Nara

A deer relaxes at Todaiji Temple in Nara. Photo by Toby Oxborrow.

The central Japanese city of Nara, known for its historic temples and roaming deer, is located 42km (26 miles) south of Kyoto.

In ancient Japan, the capital was moved to a new site each time a new emperor came to the throne. In 710 AD, the first "permanent" Japanese capital was set up at Nara. But after only 74 years, the capital was moved to Nagaoka and then to Kyoto, where it remained for more than 1,000 years.

Although brief, the period during which Nara was the Japanese capital is highly significant — these 74 years witnessed the birth of Japan's arts, crafts, and literature, as Nara imported everything from religion to art and architecture from China. Buddhism flourished during this time, and Nara grew as the political and cultural center of the land with numerous temples, shrines, pagodas, and palaces.

Japanese and foreigners alike flock to Nara for a glimpse of Old Japan. Many of Nara's historic buildings and temples remain intact, and long ago many of these historical structures were enclosed in the peaceful confines of the large and spacious Nara Park. Wandering throughout the park and temple grounds are free-roaming deer, who are protected as a treasure and regarded as messengers of the gods.

	Nara Satellite Map A high-resolution satellite map of Nara plus links to more Nara maps.
	Nara Guided Tour Book a sightseeing tour to Nara from Osaka.
	Nara Hotels Book a hotel in Nara with the help of Expedia.
	Nara Hotel Reviews Before you book, read unbiased reviews and compare prices on hotels in Nara.
	Nara Travel Forum Get travel advice and insider tips on Nara from fellow travelers.

	Horyuji Temple Founded in 607 AD, Horyuji is where Buddhism blossomed and spread throughout Japan. The temple boasts the oldest wooden building in the world.
	Kasuga Grand Shrine This important Shinto shrine was founded in 768 and is filled with over 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns.
	Kofukuji Temple This temple has two pagodas, one of which is the second-highest in Japan. Many Buddhist statues and artworks are on display in the Treasure House.
	Nara National Museum Opened in 1895, this museum houses many pieces of Buddhist art plus temple artifacts and archaeological finds from local tombs and sutra mounds.
	Todaiji Temple Founded when Nara was the capital, Todaiji was the head temple of all provincial temples in Japan. It is home to the largest Buddha statue in Japan, which weighs 250 tons.
	Yakushiji Temple The head temple of the Hosso sect, Yakushiji has a rare 7th-century pagoda and ancient statues of the Healing Buddha and Kannon.