Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is home to Todaiji Temple with its giant bronze Buddha statue and Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of stone lanterns. In Nara Park, you can feed and interact with hundreds of free-roaming deer. The city also offers traditional neighborhoods like Naramachi, local foods such as persimmon leaf sushi, and easy access from Kyoto and Osaka.

Exploring Nara Park

Nara Park contains several of Japan's most important historical structures. At Todaiji Temple, you'll find a massive bronze Buddha statue housed in the Daibutsuden, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Kofukuji Temple's five-story pagoda, visible from many parts of the city, has become a symbol of Nara. As you walk through the woods to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, you'll pass by numerous vermilion gates and stone lanterns.

Interacting with Nara's Famous Deer

More than 1,000 deer wander freely throughout Nara Park. In Shinto belief, these animals are considered messengers of the gods. The deer are accustomed to humans and often approach visitors in search of shika senbei (deer crackers) sold by vendors around the park. Many deer have learned to bow when requesting treats. While feeding and petting the deer can be enjoyable, exercise caution, especially during mating season in fall or when mothers are protecting fawns in early summer.

Venturing Beyond the Park

Outside of Nara Park, you can explore the Naramachi district, which maintains the appearance of the Edo period. Walk through narrow lanes lined with traditional machiya townhouses, many of which now house cafes, shops, and small museums. For those interested in early Japanese history, visit Horyuji Temple on the outskirts of Nara. This temple complex contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures and houses many early Buddhist artworks.

Tasting Nara's Culinary Specialties

You can try several local dishes in Nara. Look for kakinoha-zushi, bite-sized sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, originally developed as a way to preserve fish. Another local specialty is narazuke, vegetables pickled in sake lees. Find both at specialty shops and restaurants around the Nara Park area. For a quick snack, try the deer-shaped senbei crackers sold throughout the city.

Getting to Nara

You can visit Nara as a day trip from both Kyoto and Osaka. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line for about 45 minutes. From Osaka, board the Kintetsu-Nara Line at Namba Station for a 40-minute ride. In Nara, you can walk to most major sights, though bus routes also connect the main attractions.