Things to see in Nara | Nara Travel & Nara Tours

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Things to see in Nara | Nara Travel & Nara Tours Things to see in Nara | Nara Travel & Nara Tours

Club Tourism's Nara trips and tours! We provide thorough support with a tour guide. We introduce famous places such as Todaiji, Kasuga Haruhi Shrine, Horyuji Yakushiji Nara Yoshinoyama, Mount Yoshino, and Nara Park, as well as information on Nara's specialty dishes and souvenirs. It's easy to search for and book tours.

What to see in Nara

Nara central area

*World Heritage sites are purple ● / Other attractions are red ●

There are many World Heritage sites, such as Todaiji and Yakushiji, and many places for citizens to relax, such as Nara Park. We also recommend strolling through the streets of Naramachi, which will give you a nostalgic impression.

Photo courtesy of Nara Prefecture General Incorporated Foundation
Visitors Bureau

Nara Park

This vast park includes the World Heritage sites of Haruhi, Todaiji, and Kofuku-ji Temple, and is a popular place of relaxation for the people of Nara.

World heritage

Other highlights

Ikoma, Ikaruga, Shigi area

*World Heritage sites are purple ● / Other attractions are red ●

Ikoma area developed as temple town for Ikoma Shoten and Hozanji Temple , which were founded in Edo period. In Ikaruga and Shigi areas, you can encounter many historical sites related to Taishi Shotoku.

Horyu-ji Temple

It was built by Empress Suiko and Prince Shotoku in the early 7th century, and is home to the world's oldest wooden main hall, five-story pagoda, corridors, as well as many Buddha statues and treasures.

World heritage

Other highlights

Yoshino area

*World Heritage sites are purple ● / Other attractions are red ●

Yoshino was visited by many people, including Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Emperor Godaigo, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Tenkawa Village and Mount Omine are sacred places for Shugendo monks, and are still visited by monks today.

Photo courtesy of Nara Prefecture General Incorporated Foundation
Visitors Bureau

Yoshino

Yoshinoyama, renowned for its cherry blossoms, transforms into a sea of pink from the lower to the upper slopes, with various scenic views available throughout the day, including morning mist and illuminated cherry blossoms. In addition, you can enjoy different seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn foliage in fall.

World heritage

Other highlights

Asuka/Kashihara area

*World Heritage sites are purple ● / Other attractions are red ●

Asuka and Kashihara, where Asuka-kyo and Fujiwara-kyo were located, were the central stage of ancient Japan. You can experience the history of Nara up close at places like the Ishibutai Kofun mound, made of piled up huge stones, and Asuka Temple, Japan first full-scale temple and home to the Asuka Daibutsu, known as the oldest Buddhist statue Japan.

(Image)

Ishibutai Kofun

This is a late Kofun period burial mound in Asuka Village, with a horizontal stone Ishimuro made of huge stones. It is called the Tomb of Soga, "Tobaru Tomb," and is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.

Other highlights

Introducing the seasonal customs and customs of Nara

Wakakusa-yaki

Date: Every fourth Saturday Jan.

Traditional event: Burning of Mt. Wakakusa (Image)

This is a representative winter event held on Mount Wakakusa, the symbol of Nara overlooking the city of Nara.
It can be said that this was a festival to appease the souls buried in the Uguisuzuka burial mound of the Yamagami Kofun, and also served as a memorial service.
The sight of the entire mountain floating in the air as it dyes the winter night sky of this ancient capital a brilliant red is spectacular, and you can also enjoy the events that will be held at the foot of the mountain in the afternoon.

Todaiji Temple Nigatsudo "Shunie" Omizutori Ceremony

Event period: Mar. 1st to 14th every year

Courtesy of Nara Prefecture Visitors Bureau Photo by Kimura Akihiko

The official name of "Shuni-e" is "Juichimen Keka Hoyo" (Eleven-faced Repentance Ceremony), where monks called "Rengyoshu" repent in front of the treasure of the Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva, the principal image of Todaiji Temple's Nigatsudo Hall, for the various mistakes people make in their daily lives. It is held for two weeks every year from Mar. 1st, offering prayers for the protection of the nation and bountiful harvests. It is an event that has been loved by local people for a long time, and it is said that spring arrives in Kansai region after this Omizutori ceremony.

Shosoin Exhibition

Event period: Late Oct. to early Nov. (autumn) every year

The Shosoin Repository is usually closed to the public, but once a year a special exhibition of the treasures is held at Nara National Museum.
The treasures include items beloved by Emperor Shomu, ritual implements used in Todaiji Temple ceremonies, rare Chinese artefacts, and Persian and Indian crafts, and the wide variety and international flavour makes it well worth a look.

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