Nara
City : Nara
Nara was Japan's first permanent capital (710-84), predating its illustrious neighbor - Kyoto, by 74 years. Heijo-kyo or ‘Citadel of Peace’, as Nara was known in ancient times, is flanked by mountains to its sides and rear; the flat and fertile plain forming a natural basin fit to host a city of great splendor.
Nara's reign as capital may have been short, but 1300 years of history have endowed it with many ancient temples and shrines to savor (including 8 UNESCO World heritage sites). And despite pockets of urban sprawl, Nara has retained its rural character, allowing the exploration of temples in a more intimate and natural setting.
The major sites can be covered in a day trip. Most of the main temples are located in or around Nara Park, a short 15 minute walk from the city centre and Nara Kintetsu station (20mins from JR Nara station).
Todaiji Temple:
A fifteen-meter high bronze statue is placed in a fifty-meter high wooden building The construction was the state project ordered by the emperor Shomu in eighth century when Buddhism had an important role in governing people. The building was rebuilt in early 18th century after the destruction by fire, and the statue was restored in a large part.
Website: http://www.todaiji.or.jp/
Kasuga-taisha shrine :
Shinto shrine located on a hill, the approach is adorned with over 2000 stone lanterns on a winding walk through attractive woodland. It was founded in eighth century, but has been rebuilt every twenty years according with Shinto practices.
Website :http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/
Another popular site is Kofukuji Temple with its magnificent 5 story pagoda and these temples and shrine are located around the Nara Park. The Park is best known for its herd of 1200 deer. In past times the deer were considered divine messengers, and as such, were allowed to roam free. You can buy deer crackers from local vendors.
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Finally, for those with more time, there is one more worthwhile site within an hour's bus ride (or 15 minutes train and walk) of Nara; Horyu-ji temple. It includes the oldest wooden building in existence, more than 1300 years old. It was not long after Buddhism was introduce to Japan, and the temple has a large number of Buddhist statues, ornaments and documents of great importance.
Website :http://www.horyuji.or.jp/horyuji_e.htm
Among four seasons, autumn is a great time to walk in Nara, particularly Kasuga Primeval Forest. Located on the slopes of sacred Mt. Mikasa, it has been forbidden to cut down the trees here since year 841. As a result, giant broad-leafed trees of massive circumference provide shady respite from the autumn sun, and are home to several rare species. The pristine woodland looks stunning when the trees begin to shed their leaves.
Events in autumn include the annual exhibition of Shoso-in Repository which displays various treasures brought to Japan via the fabled Silk Road. They were originally housed in Shoso-in, a wooden structure still standing today, where they remained preserved for 13 centuries. Shoso-in's grounds are also opened for viewing at this time. In addition, many other temples exhibit their ‘treasures’ during this period.
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