Nara
Revered temples, replenishing nature and symbolic animals
Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan more than a thousand years ago, yet many of the venerable buildings from the time remain to be admired today. Stand beneath the sweeping double roof of Todai-ji Temple and take a moment to feel the history of the place, which was one of the influential Seven Great Temples of the ancient city. Inside, discover the magnificence of the Daibutsu, a 16-metre-high Buddha in the Great Buddha Hall, one of the world’s largest wood buildings.
Kasuga-Taisha Shrine is of equal importance and is captivating in its own unique way. Step into a tranquil world of vermilion red pillars, swaying lanterns and tree-lined passages where the sweet scents of nature waft on the breeze. Along such pathways, you may catch a glimpse of one of the city’s iconic deer. To get a sense of everyday life in old Nara, visit Naramachi, where the low-rise wood buildings have been home to workshops, cafes and ryokan inns for centuries.
Central Japan is blessed with four defined seasons, from gentle warmth and cherry blossoms in spring to crisp blue skies when the leaves turn red in autumn. Enjoy it all in nature-loving Nara at locations like the poetry-themed Manyo Botanical Gardens, or classical Yoshikien with its enchanting teahouse and moss garden. Don’t miss the fresh air, tranquillity and city vistas from Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest, with its easy walking trails very close to the city’s centre.
Both history and natural beauty resonate along the pilgrimage trails around Nara prefecture. Warriors, holy men and even emperors have made the challenging trek of the Kumano Kodo routes in the Kii Mountains in search of enlightenment. While you might not have time to walk the entire network, which can take several days, consider a section in Nara prefecture like the trails around Yoshino, an easy day trip from Nara city. To taste the past before your trek, fuel up on local nibbles like persimmon leaf sushi.