Nara
Nara was Japan's first permanent capital (established in 646), but remained so for only 75 years before being moved to Kyoto. It nonetheless remains one of the most important historic locations in Japan. There are eight UNESCO sites in Nara, and several of them are accessible by taking a walking tour of Nara Park. Two in particular are must-see's - Todaiji and Horyuji Temples. Todaiji Temple is famous for its enormous bronze Buddha. The Daibutsu-den, the building housing the Buddha, is the largest wooden building in the world. South of Nara is Horyuji, Japan's oldest temple. Editor's note: Other Nara features (though not UNESCO sites yet) are the hundreds of deer hanging about in Nara Park, they themselves visiting temples and souvenir stalls. No visit to Nara is complete without an encounter!
Some Attractions:
 Chugu-ji Temple |
 Heijo Palace Site |
 Horyu-ji Temple |
 Kasuga-taisha Shrine |
 Kofuku-ji Temple |
Nara National Museum |
 Nara-machi Area |
 Todai-ji Temple |
 Toshodai-ji Temple |
 Yakushi-ji Temple |
Additional Resources:
Nara Prefecture
