Nara: Exploring Ancient Splendor

Nara
奈良市

What to see in Nara:

Situated south and only 45 kilometres from Kyoto, Nara is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Tōdai-ji Temple and its iconic Great Buddha statue. One of the main attraction of the city is Nara Park, where you can meet its sacred animal population – Nara’s deer.

#1 Nara Park

A popular attraction in Nara is Nara Park, a vast parkland which is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Nara’s deer are considered sacred in Japanese folklore and have become a symbol of the city of Nara.

You can feed and interact with the deer, they are used to the connection with people and will not hesitate to approach you at any time. If so, you can try to bow down in front of the deer and they will do the same! After, of course, they are waiting for a reward in form of cookies, which you can buy when entering Nara Park. It is really a fun thing to do and all visitors of the park love it.

#2 Tōdai-ji Temple

Tōdai-ji Temple is situated in Nara Park. The main hall of Tōdai-ji Temple, known as the Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world. Its construction required an immense amount of resources and craftsmanship.

Inside the Daibutsuden, you can marvel at the Great Buddha statue, the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. The statue is a sight to behold, standing at over 15 meters tall. You can explore the temple complex, admire the intricate architecture, and learn about the history of Buddhism in Japan.

Nara is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Kyoto and Osaka, making it a popular day trip destination. Its rich history, cultural treasures, and natural beauty make it a must-visit place for anyone interested in Japanese history and traditions.