What is the charm of the ancient capital Nara? Not only Todai-ji Temple!

When we mention Nara Prefecture, the first tourist attraction that comes to mind is the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple Nara. However, Nara has not only Todaiji Temple, but also a lot of other historical attractions. In this article, we picked up the recommended places we want you to visit, in addition to the standard spots.

A classic Todai-ji Temple for sightseeing in Nara, we can not remove it after all!

Todai-ji Temple is a temple where the great Buddhas of Nara sit. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site, and is a place where many tourists from whole country and abroad visit.

Todai-ji Temple was built in the Nara period 752 by the instruction of Emperor Shoumu. At that time, as there were unfortunate events such as earthquakes, eclipses, and the death of the prince, so it was said that he forced to stop them with the power of Buddhism.

The South Gate (Nan-Daimon)

First of all, you should look at the south gate, which is the main gate of the temple. It has 8m high golden statues on both sides facing each other.

They are protecting the temple, so they show scary faces to the incoming people. You will feel great power to them.

Astonishingly, it is said that this statues created by the four sculptors in the Kamakura era, at a speed of about three months. Look carefully at works of art full of genius technology.

Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall

It is the place where the Great Buddha is housed, and it is the largest wooden building in Japan. As soon as you get inside, you can see the 15m high Buddha. The dynamic space has a big impact on the visitors.

The Great Buddha has a name, and the official name is “Rushana-butsu”. It is said to light the light of the universe to all people and lead them to enlightenment. We want you to feel this magnificent atmosphere on your skin.

In addition, there is a hole in a pillar in the northeast of the Great Buddha Hall. This is the same size as the nostrils of the Great Buddha, and it is said that you can get rid of demons by going through it.

Nigatsu-do (February Hall)

If you come to Todaiji Temple, you should not forget Nigatsu-do. When you leave the Great Buddha Hall and go back to the less crowded back street, you will see a tasteful clay wall. The scenery of this approach will be also a part of your enjoyment.

Beyond that is Nigatsu-do. It is said to be the most tasteful hall in Nara. Going up the long stairs, you can overlook the city of Nara, and the view is wonderful.

You can see Nigatsu-do 24 hours a day, so do not miss to go up.

Access

Location : 406-1 Zojimachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

5 minutes on foot from JR Yamato Line / Kintetsu Nara Line “Nara Station” to get off at Daibutsuden Kasuga Taishamae
Or a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

Visiting time

Admission fee

Set ticket (Great Buddha Hall / Todaiji Museum)

Minor sights of Nara that we recommend

Wakakusayama (Mt.Wakakusa)

When you go to Nara Park, which is famous for deer, you can see three overlapping mountains. Those are Wakakusayama. It may be called a hill rather than a mountain.

They are covered with grass and beautiful green is spreading. And you can see deer everywhere.

Climb up to the top of the hill and the view seen from the observation deck is a spectacular sight. The magnificent scenery spreads out.

The deer is playing at the top, so it’s a great photo opportunity! It takes 30 to 40 minutes to go to the top. If you don’t have time or strength, just relaxing at the bottom of the hill is recommended.

Kasuga Taisha

The place we want you to go to Nara is Kasuga Taisha. Kasuga Taisha is the total headquarters of Kasuga Shrine, which has approximately 1000 shrines nationwide.

The shrine is famous for its lanterns, and there are about 2000 stone lanterns in the approach, and about 1000 fishing lanterns in the main shrine. A lantern filled with a lot of people’s wishes has passed through the times, is still passed on, creates a fantastic space, and attracts visitors.

Kasuga Taisha is also famous as a god of marriage, so it is a must-see for anyone wishing a good relationship.

Location : 160 Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Access : About 11 to 15 minutes from JR Yamato Line / Kintetsu Nara Line “Nara Station” to Nara Transit Bus (Kasugata Taisha Honten), get off at “Kasuga Taisha Honden”
Or Nara transportation bus (city circulation outskirts) approximately 9-13 minutes “Kasuga Taisha Omotesando” get off, approximately 10 minutes on foot

Naramachi

Image source : http://yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp/03history/02old_house/01north_area/naramachi/

It is a walk area where the old town continues. There are also traditional townhouses named Naramachi lattice house, which was popular in the Edo period and the Meiji period. Faithfully reproduced townhouses are valuable places to know the life of the time.

In addition, there is also Gango temple that is registered as a World Heritage site in Naramachi. Astonishingly, the tiles used in the Gengo Temple are from 1400 years ago, from the Asuka period. Notice where the color of the tile has changed.

Image Source : http://yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp/01shaji/02tera/01north_area/gangoji/

There are other fashionable cafes, craft museums and general stores in Naramachi, so you can enjoy eating and shopping. Enjoy the town where you feel like you have time slipped.

Summary

Many places in Nara have many historical sites. There are still many fascinating places where you can feel history, so visit beyond the basics.

The locations picked up this time are located near each other, so you can walk around in a day.

We hope you find this article helpful for your sightseeing.