Explore NaraA unique guide to Nara by locals

• Sakurai Area

Shorin-ji Temple

Away from the center of Nara and in the southeast corner of the Nara Basin, Sakurai is an area with a tranquil rural landscape. It is surprising th…

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• Sakurai Area

Tanzan-jinja Shrine

Deep in the MountainsHead south from Sakurai Station by bus or car. The view of the town gradually gives way to a rural landscape. As you climb int…

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• Abe Monjyuin

Abe Monjyuin Temple

Abe Monjyuin Temple, founded in 645, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. For more than 1300 years the temple has been popular with ordi…

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About This Site and About Us

About This SiteNara is the first permanent capital of Japan in the early eighth century and hometown of Japanese culture and Japanese spirits. And …

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• Sakurai Area

Yamanobe-no-michi trail South

Yamanobe-no-michi is one of Japanese oldest roads and runs along the foot of the mountains in the east of Nara Basin. Today it is a pleasant hiking…

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• Akishino-dera

Akishino-dera Temple

Located about five kilometers from the center of Nara, Akishino-dera is a temple full of peacefulness and tranquility. Here, there are not many vis…

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• Hase-dera

Hase-dera Temple

Eye-catching photo by giuliettar2Hase-dera Temple is widely known as the “temple of flowers.” In my opinion, it can also be described as the “templ…

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• Gansen-ji

Gansen-ji Temple

Like Joruri-ji Temple, Gansen-ji is located in Kyoto Prefecture, almost on the border with Nara. This area was under the strong influence of Buddhi…

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• Asuka Area

Asuka　

Asuka is loved as a home of Japanese spirit.About 1400 years ago, Japan was born as a nation with its capital in Asuka.Today people come to Asuka t…

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• Nishinokyo Area
• World Heritage

Yakushi-ji Temple

Eye-catching photo by giuliettar2Yakushi-ji is a large and magnificent temple located in the West Nara area. Although its history dates back to 680…

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• Joruri-ji

Joruri-ji Temple

Joruri-ji Temple is just about a 20-minute bus ride from Kintetsu Nara Station. It is the most popular temple in the Minami Yamashiro area, where m…

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• Hokke-ji

Hokke-ji Temple and Kairyuou-ji …

Two adjacent small temples are located in the northwestern part of Nara, about 2.5 km away from the city center. Each of them houses a breathtaking…

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• Horyu-ji (Ikaruga) Area

Recommended Route of Horyu-ji Te…

1. JR Horyu-ji Station   Take the No.72 for 5-min ride(every 20 min) or walk for 15 min2. Horyuji Sando Bus Stop  Walk along the pine trees lined w…

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• *Todai-ji
• World Heritage

Todai-ji Temple (overview)

Todai-ji is a temple complex that has huge precincts, around which many temples and historic sites are scattered. It has more than a 1200-year hist…

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• *Todai-ji

Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den)…

Todai-ji Temple | Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den) |Although the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den) was designed to house the world-famous Great Budd…

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• Kasuga Grand Shrine
• World Heritage

Kasuga Grand Shrine (Kasuga Tais…

What you must see : Beautiful vermilion-colored buildings in a quiet sacred forest. Bronze lanterns each featuring the name of a different donor.Wa…

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• Nara Park

Nara Park

A large open area of 660 hectares with free-roaming deer. The park is connecting Kofuku-ji Temple, Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine(Kasuga T…

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• Nara Park Area

Shin Yakushi-ji Temple

Shin Yakushi-ji Temple might be less well-known among international tourists but is a must-visit temple for those who are fascinated by the beauty …

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• Nara Park Area

Recommended Route of Central Nar…

1. Kintetsu Nara Station bus stop to Wariishicho bus stop. About 7 min ride.2. Wariishicho bus stop, walk up the residential area, turn right and l…

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