Nara

💡 About Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, established in 710 AD, is a serene and beautiful city where over a thousand years of history rest amid ancient temples, tranquil gardens and forested hills. For a formative period in Japanese civilisation, it was the political and cultural centre from which Buddhism and courtly arts spread across the land.

The city's crowning treasure is the Todai-ji temple, whose vast wooden Great Buddha Hall — one of the largest wooden buildings in the world — houses a colossal bronze Buddha statue over 15 metres tall, cast in the 8th century. It is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in all of Japan.

Nara is perhaps most beloved for its deer: over a thousand freely roaming sacred deer wander the vast Nara Park, considered messengers of the gods and famous for bowing politely to visitors who offer them special crackers. Their presence gives the city a gentle, magical atmosphere.

With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites clustered together, Nara offers an unhurried and deeply atmospheric window into ancient Japan. Its lantern-lined shrines, primeval forest and timeless temples make it one of the country's most rewarding destinations.

⭐ Known For