Nara

What to know

Japan's first permanent capital was founded in 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara (奈良). Before that, the capital moved each time a new emperor took the throne.

However, as the powerful Buddhist monasteries in the city grew politically ambitious and threatened the government, the capital was relocated from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Kyoto a few years later.

Nara lies less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Thanks to its historical importance, the city brims with cultural treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.

Activities and attractions

Todaiji TempleMassive temple with Japan's largest bronze BuddhaHoryuji TempleThe world’s oldest wooden buildingsOmizutoriBuddhist ceremonies involving water and fireIsuien GardenSpacious Japanese garden near TodaijiKasuga TaishaNara’s most celebrated Shinto shrineNara ParkCentral city park with wild deerWakakusa YamayakiAn entire mountain is set on fireYakushiji TempleLarge temple in western NaraToshodaiji TempleLarge temple in western NaraShin-Yakushiji TempleWith beautiful statues of Yakushi and guardiansNara National MuseumExcellent museum on Japanese Buddhist artKofukuji TempleFamily temple of the Fujiwara ClanHeijo PalaceThe former site of Nara’s Imperial PalaceYoshikien GardenConsisting of three distinct Japanese gardensNaramachiFormer merchant district with old housesMount WakakusayamaGrass-covered mountain behind Nara ParkYoshinoJapan’s most famous cherry blossom spotIga UenoFormer castle town famous for ninjaAsuka and SakuraiThe cradle of Japanese civilization