Nara City (奈良), located in the eastern part of Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, serves as the prefecture’s capital. Situated approximately 42 kilometers south of Kyoto and 30 kilometers east of Osaka, Nara boasts a rich cultural history, having served as Japan’s first capital from 710 to 794.
The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, collectively known as the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara,” which include the ancient temples of Todai-ji, Kohfuku-ji, and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Horyu-ji Temple, located slightly outside the city, is also a World Heritage Site, recognized as one of the oldest wooden structures in the world.
Nara City is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its wealth of cultural heritage, beautiful natural surroundings, and the friendly demeanor of its local community. Besides the aforementioned temples, popular attractions include Nara Park, where visitors can interact with freely roaming deer, and the Nara National Museum, which houses a vast collection of Japanese art. Other notable sites include Yakushi-ji Temple, known for its East Pagoda, and Kasuga Primeval Forest, a serene woodland area surrounding Kasuga Grand Shrine.
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Getting there
From Kyoto Station to Nara Station:
Train
Tokyo Station ↓ Nara Line ↓ 1 hour (20 stops) Nara Station (Cost 720 yen)
From Osaka Station to Nara Station:
Train
Osaka Station ↓ Osaka Loop Line ↓ 58 minutes (12 stops) Nara Station (Cost 820 yen)
Attractions in Nara
Nara National MuseumThe Nara National Museum (奈良国立博物館) is a museum located in Nara, Japan, housing a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts from the region. The mu...
Todaiji TempleTodaiji Temple (東大寺), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nara, Japan, is one of the country's most famous and historically significant temples, origi...
Isuien GardenIsuien Garden is a Japanese garden located in Nara City. It consists of two gardens created in different eras: the early Edo period and the Meiji period. The...
Horyuji TempleHoryuji Temple (法隆寺), located in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan, is one of the oldest temples in Japan and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ...
Kasuga TaishaKasuga Grand Shrine (春日大社), a Shinto shrine located in Nara, Japan, was established in 768 and is dedicated to the deities responsible for protecting the...
Nara ParkNara Park, established in 1880 as one of Japan's first urban parks, is a vast public park located in the city of Nara, Japan. The park spans approximately 50...
Wakakusa YamayakiWakakusa Yamayaki (若草山焼き) is an annual festival held on the fourth Saturday of January in Nara, Japan. The festival involves the burning of Mount Wakaku...
OmizutoriOmizutori (お水取り), formally known as Shuni-e (修二会), is an annual Buddhist event held at Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo (二月堂) in Nara, Japan. The event s...
Toshodaiji TempleToshodaiji Temple (唐招提寺), located in the city of Nara, Japan, is a Buddhist temple founded in 759 by the Chinese monk Jianzhen (Ganjin). It is considered...
Yakushiji TempleYakushiji Temple (薬師寺) is a Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan. It was one of the powerful Seven Great Temples of Nanto (南都七大寺) in the Nara perio...
Yoshikien GardenYoshikien Garden (吉城園) is a traditional Japanese garden located in Nara, Japan. It was originally built in the Edo period (1603-1868) on the former site o...
Kohfukuji TempleKohfukuji Temple (興福寺) is a Buddhist temple located in Nara City, Japan. The temple was founded in 669 by Kagami no Okimi (later known as Fujiwara no Fuhi...
Heijo PalaceHeijo Palace (平城京), an ancient palace complex located in Nara, Japan, was constructed in the 8th century during the Nara period and served as the capital ...
NaramachiNaramachi (奈良町) is a traditional neighborhood located in the city of Nara, Japan. The area is known for its well-preserved streets and historic buildings,...
WakakusayamaWakakusayama (若草山), also known as Mount Wakakusa, is a 342-meter (1,122 ft) high mountain located in Nara, Japan, within the boundaries of Nara Park. It i...
