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Nara Travel Guide
Things To See
Explore the World Heritage sites of Nara
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Todai-ji – A prominent landmark of the city of Nara, Todai-ji is one of Japan’s most important temples. It houses a 15-metre tall bronze
Buddha statue.
Kofuku-ji – Established more than 1,300 years ago, Kofuku-ji is a Buddhist temple
that is home to many different National Treasures, including the East Golden Hall,
a three-storey pagoda, a five-storey pagoda, and North Octagonal Hall.
Kasuga Shrine – Nara’s most prominent shrine, Kasuga Taisha served as the
Fujiwara clan’s tutelary shrine during the majority of the Nara and Heian Periods.
The complex consists of many auxiliary shrines, gardens, and other relics.
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Yakushi-ji – A 7th century temple known for the symmetric design of its complex.
It has gone through many fires and been renovated several times through the
years.
Toshodai-ji – Founded in 759 by a Chinese priest named Ganjin, Toshodai-ji
is a temple that honours the contributions of its founder to the beginnings of
Buddhism in Japan.
Heijo Palace – When Nara was capital of Japan during the Nara Period in the 8th
century, the city was called Heijo-kyo and the palace became its centrepiece.
Todaiji Temple
Meet the deer at Nara Park
Situated in the city centre, Nara Park includes several of Nara’s popular landmarks and
attractions, such as the Nara National Museum, Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Shrine, and Todai-ji. It
serves as the home of hundreds of deer that wander freely in the area. In Shintoism, deer
are believed to be messengers sent by the gods.
Isuien Garden
People who visit the park may feed the deer but are advised to be careful as some of these animals can be aggressive if hungry.
Visit the city’s gardens
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Isuien Garden – Literally meaning “garden founded on water”, Isuien Garden consists of many ponds, a wide variety of plants and trees
in its two main gardens, a nearby museum, and some tea houses. Its front garden was created in the 17th century, while the rear garden
was established in 1899.
Yoshikien Garden – Situated next to the Yoshikigawa River, Yoshikien Garden is open to foreign tourists for free. It boasts of three
uniquely designed gardens — tea ceremony garden, moss garden, and pond garden — all of which feature outstanding Japanese
gardening styles and techniques.
Observe the Stone Buddha of Ataya
One of the must-see Buddhist attractions if visiting Nara, the Stone Buddha of Ataya is the largest in the world. Also worth seeing is the large
bronze Buddha statue housed in Todaiji Temple’s main hall.
Learn at the Nara National Museum
About a 15-minute walk from Nara Station, the Nara National Museum in Nara Park is a century-old art museum that showcases Japanese
Buddhist collections such as paintings, Buddhist statues, scrolls and religious items.
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