Nara Prefecture

Nara
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Nara Prefecture is the source of Japan's history and culture, having flourished as a former capital. Within the prefecture, numerous historical legacies forming the foundation of Japanese spiritual culture remain, including the World Heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," Horyu-ji Temple (the world's oldest wooden structure), and the mystical Mt. Yoshino. Unlike adjacent Osaka or Kyoto, quiet prayer spaces spread within rich nature, allowing visitors to forget time and immerse themselves in Japan's original landscape. For travelers wanting to experience the true depth of Japan through seasonal scenery, traditional crafts, and historic food culture, Nara is a special sanctuary that must be visited at least once in a lifetime.

Favorite

息を呑む、日本へ｜Immerse in Japan NARA

Nara Prefecture

A journey to re-discover Kansai! "THE EXCITING KANSAI" Ise & Nara

The KANSAI Guide

Travel to World Heritage Sites of Nara（Full ver.）

World Heritage Division, Nara Prefectural Government

Nara,Japans' First Imperial Capital and Easternmost Terminus of the Silk Road

World Heritage Division, Nara Prefectural Government

Pure Japan.

Nara Prefecture

Transcending Thirteen Centuries~PRAY,PLAY,NARA~

Nara Prefecture

nara mahoroba(English subtitled version）

Nara Prefecture

“Nara Terroir” with English subtitles

Nara Prefecture

"Nara Gastronomy" with English subtitles

Nara Prefecture

Nara Experiences Make it Perfect～PRAY, PLAY, NARA～

Nara Prefecture

Delicious Nara～PRAY, PLAY, NARA～

Nara Prefecture

Breathe Deeply～PRAY, PLAY, NARA～

Nara Prefecture

Yamato Prays for the World～PRAY, PLAY, NARA～

Nara Prefecture

Address: Sarusawa Inn 3F, 3 Ikeno-cho, Nara-shi, Nara
Website: https://nvb.nara-kankou.or.jp/
Operator: Nara Visitors Bureau

Nara Prefecture Spots List

Nara Hotel
Yakushi-ji Temple
Saidai-ji Temple
Kasuga Taisha
Toshodai-ji Temple
Kofuku-ji Temple
Heijo Palace Site Historical Park
Nara Park
Todai-ji Temple
Saho River
Mt. Wakakusa
Uneme Shrine

Nara

Nara Hotel

"Nara Hotel," standing on high ground in Nara Park, is a representative classic Japanese hotel founded in 1909 as the "Guest House of Kansai." The heavy wooden architecture, incorporating the Momoyama style by architect Kingo Tatsuno, exudes a unique elegance where East meets West. It has a history of hosting global VIPs such as Albert Einstein and Audrey Hepburn, with precious artworks and furnishings remaining throughout. Even non-guests can enjoy an elegant moment at the tea lounge while gazing at the beautiful garden, making it the best place for travelers wishing to experience the historical dignity and supreme hospitality of...

Nara
Accommodation
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Nara

Yakushi-ji Temple

Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara City is the head temple of the Hosso sect, established by Emperor Tenmu to pray for the recovery of his consort from illness. The brilliant vermilion Kondo and West Pagoda landscape is as vibrant as a Dragon Palace, conveying the 1,300-year-old capital's splendor to the present. On the other hand, the "East Pagoda," the only structure existing since the foundation, boasts beauty praised as "frozen music" due to its complex and elegant layered roofs. The principal Yakushi Triad statues are considered masterpieces of Japanese Buddhist sculpture, their merciful expressions calming the hearts of visitors. Sutra copying...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Saidai-ji Temple

Saidai-ji Temple in Nara City is the head temple of the Shingon Risshu sect, which once boasted a massive precinct rivaling Todai-ji. Today, the Main Hall enshrining the Shaka Nyorai statue (an Important Cultural Property) stands within a calm and quiet environment. It is especially famous for the "Ōchamori" (Great Tea Ceremony), a traditional event started by Eison Shonin in the Kamakura period where tea is passed and drunk from a bowl larger than a person's face. This event symbolizes the spirit of "Wa" (harmony) by sharing a bowl of tea among many people and is open to travelers. Unlike...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha, enveloped in the deep forests of Nara Park, is a 1,300-year-old World Heritage site and one of the most prestigious shrines, enshrining the tutelary deities of the Fujiwara clan. The brilliant vermilion shrine buildings and approximately 3,000 stone and hanging lanterns within the precincts create a mystical view. In particular, the "Fujinami-no-ya" hall, which reproduces the sight of lit lanterns in a dark room, is immensely popular as a photo spot for international travelers. The forest within the precincts is protected as the "Kasugayama Primeval Forest," allowing visitors to feel sacred natural energy. It is a place that...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Toshodai-ji Temple

