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All About the Great Buddha

The Great Buddha has been watching Nara for more than 1,000 years. Why was such an enormous statue of Buddha built here in Nara? Let’s look back at its long history from the introduction of Buddhism to the major repair to restore it to its original state.

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Stroll Around Naramachi (Town of Nara)

Starting as a town of shrines and temples, “Naramachi” prospered as a town of commerce for a long time. You can fully enjoy its nostalgic townscape, where a lot of old merchant houses till remain. Walk around narrow alleys in the town, and then you will find your favorite spots.

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Tradition Craftsmanship Handed Down to Artisans

A variety of excellent craft works and specialties have been produced from a creative climate over a long history. Ink brushes, India ink, and bleached cloth are main specialties of Nara. Integration between tradition and contemporary taste is also attractive.

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Nara's World Heritage Sites

These refer to Nara City's historical remains, landmarks, and natural monuments, which were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in December of 1998. These items are listed as eight "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara."

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The Four Seasons in Nara

Nara is a city steeped in centuries of tradition. Its many shrines and temples are also excellent locations to take in the riotous blooms brought with each changing season.

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4 Facts About the Deer of Nara

Nara's deer are the symbols of the city, and are famous across Japan. Still, there are many things about this celebrity deer that many people don't know. Once you've read this list, you'll be perfectly prepared to make your trip to Nara armed with all the facts about Nara's deer you may need.

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Photographing Nara

A slice of Nara cut out by Nara Prefecture photography Yuta Togo.