Top Things to do in Nara
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The 10 Best Historic Sites in Nara, Kinki
Thirteen hundred years ago, Nara (then Heiju-kyu) was the imperial capital of Japan. "Old Japan" is still easy to spot here, from Great Buddha Hall to traditional ryokans and the serene Isuien garden. Travelers rave about walking tours of Nara, particularly in the historic Naramachi merchant area.
Restaurants in Nara
1. Amanoiwatate Shrine
2. Todai-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,653 reviews
Reviewed By Krubee - Singapore, Singapore
After a leisurely and fun stroll in Nara Park with my memorable deer encounters the pinnacle of my journey is the Great Todai-ji temple (Great Eastern Temple), one of the 7 Great Temples in Japan built in the 8th century. Located at the Northern Park of Nara Park. At its entrance stands Nandaimon Gate with two huge sculptures of Guardians. Its Great Buddha Hall at the center of the temple stands Daibutsu or Buddha Vaironaca, a giant bronze statue around 52 ft high. The path leading to the Temple including several complexes (Todai-ji museum, Nigatsudo Hall, Hokkedo Hall, Kaidando Hall to name a few). There is a large bronze bell in front of the Great Hall. In the Great Buddha Hall, two guardians who are equally big stands on each side guarding the shrine. Smaller statues, historical manuscripts and fine sculptures surround this hall and complex. Souvenirs and Toilets are also available in the complex. Incense, Prayers and Offerings are also available at the temple. It was indeed a worthwhile and memorable visit here at Todai-ji temple in Nara Park.
3. Kitayama Juhakkendo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
4. Naramachi Koshino Ie
5. Nishinokyo District
6. Todaiji Keidaicho
7. Yoshikien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By jueying
This was a beautiful find in Nara - it's far away from the crowds and so very peaceful and quiet. We visited when the autumn colours were glorious - beautiful hues of yellow, orange and red. It's free for international tourists - just show some ID!
8. Kaidan-do
9. Todai-ji Temple Nandai Gate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
This massive Great South Gate to Todai-ji Temple inspired awe as soon as I saw it. Rising about 83 feet above the ground, it reigns supreme as the largest temple entrance in Japan. It takes 18 69-feet-high pillars to support this main gate, which features a double hip-and-gable roof. The structure has three entrances allowing passage into the temple grounds. A guardian deity, one with mouth open and the other with mouth closed, appears on each side of the entrances. At first I wondered why such an enormous structure was needed at this temple. But then I remembered that Todai-ji features the world's largest wooden building in the world on its grounds. That makes the gate a suitable entry for such a landmark. As usual in the Nara Park area, deer roam around and can become quite aggressive, looking for food from tourists.
10. Nara Palace Site Historical Park
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