5 Things To Find In Nara

Posted on 11/29/2022 Last updated on 11/29/2022

Top Photo: photoBさん on PhotoAC

The city of Nara is the historic and spiritual center of Japan, where Buddhism first flourished and the first capital city was built over 1300 years ago. Besides that, Nara city abounds in nature, from lush forests to its iconic free-roaming deer. I would like to introduce 5 highly recommended things to do in Nara city that you will enjoy.

Fujiwara-kyo: Flower Fields in Ancient Grounds

Photo Credit: Manuel A. Mendez

Imagine an ancient capital spread out over an area of over 20 square kilometers, guarded by three sacred mountains: this scene is the setting of Fujiwara-kyo, Japan’s first　integrated capital city built 1,300 years ago. On the grounds of the former palace site there are large fields filled with rapeseed in spring, lotus in summer and cosmos in autumn. Around the site there are also many cherry trees and maple trees whose pink petals or colorful leaves can be enjoyed in spring and autumn respectively.

A Hiking Tour in Kasuga Primeval Forest

Photo Credit: nekko_nekon

Hiking in Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest is one of the most attractive experiences in Nara. Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest is located behind Kasugataisha Shrine and very easy to access　from JR or Kintetsu Nara stations. You might be surprised that there is still remained magnificent natural landscape in the central area. It has remained untouched for　thousands of years and has been carefully protected as the sacred forest of the Kasugataisha Shrine.

Todaiji and Nara Park

Photo Credit: アタゴール

Todaiji temple (“Great Eastern Temple”), a landmark of Nara, is one of the most famous and historically significant temple in Japan. This temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of　Japan. A symbol of Todaiji temple, the gigantic bronze statue of Buddha is sitting in the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall) which is the largest wooden building in the world.The statue of Buddha is 15-meters (49 feet) high and around　500-ton weight.

Sake Tasting

Photo Credit:　ilikecatsverymuch

Japanese sake is getting popular worldwide. In old times, sake was made at shrines and temples in Nara to dedicate to deities. Techniques in the brewing process improved at temples in the Muromachi period (1336–1573). Shorya kuji Temple in Nara city developed the technique to make refined and clear filtered sake and was highly esteemed by people of that time. In our modern day, sake breweries have been taking over its techniques of brewing refined sake. That’s why Nara is said to be the birthplace of Japanese refined sake.

Now, there are almost 30 sake breweries in Nara Prefecture. Some started business over 300 years ago. Some still specialize in handcrafted sake You can taste sake at some sake stores. One of them, Nara Izumi Yusai, is located 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and Haru shika Fukuchiin cho, Nara 15 minutes on foot from the nearest station.

Kakigori: A Gorgeous Dessert

Photo Credit: PINA120

Have you ever tried Japanese “Kakigori”? It is a shaved ice dessert flavored with sweet syrups or powdered matcha tea, fruits, milk or sweet red azuki beans. If you are planning to travel in Nara or Japan in summer, kakigori is the perfect treat for a hot day! You can find many shaved Ice shops inside the covered shopping arcade. Nara is a calm, attractive and exciting place, and this is the perfect traditional dessert to finish off an exciting day of sightseeing in Japan’s ancient capital. And don’t forget to pay tribute to the deer!

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Photo Credits:

Top Photo: photoBさん on PhotoAC

Additional photos provided by the original author, nekko_nekon, アタゴール, ilikecatsverymuch, & PINA120