The Birthplace of the Nation
World-famous shrines, temples, and historical sites welcome you to Nara as the birthplace of the nation where the first legendary Emperor Jinmu established the palace at Kashihara. The vast Nara Palace at the center of the capital Heijo-Kyo brings you to feel the Nara period.
Easy access to Nara on the local train from Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. Or take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (the bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagoya or Kyoto, and then transfer to the local train.
Temples and Shrines
Asukadera Temple
Asukadera is the first full-scale Buddhist temple in Japan to promote the establishment of an independent nation. What did Emperor Suiko aim for?
Horyuji Temple
Horyuji is the world's oldest wooden temple built by Prince Shotoku in Ikarruga province far from the capital in Asuka. The temple was an icon to express the power of the nation
Kohfukuji Temple
Kohfukuji Temple is a treasure trove of over 30 National Treasures, including Chukondo Hall, as the influential Fujiwara clan's temple for over 1,300 years.
Todaiji Temple
Emperor Shomu's dearest desire was realized by building the Greate Buddha and Todai-ji Temple. What was his desire?
Yoshimizu & Yoshino Shrines
Mt. Yoshino is famous for its 1,000 cherry trees at a glance you can look over it. Emperor Go-Daigo founded the Southern Court with an indomitable spirit to realize the Emperor's parental rule from the samurai government.
Kasugataisha Shrine
Mt. Mikasa and the Kasuga forest have been preserved in their ancient form for more than 1,000 years as the sacred area of the Kasugataisha Shrine. It flourishes along with the rise of the Fujiwara clan.