Welcome to Nara!

The ancient city of Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 until 784 and is the regarded as the cradle of Japanese arts, architecture, crafts and literature. Located near the center of the Japanese islands, Nara it is bordered by Kyoto prefecture to the north, Wakayama to the south, Mie to the east and Osaka to the west. Today, Nara is a great urban center with a population of approximately 1.5 million residents. Old Nara with its many shrines, Buddhist temples, statues and paintings is rich with National Treasures and Important Cultural Assets - a special Japanese government designation. Todaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple and various other works of art have also been designated as World Heritage Historic Monuments by the United Nations.

NARA PARK
Nara Park, also known as Deer Park is a 1.5 square mile park situated between temples and shrines in which deer, believed to be the messengers of the gods, roam free in the seasonally picturesque landscape.

TODAIJI TEMPLE
Todaiji Temple consists of various halls and pavilions including 'Daibutsuden Hall' which is the largest wooden structure in the world. Throughout the temple there are numerous statues including the world renown, 'Great Buddha of Nara'. Todaiji Prince Shotoku, a devout Buddhist, ordered the construction of Todaiji Temple in 743 and it was completed just 4 years later. It underwent a major renovation in the 17th century and is meticulously preserved to this day. Todaiji Temple enjoys the designation National Treasure as well as World Heritage Monument.

THE GREAT BUDDHA OF NARA
The Statue of the Vairocana Buddha at the center of the Great Buddha Hall, was originally carved in the 8th century and recreated in the late 17th century after it was destroyed by fire. It measures almost 50 feet tall and weighs approximately 25 tons. The statue's right hand is a Buddhist gesture meaning, 'do not fear'.

SHOSO-IN
Another of Japan's National Treasures is Shoso-in. It was built in the seventh century to house religious items used in Todaiji Temple and today it is managed by the Imperial Household Agency. Made entirely of wood, it was constructed in the 'azekurazukuri' or log cabin style and was built up off the ground in order to prevent damage of its contents from Japan's humid climate. Many of its artifacts including musical instruments, manuscripts and statuary are exhibited each fall at the Nara National Museum.

KOFUKUJI TEMPLE
Kofukuji Temple, a World Heritage Site, consists of a five-story Chinese-style pagoda measuring 165 feet high. It is the second tallest pagoda in Japan with the tallest being at Toji Temple in Kyoto. Its surrounding gardens include Deer Park which is a refuge for native deer. Kofukuji Temple was first build in 725 and over the years suffered five fires and five subsequent reconstructions. Today's temple is an exact replica of the one built in 1426.

KASUGA TAISHA SHRINE
This Shinto shrine was constructed by the powerful Fujiwara clan in 710 A.D. It is famous for its red lacquered exterior, cypress- bark roof and the surrounding Man'yo Botanical Garden - the very first of its kind in Japan. With more than 300 varieties of plants, this garden setting was the inspiration for much of Japan's classical literature. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is also home to the annual Obon observance, the Mantoro Festival. During this 800 year old festival, thousands of stone and hanging lanterns are lit by worshippers in honor of their ancestors.

MT. KASUGA PRIMEVAL FOREST
Regarded as a sacred mountain, Mt. Kasuga is a pristine forest of ancient trees, some more than 400 years old and with diameters of nearly 30 feet and several rare species of plant and animal life. Designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, Mt. Kasuga has been protected since 841 when all hunting, logging and development were outlawed. Access to Mt. Kasuga is limited to several roads and footpaths for visitors.

NARA NATIONAL MUSEUM
One of Japan's three major national museums, the Nara National Museum was established in 1895 and houses an extensive collection of Buddhist Art. Besides its permanent collection, each fall the Nara National Museum holds a special exhibition of the many artifacts stored at Nara's Shoso-in. The Hassoan Tea House and the Research Center for Buddhist Art are also located on the museum's grounds.

JapanCorner 2005