Toshodai-ji Temple in Nara City is a masterpiece of Tenpyo architecture, established by the high Tang Dynasty priest Jianzhen (Ganjin), who crossed the seas after overcoming numerous hardships. The National Treasure Main Hall conveys the era's architectural sophistication with its dignified columns. In the back of the precincts lies Jianzhen's tomb, surrounded by a quiet moss garden filled with profound silence and dignity. Its simple beauty, devoid of flashy decorations, feels like the origin of Japanese "Wabi-sabi," fascinating many travelers seeking spiritual peace. It is a supreme sanctuary where one can firsthand feel the unyielding spirit and depth of Buddhist...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Kofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple, at the entrance of Nara Park, was the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan and is a hall of Buddhist art housing numerous National Treasures. The Five-Storied Pagoda (a symbol of ancient Nara) and the massive reconstructed Central Golden Hall are just some of its highlights. In particular, the "Ashura Statue" in the National Treasure Museum fascinates people worldwide with its delicate and sorrowful expression, making it one of Japan's most famous Buddhist statues. The open precincts are unfenced and free to explore at any time, allowing visitors to experience the Nara-like atmosphere where history melts into...

Nara
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Nara

Heijo Palace Site Historical Park

"Heijo Palace Site" in Nara City is the site of the palace that was the center of Japan's capital, Heijo-kyo, 1,300 years ago. Registered as a World Heritage site, the vast grounds feature the majestically restored "Suzaku Gate" and "Daigokuden" (Former Audience Hall), allowing you to firsthand feel the grand scale of the ancient capital. In addition to buildings, there are exhibition halls where you can learn about the history of international exchange such as the Japanese missions to Imperial China, and beautiful reconstructed gardens, ideal for international travelers seeking intellectual journeys. Strolling through the meadow-like historic site under the...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Nara Park

"Nara Park," spreading across central Nara City, is a globally unique park where World Heritage sites like Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha coexist with approximately 1,200 wild deer on a vast 660-hectare site. Deer have been cherished and protected as messengers of gods since ancient times, and their interaction with visitors to receive "shika-senbei" (deer crackers) boasts immense popularity as an Instagrammable spot among international travelers. The peaceful scenery woven by lush green lawns, historic temples, and adorable deer is truly the highlight of Nara tourism. It is a place where you can fully enjoy traditional Japanese culture and interaction with...

Nara
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Nara

Todai-ji Temple

"Todai-ji Temple" in Nara City is one of Japan's representative temples and a historical treasure registered as a World Heritage site. The biggest highlight is the "Daibutsuden" (Great Buddha Hall), one of the world's largest wooden structures, and the massive "Great Buddha of Nara" (Vairocana Buddha) seated inside, reaching about 15 meters in height. Its overwhelming scale and solemn beauty envelop all visitors in deep emotion. Furthermore, the precincts are full of attractions, such as the "Nandaimon Gate" guarded by massive Nio statues and "Nigatsu-do Hall" offering a panoramic view of the ancient capital. You can firsthand feel the history...

Nara
Sightseeing
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Nara

Saho River

The "Saho River" flowing through Nara City is a beautiful river known as a representative cherry blossom spot of the ancient capital. In spring, approximately 1,000 cherry trees line both banks for about 5 kilometers, creating a pale pink tunnel. There are also ancient "Kawaji-zakura" trees said to have been planted in the Edo period, their powerful yet graceful appearance delivering the excitement of Japanese spring to visitors. The charm lies in enjoying hanami (flower viewing) in a peaceful atmosphere rooted in local life, unlike major temples crowded with tourists. Time spent feeling the cherry blossoms reflected in the water...

Nara
Nature
Spring

Nara

Mt. Wakakusa

"Mt. Wakakusa," soaring 342 meters at the eastern end of Nara Park, is characterized by its gentle slopes covered entirely in grass. You can walk to the summit, from where the view is selected as one of the "New Three Major Night Views of Japan." A panorama of Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, and the Nara cityscape spreads below, allowing you to realize the scale of the ancient capital. Every January, the traditional "Mt. Wakakusa Yamayaki" (mountain burning) event is held, where the power of flames scorching the night sky is overwhelming. It's a representative view spot in Nara where you can spend...

Nara
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nara

Uneme Shrine

"Uneme Shrine," standing by Sarusawa Pond in Nara Park, is a mystical shrine conveying a tragic love story from the Nara period. It was established to comfort the spirit of an uneme (court lady) who lamented losing the Emperor's favor and threw herself into the pond. Uniquely, the shrine building is built facing away from the pond because it was thought painful for the spirit to look at it. On the day of the Mid-Autumn Moon, the "Uneme Festival" is held, where elegant Japanese boats carrying flower fans float on Sarusawa Pond, and a fantastic scene like a Heian picture...

Nara
Sightseeing
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