activities

Nara Park is a vast urban park located in the center of Nara City and a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy the history and natural beauty of Japan. opened in 1880, Nara Park covers an area of approximately 500 hectares and is dotted with historical temples and shrines registered as World Heritage sites, including Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The main attraction of Nara Park is the approximately 1,200 deer that roam freely. The deer in Nara Park have long been cherished as messengers of the gods. Visitors can purchase a deer cracker to interact with the deer and be comforted by their adorable appearance. The park's natural scenery is also a seasonal highlight, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring and autumn leaves beautifully decorating the park in fall. Visitors can spend a pleasant time strolling through the vast lawns, ponds, and quiet forests of Nara Park. Furthermore, many benches and rest areas in the park provide a relaxing environment.

Kasuga Taisha is an important Japanese shrine located in the city of Nara and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 768 years ago, it was founded and revered as the guardian deity of the Fujiwara clan. The shrine features vermilion-lacquered pavilions and a beautiful garden, a perfect blend of traditional Japanese architectural style and natural beauty. The charm of Kasuga Taisha lies in its historical value and cultural importance. There are approximately 3,000 stone lanterns and 1,000 hanging lanterns within the shrine grounds, and these are the symbols of Kasuga Taisha. Especially during the "Mantoro" festival in February and August, all the lanterns are lit, creating a fantastic sight. This spectacle leaves a deep impression on visitors. Furthermore, Kasuga Taisha Shrine offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms and wisteria bloom in profusion, and in autumn, the grounds are decorated with autumn leaves. In particular, the Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest, located behind the shrine, is a beautiful, untouched natural forest where a walk will refresh your body and mind. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is well worth a visit as a place to experience Nara's rich history and culture. It offers a rare opportunity to experience Japanese Shinto culture through its historical architecture, beautiful nature, and traditional festivals. When you visit Nara, be sure to visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine and experience all that it has to offer.

Todaiji Temple, located in Nara City, is a symbol of Japanese Buddhist architecture and a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. founded in the 8th century, Todaiji Temple is famous for its Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), the largest wooden structure in Japan, which attracts visitors with its grand scale and beautiful architectural style. Inside the Daibutsuden stands the gigantic Rushanabutsu (Great Buddha), which stands approximately 15 meters high, and its overwhelming presence is worth seeing. The historical value and cultural beauty of Todaiji are not its only attractions. The temple's natural scenery can be enjoyed from season to season, with the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall beautifully decorating the temple grounds. Todaiji Temple is also located in Nara Park, where many deer roam freely. The deer are one of the symbols of Todaiji and a major attraction for visitors. Todaiji Temple provides an excellent opportunity to experience the history of Buddhism and traditional Japanese culture. Visitors can experience the depth of Japanese religion and culture by seeing the historical architecture and Buddhist statues up close. There are also many other places of interest in the area around Todaiji Temple, and a walk around the temple will allow you to fully enjoy Nara's rich history and nature.