We will introduce "10 things to do in Nara (Nara area)".

Todaiji Temple

Located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, it was founded by Emperor Shomu in 745 to pray for national stability and peace. It is one of Japan's leading Buddhist temples and the head temple of the Kegon sect. In 1998, Todaiji Temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Buddha is the symbol of Nara, standing approximately 14.7 meters tall and weighing over 250 tons. The Buddha's overwhelming presence has many fans and draws many visitors.

Nara Park

Opened in 1880, this is one of the oldest urban parks in Japan. Over 1,300 deer live here, and you can encounter them anywhere in the park. Deer are wild animals and a natural monument. Legend has it that when Kasuga Taisha Shrine was founded in the Nara period, the deity enshrined there rode on a white deer, and so they have been carefully protected as messengers of the Kasuga gods. You can also feed them deer crackers.

Ukimido

The old Ukimido was built in 1916. It later deteriorated and was rebuilt to the current Ukimido. You can sit and take a rest while admiring the scenery. The Ukimido is reflected on the surface of the pond, making for a picturesque sight. You can enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring, crape myrtle in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter. You can also see the illuminated buildings all year round. You can also rent a boat.

Gangoji Temple

In 718, when the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo, Japan's first full-scale temple, Hoko-ji Temple, which was located in Asuka, was moved to Heijo-kyo and renamed "Gangoji Temple." Many of the buildings and Buddhist statues, such as the "Five-story Pagoda" and "Chiko Mandala," are designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. "Gangoji Gokurakudo" has a long history and has the oldest roof tiles in Japan still in use today.

Yakushiji Temple

This temple was founded in 680 by Emperor Tenmu in prayer for the recovery of his empress from illness. It was moved to its current location in 718. The "East Pagoda" and "Toin-do" are designated national treasures. The "East Pagoda" is the only building that remains as it was when it was first built, and although it looks like a six-story pagoda, it is actually a three-story pagoda. The "Toin-do" has a long history and is said to be the oldest Zen hall in Japan.

Heijo Palace Ruins

This is the ruins of the Heijo Palace, which was the center of Heijo-kyo, when the capital was moved from Fujiwara-kyo in 710. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1998. The First Daigokuden Hall is a building where ceremonies such as the enthronement of the emperor were held. At Suzakumon Square, there is an observation deck, bicycle rentals, and a restaurant.

Heijo Palace is also a fantastic sight when lit up at night.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

According to the shrine's legend, it was founded in 768, but in fact it is believed to date back to the beginning of the Nara period. It was founded to enshrine four gods on Mt. Kasuga and Mt. Mifusa, which have long been considered sacred mountains where gods descend. It is the head shrine of Kasuga Shrine, of which there are said to be nearly 3,000 across the country, and was created with the hope of protecting Heijo-kyo, prosperity for the country, and happiness for its people. The main hall is beautiful with its bright vermilion color that catches the eye.

Approximately 3,000 lanterns have been donated from the Heian period (794-1180) to the present day. The combination of the moss and the lanterns is very beautiful and photogenic.

Kofukuji Temple

In 669, Fujiwara Kamatari's wife, Princess Kagami, founded Yamashina Temple in hopes of her husband's recovery from illness. Later, in 710, when the capital was moved to Heijo-kyo, it was moved to its current location in Nara and became Kofuku-ji Temple. There are many national treasures and important cultural properties. The five-story pagoda is the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan. Due to large-scale preservation and repair work, it is scheduled to be reopened to the public in 2031.

Shosoin

In 756, on the occasion of the 77th memorial service for Emperor Shomu, over 600 items related to the Emperor and 60 types of medicine were donated to the Great Buddha as a prayer for the Emperor, and Shosoin was built as a treasure house to preserve them. The Azekura-zukuri style of building has been designated a national treasure. It is divided into three parts, the North Storehouse, the Middle Storehouse, and the South Storehouse, and is a two-story building with a raised floor. The approximately 9,000 treasures are a world-famous treasure trove of ancient art, and once a year in the autumn, the Shosoin Exhibition is held, where some of the treasures are on display.

Himuro Shrine

It is said that it was founded in 710 at the western foot of Mt. Mifusayama, and moved to its current location in 860. It is unusual to have a "Dedication of Ice Worship" where shaved ice is offered as an offering. After offering the shaved ice and putting in a coin as an offering and praying, you can eat the shaved ice. This is only available from mid-June to mid-September.

The weeping cherry trees on the banks of Kagamiike Pond are famous for being the earliest cherry trees to bloom in Nara. Other beautiful cherry trees include Somei-Yoshino.

summary

We have introduced "10 things to do in Nara (Nara area)". There are many historical tourist spots and photogenic places. The Great Buddha of "Todaiji Temple" is famous and has a strong presence. You can play with the deer at "Nara Park". At "Himuro Shrine" you can eat shaved ice, a very unique experience. Please visit.