Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Overview

Welcome to the land of tranquility and history, Ancient Nara! This ancient city in Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in Buddhist architecture and deer-roaming parks. In this guide, we will delve into some of the most prominent historic monuments that you should not miss during your visit.

Todai-ji Temple (東大寺)

Todai-ji Temple, established in 752, is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. The temple houses the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana, known as the Daibutsuden or Great Buddha Hall.

• Address: 406 Cenu-cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, Japan
• Admission Fee: Adult: 500 yen; Child (elementary and junior high school students): 300 yen
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Kōfuku-ji Temple (興福寺)

Kōfuku-ji Temple is another significant Buddhist temple in Nara, known for its five-story pagoda (Gojū-no Tō). This pagoda was originally built in 730 but has been rebuilt multiple times due to fires and earthquakes.

• Address: 565 Kofukuji Cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, Japan
• Admission Fee: Adult: 600 yen; Child (elementary and junior high school students): 350 yen
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Nigatsu-do Hall (二月堂)

Located at the eastern end of Kōfuku-ji Temple, Nigatsu-do Hall is famous for its “Omizutori” (お水酔り), a water-sprinkling ceremony held annually from March 1 to 14. The hall offers a stunning view of the city and the deer park below.

• Address: 565 Kofukuji Cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, Japan
• Admission Fee: Free (for the hall itself)
• Omizutori Ceremony Admission Fee: Adult: 1000 yen; Child (elementary and junior high school students): 500 yen

Heijō-kyō (平城京)

Heijō-kyō was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 during the Nara period. The site includes several palaces, shrines, and temples that are now part of modern Nara city. Exploring this vast area will give you a glimpse of the grandeur of the ancient capital.

• Address: Heijōkyō Park, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, Japan
• Admission Fee: Free (for the park itself)
• Opening Hours: 24 hours (Please note that some buildings within the park may have specific opening hours.)

Nara Deer Park (奈良市鹿公園)

No visit to Nara is complete without interacting with the friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Deer Park. These deer are considered sacred and are protected by the government.

• Address: 16 Sarusawa-cho, Nara-shi, Nara-ken, Japan
• Admission Fee: Free (for the park itself)
• Opening Hours: 24 hours

Tips for Visiting

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (especially cherry blossom season in late March to early April) and autumn (especially maple leaves in mid-November) are the most beautiful seasons. However, Nara is a year-round destination.
• How to Get There: JR Yoshino Line or Kintetsu Railway connects Kyoto and Osaka to Nara. Once in Nara city, you can use local buses or walk to the main attractions.
• Accommodation: There are various accommodations available in Nara, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Book your accommodation well in advance during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
• Food: Try Kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves), a local delicacy unique to Nara. Don’t forget to visit a traditional Japanese tea house for matcha treats!