Nara City Tourism Association

Mt. Yoshino is famous for its cherry blossoms. Kinpusenji Temple is the symbol of Mt. Yoshino. The powerful Zaodo (Main Hall), a national treasure, is Japan's second largest wooden structure after the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple. Three huge statues of Zao Gongen (the principal object of worship for the Shugendo religion) stand 7 meters tall and are characterized by their divine blue color. Each is said to be a guardian in the past, present, and future, open to the public for a limited period each year. The excitement of coming face to face in the mystic atmosphere of the temple with these statues, which people have worshipped, will be your special experience.

Image: Zaodo(Main Hall）, Kinpusenji Temple

The Takabatake area is Nara City's inner sanctum. It was once a shrine town where the priests of Kasugtaisha Shrine lived. The district is steeped in history and culture and beloved by famous writers such as Shiga Naoya.

There are plenty of things to see here, including the former home of the literary giant Shiga Naoya, who lived with his family for nine years, and the Shin-Yakushiji Temple, famous for its impressive statues of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. Another thing you can't miss is the elegant cafes. There are many unique, stylish cafes around, renovated from old houses and hidden gems where you can enjoy the finest coffee. After strolling through the historic streets, why not spend some relaxing time savoring some delicious coffee and sweets?

[Image: Shiga Naoya Former House

Sasayaki-no-komichi（whispering promenade） is a lush walking path connecting the Takabatake area and Kasugataisha Shrine. It is said that priests used to walk this path on their way to work, creating a fantastic atmosphere of tranquility. Forests spread out on both sides of the path, and small, pretty flowers can be seen from winter to spring. Enjoy walking in the forest while listening to the chirping of wild birds and the sound of leaves rustling against each other.

Image: Sasayaki-no-komichi（whispering promenade）

The Kasugataisha Shrine lies in a primeval forest. The brilliant vermillion edifices beautifully contrast with their surrounding greenery. Going through the first and second Torii gates, you can see many stone lanterns standing on both sides of the approach to the shrine. Going on further, you will reach the main hall. From the gate, a corridor extends to the left and to the right. A great number of lanterns hang from the eaves of the corridor, which are lit twice a year (2/3 and 8/14-15).

When the capital was transferred to Nara in 710, the Fujiwara clan celebrated a mass for the family's tutelary deities, which is considered to be the origin of this shrine. 

The shrine was established here in 768. Like the Kofuku-ji Temple, it prospered along with the Fujiwara family even after the capital moved to Kyoto. After the Middle Ages, this belief was prevalent among ordinary people, as shown by the fact that the dignitaries and ordinary people donated various hanging and stone lanterns.

The tutelary deities enshrined here are Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto from Kashima of Ibaraki Prefecture, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto from Katori of Chiba Prefecture, Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto and Himegami from Hiraoka of Osaka Prefecture.

(10 minutes' walk from the bus stop Kasuga Taisha Omote Sando of Loop Line Bus of the city)

Nara Park covers a large expanse of 511.52 hectares in central Nara and features World Heritage Sites like Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasugataisha Shrine. This area is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, earning a spot among Japan's "100 Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms". Until the late 19th century, most of the current Nara Park was part of the extensive grounds of the Kofukuji Temple. The park is unique as it lacks fixed entrances or exits, allowing free access from any direction. This park harmoniously combines historical architecture with stunning nature, symbolizes Nara, and lets visitors lose themselves in tranquility.

Teahouses with an old-fashioned atmosphere are scattered around Nara Park. They are recommended for lunch, as you can take a break or have a meal at a table. There are also cafes and restaurants on the road from Nara Park to Todaiji Temple that are perfect for lunch, so use Google Maps to find one that interests you.

[Image: Mizuya Chaya]

Todaiji Temple and its principal image of the Great Buddha, widely known as Daibutu, represent Nara in all its aspects. Daibutsu is housed in an imposing wooden structure that is the largest in the world.

As the imperial ordinance for the construction in 743, the Great Buddha was cast under full state sponsorship and people's cooperation. The consecrating ceremony was held in 752. It took almost 40 years to complete the whole temple complex, including pagodas, halls, and gradually extended areas. Even after the capital moved to Kyoto, the temple enjoyed its prosperity under the protection of successive emperors. However, the two big wars attacked the temple in 1180 and 1567, severely damaging or burning most of it.

However, with tremendous efforts, the temple was restored each time. Many of the current buildings were reconstructed after that. However, a large number of noted Buddhist statues and buildings from the Nara era remain. Todaiji Temple is a Unesco World Heritage site.

A typical sightseeing course is as follows:

the Nandai-mon Gate

the Daibutsu-den Hall

the Belfry

the Shunjo-do Hall

the Sammai-do Hall (Shigatsu-do)

the Hokke-do Hall (Sangatsu-do)

the Kaisan-do Hall

the Nigatsu-do Hall

the Tegai-mon Gate

the Kaidan-in　

Even if you quickly complete the whole course, it takes 4 hours. If you don't have much time, it's better to focus on the Daibutsu-den Hall first, then the Nigatsu-do Hall (the Hall for the Shunie ceremony in March), where you can see an incredible sunset in the west.

(15 minutes' walk from Kintetsu Nara Station)

Nigatsu-dō locates on a hill at the eastern end of the Todaiji Temple grounds, and from its stage, you can see the whole city of Nara. When the weather permits, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the cityscape at sunset. After the sun goes down, the lanterns are lit, and the atmosphere becomes even more magical, making this a perfect spot to end your visit to the ancient capital of Nara.

[Image: Nigatsu-dō of Todaiji Temple]