Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara (ÞÇ). Before that date, the capital used to be moved to a new location whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne.
However, 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 away from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 and a few years later to Kyoto.
Nara is located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Due to its past as the first permanent capital, the city remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.
Top attractions in Nara
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Links and Resources
English
Nara City Sightseeing Information Center
Official website of the local tourism association.Nara SGG Club
Volunteer group assisting international visitors to Nara.Nara Guide Club
Offering free guided tours by volunteers for foreign tourists.Nara YMCA Goodwill Guides
Offering free, personalized tours in English.Nara Volunteer Guide Group
Offering tours in English.Japanese Guest Houses
Reservation service for ryokan and other Japanese style inns in Nara.Nagomi Visit
Meet locals all over Japan in their own home to eat and cook.Japanese
Hotels around Nara
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