See Nara in a Day from Osaka, Nara, Japan

In a world of Buddhist culture, shrines, and ancient gardens only an hour from Osaka, intriguing Nara’s popularity sees many local and foreign visitors.

Heijo-kyo, the imperial capital of Japan between 710 to 784, was located where Nara city is located today. Several historical sites are registered with UNESCO’s World Heritage List as “Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara”, cementing Nara’s importance in Japan.

Enriched in ideas and technology from Europe, China, and Korea as a result of the Silk Road, Nara’s 1,300 years of architecture and art make the city a living museum.

Aged authentic townhouses, historic sites, Buddhist treasures, temples and shrines including Shinto temples, wooden Pagodas, and Mt. Kasuga’s Primeval Forest will keep you exploring Nara for a day (or more).

With origins dating back to at least the 8th century and in the central part of the city, Nara Park is home to around 1,200 deer roaming its vast grounds. The touristy thing to do at the park is buy Shika Senbei (deer crackers) from one of the tiny mobile stalls, to feed the deer with as they’re very tame.

Legend has it that in the 8th century, a mighty God from Kashima Shrine rode into Nara on a white deer. Since then, deer have been seen as the protected and respected divine messengers of God. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).