About Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

The eternal beauty of Nara, the millennium-old capital of Japan, where history and nature interweave.

Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes a number of historical buildings and ruins scattered throughout the city of Nara. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, the Heijo-kyo Capital, built in 710, and prospered as a political and cultural centre for about 80 years. Many buildings and ruins from this period are still well preserved today.

Nara's appeal as a tourist destination lies in the harmony between its rich history and nature. Nara Park is dotted with important temples and shrines, including Todaiji, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha, each with its own unique history and beauty. In particular, the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple is one of the largest wooden structures in the world, with the gigantic Rushanabutsu (Vairocana Buddha) sitting inside. The Great Buddha attracts many tourists as a symbol of Japanese Buddhism.

As for recommendations, the first thing to do is take a walk in Nara Park. Here, deer roam freely and are a familiar sight to visitors. Visiting the temples and shrines in the park while interacting with the deer is one of the highlights of sightseeing in Nara. Next, a visit to Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha Hall is a must. You will be overwhelmed by its enormity and majesty. Also not to be missed are the five-storey pagoda and the Ashura statue at Kofuku-ji. The Ashura statues are known as masterpieces of Japanese art, and their delicate expressions and forms are mesmerising to behold.

Kasuga Taisha also has a beautiful vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions, and the numerous stone and iron lanterns lining the grounds create a mysterious atmosphere. Especially during the Manyo Festival, when many lanterns are lit at Kasuga Taisha, a fantastic scene unfolds.

Finally, a stroll through Naramachi is also recommended. Here, the old streets and traditional buildings have been preserved and you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. There are also many local cafes and souvenir shops where you can enjoy a relaxing time.

A visit to the cultural assets of the ancient capital of Nara will give you a memorable journey through the depths of Japanese history and culture.