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Related Pages
Travel
Sightseeing
Kansai Region
Nara Prefecture
Cities

Todaiji Temple
Kofukuji Temple
Kasuga Taisha
Nara National Museum
Nara Park
Naramachi
Shin-Yakushiji Temple
Mount Wakakusayama
Isuien Garden
Yoshikien Garden

Horyuji Temple
Yakushiji Temple
Toshodaiji Temple
Heijo Palace

Wakakusa Yamayaki
Omizutori
Cherry Blossom Spots

Asuka
Yoshino

History: Nara Period

Nara: Access and Orientation

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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai
Nara
# 4   of 140 destinations
in our travel guide
access  -  hotels  -  tours  -  reports  -  ratings  -  links
Todaiji Temple

Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Nara is located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

Attractions
Central Nara
 1  Todaiji Temple
Large temple with a big Buddha statue.
User rating: 93/100 (992 votes)
Visited by: 1774 users
 2  Isuien Garden
Spacious Japanese garden near Todaiji.
User rating: 87/100 (73 votes)
Visited by: 152 users
 3  Nara Park
Central city park with wild deer.
User rating: 86/100 (1000 votes)
Visited by: 1837 users
 4  Kasuga Taisha
Nara's most celebrated Shinto shrine.
User rating: 85/100 (360 votes)
Visited by: 651 users
 5  Kofukuji Temple
Family temple of the Fujiwara Clan.
User rating: 81/100 (422 votes)
Visited by: 787 users
 6  National Museum
Excellent museum on Japanese Buddhist art.
User rating: 81/100 (75 votes)
Visited by: 169 users
 7  Yoshikien Garden
Consisting of three distinct Japanese gardens.
User rating: 83/100 (59 votes)
Visited by: 125 users
 8  Shin-Yakushiji
With beautiful statues of Yakushi and guardians.
User rating: 82/100 (51 votes)
Visited by: 138 users
 9  Naramachi
Former merchant district with old houses.
User rating: 81/100 (217 votes)
Visited by: 440 users
 10  Wakakusayama
Grass covered mountain behind Nara Park.
User rating: 79/100 (41 votes)
Visited by: 87 users
  
West of Central Nara
 1  Horyuji Temple
The world's oldest wooden buildings.
User rating: 88/100 (392 votes)
Visited by: 809 users
 2  Yakushiji Temple
Large temple in western Nara.
User rating: 86/100 (194 votes)
Visited by: 450 users
 3  Toshodaiji Temple
Large temple in western Nara.
User rating: 85/100 (238 votes)
Visited by: 504 users
 4  Heijo Palace
The former site of Nara's Imperial Palace.
User rating: 84/100 (119 votes)
Visited by: 309 users
  
Events
 1  Omizutori
Buddhist ceremonies involving water and fire.
User rating: 86/100 (27 votes)
Visited by: 74 users
 2  Wakakusa Yamayaki
An entire mountain is set on fire.
User rating: 83/100 (26 votes)
Visited by: 60 users
 
Special Interest Guides
  Nara Cherry Blossom Spots
  A list of popular cherry blossom spots in Nara.
Side Trips from Nara
 1  Yoshino
Japan's most famous cherry blossom spot.
User rating: 87/100 (77 votes)
Visited by: 165 users
 2  Iga Ueno
Former castle town famous for ninja.
User rating: 75/100 (141 votes)
Visited by: 320 users
 3  Asuka
The cradle of the Japanese civilization.
User rating: 79/100 (52 votes)
Visited by: 144 users

Access and Orientation
Access and Orientation
How to get to and around Nara.

About transportation in Japan

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A fine ryokan with hot spring bath offering views of the famous five-story pagoda. Located in the heart of Nara town.

Tours and Packages
Nara Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Nara and surroundings.

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News and Reports
December 1, 2011
Nara Autumn Color Report
by schauwecker
Nara Autumn Color Report
November 18, 2010
Nara Cherry Blossom Report
April 3, 2010
Yoshino Cherry Blossom Report
April 6, 2010
Nara Cherry Blossom Report
March 26, 2010
Wakakusa Yamayaki
January 23, 2010
Nara Autumn Color Report
November 23, 2009
Nara Cherry Blossom Report
April 3, 2009

Travel Community
Ratings for Nara:
japan-guide.com Rating:
  best of the best  
User Rating (by 1405 users):
91/100
  highly recommended

Popularity of Nara:
Users who have been to Nara: 2752
4th most visited of the 140 destinations in our sightseeing guide.

Have you been to Nara?
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English Links
Nara City
Official web site.

Japanese Links
Nara City
Official web site.

 

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