Experience the Magic of Nara
Scroll to discover the city's most vibrant districts
Nara is the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, in south-central Honshu. The city has significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital. Deer roam in Nara Park, site of Tōdai-ji temple. Daibutsu, Tōdai-ji's 15m-high bronze Buddha, is displayed in a large wooden hall. On the park's east side is the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha, which dates to 768 A.D. and more than 3,000 lanterns
Nara Park
Nara Park (Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji (Tōdaiji, “Great Eastern Temple”) is one of Japan’s most celebrated and historically important temples, standing as a symbol of Nara’s rich cultural heritage. Founded in 752, it was established as the head temple overseeing all provincial Buddhist temples across Japan, reflecting its immense religious and political influence during the Nara Period. Todaiji became so powerful that its influence began to overshadow the imperial government, prompting the capital to be relocated from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 to reduce the temple’s authority. The temple is world-famous for housing the Daibutsu, a massive bronze statue of the Great Buddha, one of the largest such statues ever created. Its main hall, the Daibutsuden, is also one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Surrounded by peaceful grounds and friendly deer in Nara Park, Todaiji remains a remarkable testament to ancient Japanese craftsmanship, spirituality, and architectural achievement
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara stands as one of Japan’s most iconic and spiritually rich Shinto sites. Founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara clan, it is celebrated for its deep connection to nature, tradition, and sacred rituals. The shrine is best known for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, which create a magical glow during the Lantern Festivals held in spring and autumn. Visitors walk through tranquil forest paths within the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where deer roam freely as sacred messengers of the gods. The shrine’s vivid vermilion buildings, graceful corridors, and intricate wooden details reflect classical Japanese aesthetics
EXCURSION FROM NARA
Nara is the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture, in south-central Honshu. The city has significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital. Deer roam in Nara Park, site of Tōdai-ji temple. Daibutsu, Tōdai-ji's 15m-high bronze Buddha, is displayed in a large wooden hall. On the park's east side is the Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha, which dates to 768 A.D. and more than 3,000 lanterns
Nara Park
Nara Park (Nara Kōen) is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, Nara's nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji (Tōdaiji, “Great Eastern Temple”) is one of Japan’s most celebrated and historically important temples, standing as a symbol of Nara’s rich cultural heritage. Founded in 752, it was established as the head temple overseeing all provincial Buddhist temples across Japan, reflecting its immense religious and political influence during the Nara Period. Todaiji became so powerful that its influence began to overshadow the imperial government, prompting the capital to be relocated from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 to reduce the temple’s authority. The temple is world-famous for housing the Daibutsu, a massive bronze statue of the Great Buddha, one of the largest such statues ever created
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara stands as one of Japan’s most iconic and spiritually rich Shinto sites. Founded in 768 AD by the powerful Fujiwara clan, it is celebrated for its deep connection to nature, tradition, and sacred rituals. The shrine is best known for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, which create a magical glow during the Lantern Festivals held in spring and autumn. Visitors walk through tranquil forest paths within the ancient Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where deer roam freely as sacred messengers of the gods. The shrine’s vivid vermilion buildings, graceful corridors, and intricate wooden details reflect classical Japanese aesthetics