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NARA HOTELS
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Nara is a city in the Kansai region of
Japan and a former capital of Japan.
Overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Kyoto,
Nara is omitted from many a time-pressed tourist's itinerary. However,
Nara was the Japanese capital long before Kyoto, and
today preserves its main sights much more attractively than
Kyoto within the large Nara Park.
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Nara and Nara Prefecture are unique in Japan in that they have World Heritage Sites from three different World Heritage Listings: Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area (inscribed in 1993), Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara (inscribed in 1998) and Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range (inscribed in 2011). It is Nara's long history, dating back to 6th century, which included being the capital of Japan that has contributed to the significance of the area. In addition Nara has not suffered greatly from wars or natural disasters, thus leaving behind so many great buildings and monuments.
Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Hokkiji Temple is a Buddhist Temple located in Okamoto, Nara Prefecture. Hokkiji Temple features the oldest three story pagoda in Japan and is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Hokkiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.
Horyuji Temple is a Buddhist Temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture. Horyuji Temple's pagoda is considered to be one of the world's oldest surviving wooden building which started construction in 594. Horyuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Gangoji Temple is a Buddhist Temple was established in 588 as part of Asuka-dera. In 718 it was moved to Naraand became one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Gangoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Heijo Palace was the former Imperial Palace during the Nara Period, when Nara was the capital of Japan. Today little remains above the ground of the original buildings and there is now a reconstruction of Suzakumon (gate) to the palace. Heijo Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Kasugayama Primeval Forest is located on the hills to the east of
Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Listing of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".
Kofukuji Temple (Nara) is a large temple complex featuring two pagodas plus many National Tresures and Important Cultural Properties. Kofukuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Nara, which is famous for being the world's largest wooden building, which houses Japan's largest statue of Buddha. Todaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Toshodaiji Temple, located in Nara, is the head temple in Japan of the Ritsu-shi sect of Buddhism. Toshodaiji Temple has many buildings dating back to 759 that are National Treasures. Toshodaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Yakushiji Temple is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. Yakushiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Kimpu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpu Shrine was established in the 10th century. Kimpu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.
Kimpusenji Temple is the head temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpusenji Temple is believed to have been established around second half of the 7th century by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Kimpusenji Temple is located at a junction of several of pilgramage routes. The Zaodo building within the temple complex is the second largest wooden structure in Japan. Kimpusenji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.
Ominesanji Temple is an important temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect. Ominesanji Temple is located on the top of Mount Omine in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Ominesanji Temple was found around 600AD by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Parts of Ominesanji Temple are considered sacred and only men can enter these. Ominesanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.
Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshimizu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Yoshimizu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.
Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine was established around 806AD and dedicated to mikumari, a female spirit associated with water. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is one of four key mikumari shrines in Japan. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.
Nara has many more attractions in addition to the World Heritage Sites which are still worth seeing. This include temples, shrines, museums and some of the best Japanese gardens.
Koriyama Castle (also known as Yamato Koriyama Castle) is a mountain top style Japanese Castle which was completed in 1580. Koriyama Castle is located Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture. Today only some of the walls, moats, turret and gates remain.
Shigisan Castle was located at the summit of Mount Shigi in Nara Prefecture. Shigisan Castle was completed in 1536 and further expanded in 1559 to include a four story high tower. It was then destroyed in a siege in 1577. Today only ruins remain.
Isuien Garden is the only walking style garden in Nara, and is so beautiful that it is a designated "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Isuien Garden is actually two Japanese gardens that were joined together to form one larger garden. Isuien Garden dates back to the Meiji era (1899).
Nara Park is a large public park (660 ha) and is a major focus of the famous sites of Nara including several sites that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Listing of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". Nara Park is designated one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" by the Japanese Government. Nara Park contains over 1,200 wild sika deer which were considered sacred, but are now considered a National Treasure.
Yoshikien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden which features a tea house, a Pond Garden, Moss Garden and a Tea Ceremony Flower Garden. Yoshikien Garden is located in Nara, near Nara Park and almost next to another famous garden, Isuien Garden.
Nara-ken New Public Hall is located in Nara Park and was constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Nara Prefecture. Nara-ken New Public Hall features a Noh theatre which can also be used as a auditorium, plus conference rooms, reception hall and a garden.
Nara National Museum houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art including paintings, sculpture and altar articles. Many of the items on display are on loan to the museum from Buddhist temples in the Nara region. The original Nara National Museum building was completed in 1889 and is an Important Cultural Property.
Himurojinja Shrine is located opposite Nara Park and is dedicated to the God of ice. During its Ice Dedication Festival, in May each year, a pole of ice which is packed with carp and breams is presented to the God.
Hokke-do Hall is part of the Nigatsudo sub temple complex which is within the Todaiji Temple complex. Hokke-do Hall (Lotus Hall) is significant because it is the oldest structure in Todaiji Temple dating back to 747AD. Hokke-do Hall is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall on the side of Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park and next to Nigatsudo Temple.
Nigatsudo Temple is part of a sub temple complex which is within the Todaiji Temple complex. Nigatsudo Temple is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall on the side of Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park where it provides a great view across the valley towards Nara city. While the temple dates back to 772AD, the current building dates back to 1669 after a fire destroyed the first temple building.
Saidaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect which is located in Nara. Saidaiji Temple means Great Western Temple as it is to the west of its counterpart Todaiji Temple. Saidaiji Temple was established in 765AD.
Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is the first branch of Usa Hachimangu Shrine (Usa-shi, Oita-ken), which was established in 749AD in order to protect Todaiji Temple. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine was separated from Todaiji Temple in Meiji Period due to the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism. The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1180. The current buildings were built in 1250. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine contains many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Rice Planting Festival is held in February every year. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is located on the eastern side of Nara Park.
Nandaimon Gate is the Great Southern Gate for Todaiji Temple. Nandaimon Gate is around 400m south of the main Todaiji Temple and today almost appears to be a separate structure by itself. Nandaimon Gate, being part of Todaiji Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.
Wakamiya Shrine is a Subordinate shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and a complex of 12 small shrines. Wakamiya Shrine was established in 1135. The Main Hall, Oratory, Kaguraden (music hall) and Ablution Pavilion are designated as National Treasures. Wakamiya Shrine is famous for its On Matsuri (Festival of Japanese traditional music and dance) held in December every year. Wakamiya Shrine is located in the south eastern section of Nara Park.
Yata-dara Temple (also know as Yatasan- Kongosenji Temple ) is famous for its hillside gardens full of hydrangeas. Yata-dara Temple is located in Nara.
GUIDED NARA TOURS
The main attractions of Nara are some what spread
out and the public transport within the city is not ideal for
getting to these sites. Normally you would need to hire a car or
take an organised tour.
Organised tours are available in English to many popular attractions
including Todaiji Temple - Huge temple housing Japan's largest
Buddha statue, Deer Park and Kasuga Shrine. These tours depart from Kyoto.
