Course 04
Basic course to travel around key spots in Nara. Focuses on Nara Park and its vicinity, including World Heritage Sites such as Kohfukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, and Kasugataisha Shrine.
Kohfukuji Temple
Nara Park/
Tobihino
Kasugataisha
Shrine
Mt. Wakakusa and
the Foothills
Todaiji Temple
Nara National
Museum
Isuien Garden
Approx. 10 km
Approx. 2 hours
Kohfukuji is the temple of the Fujiwara clan, which originated in Fujiwara no Kamatari. The history and glory of Kofukuji Temple are represented by the five-storied pagoda approximately 50 m in height, a sculpture of Ashura having 3 faces and 6 hands placed in the National Treasure Hall, as well as several Buddha statues in the Eastern Golden Hall. The National Treasure Hall is closed for earthquake resistance construction from January 1 through December 31, 2017. The Central Golden Hall, which is now under reconstruction, will be completed in 2018.
Located in the precincts of Kasugataisha Shrine, this lawn park is called “Tobihino.” It is said that there once was an ancient communication base here. People sent signals over a long distance by using beacon fire or smoke, so this place is said to have been called “Tobihino (field of beacon fire).”
Founded approximately 1,300 years ago for prosperity of the nation and happiness of the people. Almost 3,000 lanterns hanging or placed in the main sanctuary and along the approach have been donated since the end of the Heian period until today. This large number shows that people have held a deep faith in Kasugataisha Shrine.
Mt. Wakakusa is also called Mt. Mikasa because three gentle hills are connected as if three bamboo hats were placed together. Burning dead grass of the hills, which is done on the fourth Saturday of January, is very famous as a winter tradition in Nara. *342 meters above sea level.
The Great Buddha Hall, the world largest wooden building, houses “the Great Buddha in Nara” approximately 15 m in height. On its premises, there are several historic buildings such as the Great South Gate, where two Kongorikishi statutes stand face to face, and Nigatsu-do, where the Shuni-e ceremony (Omizutori) is conducted.
Lots of Buddhist art works and cultural properties conserved and passed down in Nara are exhibited here. An exhibition from the permanent collection, “Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture,” is now held at the Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall. The New Wings hold special exhibitions such as the Annual Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures, as well as seasonal special displays.
This Garden is divided into two sections: the Front Garden formed in the Edo period and the Back Garden having borrowed scenery of Mt. Wakakusa, the Great South Gate of Todaiji Temple, etc. You can enjoy rare Eastern antiques at the Neiraku Museum in the Garden, and meals at Sanshutei Tea House.
Eight Scenic Beauties in Nara, which are the oldest of their kind in Japan, are the bell of Todaiji Temple, wisteria of Nan-en-do Kohfukuji Temple), fireflies flying over the Saho River, the moon reflected on the surface of Sarusawa Pond, deer of Kasugano, snow on the top of Mt. Mikasa, rain falling on Kumoizaka Slope, and travelers going over Todoroki Bridge. Loved by sightseers visiting Nara during the Edo period, they became well known throughout Japan.
