Nara, Japan. Tours, Hotels and prices. Reviews from tourists. Excursions and attractions. Travel photos and videos

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Nara

Japan, Honshu Island, Kansai region, Nara Prefecture

About Nara

Nara is a historic city located in the Nara Prefecture of the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Japan. It is situated less than an hour south of Kyoto. The city is a former imperial capital and is notable for its vast collection of historically significant temples, shrines, and ruins, many of which are collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also internationally famous for its population of over 1,000 freely roaming Sika deer, which are considered sacred messengers.

Basic information

Nara was established as Japan's first permanent capital in 710 AD under the name Heijō-kyō. The city's key features include some of Japan's oldest and largest wooden structures, such as the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) in Tōdai-ji temple. The architectural style is predominantly classical Japanese Buddhist, utilizing wood as the primary construction material. The "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The city's current purpose is as a major tourist destination, a religious center, and the capital of Nara Prefecture.

Location

The nearest major cities are Osaka, approximately 30 kilometers to the west, and Kyoto, approximately 35 kilometers to the north. Nara is easily accessible via the JR Line and the Kintetsu Line from both cities, with the Kintetsu Nara Station being closest to Nara Park. Road access is provided by national highways. The tourist infrastructure is highly developed, with well-maintained pedestrian paths, information centers, and clear signage in multiple languages. The main historic sites are concentrated and easily walkable. There are no significant seasonal limitations for access, though summer can be very hot and humid for extensive walking.

Nature

Nara is situated in a basin in the northern part of Nara Prefecture, surrounded by forested mountains. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, generally dry winters. The landscape within the city is heavily managed and includes expansive parklands, most notably Nara Park. The area is home to a large population of semi-wild Sika deer and features many ancient, carefully preserved trees on temple grounds. While the core area is an urban environment, the surrounding mountains and the park show a high level of preservation despite significant human influence and curation.

Story

Nara was founded as Japan's capital, Heijō-kyō, in 710 AD by Empress Genmei, marking the beginning of the Nara Period. The city was laid out on a grid pattern modeled after the Chinese Tang dynasty capital, Chang'an. It served as the political and cultural center of Japan for 74 years, a period that saw the consolidation of a centralized government and the permanent establishment of Buddhism. After the capital moved to Nagaoka-kyō in 784, Nara remained an important religious and cultural center. Its great temples, including Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji, maintained significant influence throughout Japanese history.