Nara Travel Guide for Japanese Learners
Japan's first capital — a giant Buddha and free-roaming deer.
Nara was the capital in the 8th century and preserves some of the country's oldest temples. Wild deer roam its central park, bowing for crackers.
History & background
Nara (奈良) was Japan's first permanent capital (710–784). Tōdai-ji's (東大寺) Great Buddha was cast in 752, and Hōryū-ji (法隆寺) contains some of the world's oldest surviving wooden buildings.
What to see
- Tōdai-ji and its Great Buddha (UNESCO)
- Nara Park's deer
- Kasuga Taisha shrine
- Hōryū-ji, among the world's oldest wooden buildings
What to eat
Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi) and mochi.
Getting there & when to go
Getting there: Nara is ~45 min from both Kyoto and Osaka by train.
Best time: Any season; an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
When to go — season by season
Pleasant year-round; cherry blossoms and fresh greenery suit spring, and autumn colours Nara Park. The deer roam in every season.
A suggested visit
A half-day covers Tōdai-ji, the bowing deer of Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha (春日大社) with its stone lanterns. With more time, add ancient Hōryū-ji on the city's outskirts.
The deer crackers (shika-senbei) are sold around the park; the deer will bow for them.
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