest surviving wooden complex in the world. It is located in Ikaruga, Nara, and is said to have been founded by Prince Shotoku. The Golden Hall and the Five-storied Pagoda, were built around the 7th century A.D. The temple also has 18 national treasure buildings.

Nara Park, a Perfect Blend of Humanity and Nature

Nara Park is located in the eastern part of Nara City, covering 660 hectares. In addition to open green spaces, forests and hills, the park is home to popular tourist attractions such as Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha and the Nara National Museum. It will take at least two or three days to walk through all of them.

Todaiji Temple

Nara Daibutsu in the Great Buddha Hall

Todaiji Temple in Nara Park was first built in 752, and the Great Buddha Hall, the world's largest wooden structure, houses the 18-meter-tall bronze Buddha. Todaiji Temple is a famous tourist attraction in Nara, and the Great Buddha Hall, the South Gate, and the Nigatsu-do are all national treasures.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Deers and 3,000 Lanterns

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Kasuga in Nara, and is the main shrine of all Kasuga shrines in Japan, dedicated to the ancestral deity of the Fujiwara clan, a noble family of Japan. There are 3,000 lanterns in Kasuga Grand Shrine, and they can be seen on both sides of the path, inside and outside the halls, and under the eaves of the cloister.

Kohfukuji Temple

Fujiwara Clan Family Temple

Kofukuji Temple in Nara is the grand headquarters of the Hosso School of Buddhism and was founded in the 7th century A.D. by the powerful Fujiwara clan and is considered to be the clan's family temple. Inside the Kofukuji Temple, the Northern Round Hall, Three-storied Pagoda, and East Golden Hall are all national treasures of Japan, and the 50-meter-tall Five-storied Pagoda is a Nara landmark.