Sightseeing Points at Nara

Nara was the Imperial capital of Japan between 710 and 784 A.D. The city is full of places of historic and artistic interest, and is one of the most picturesque, restful, and thoroughly Japanese cities. Nara is a popular destination for tourists seeking the classic beauty of Japan.

Nara Park
Nara Park is popularly called the "Deer Park" by foreigners because of its numerous deer. This park is the largest of its kind in Japan, covering an area of 1,250 acres. It is a natural woodland and has various kinds of trees including Japanese cedars, oaks and wisterias. And there are about 1,000 tame deer roaming about the park. They are regarded as divine messengers of the Kasuga Shrine and are one of the chief attraction of Nara. And there are numerous well-known historic shrines and temples such as Todaiji Temple (world heritage), Kasuga Taisha (world heritage), and numerous halls where Buddhist statues are enshrined.

World Heritage Shrines and Temples at Nara
There are totaly nine world heritage shrines and temples at Nara, registered in 1993 and 1998, Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Shrine, Gangoji Temple, Site of Heijo Palace, Yakushiji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, Horyuji Temple, and Hokkiji Temple. There are buses on a circular route - running throug some of the bus stops of these shrines and temples. There is the ticket available for all day and you can get on and off any number of times for the day. You will get the ticket (about \800) at the Nara-Kotsu office in JR Nara-station or Kintetsu Nara-station in Japanese. (Nara-Kotsu Tel: 0742-22-5263 (in Japanese)).

Local Event at Nara in March

Omizutori (Water Drawing Ceremony) March 1st-14th
The principal ritual of this ceremony is observed at midnight of March 12th (February 12th of the lunar calendar). The holy water to be offered to the main image is drawn from the "Akai Well" below the hall. Over 50 priests part in the ritual, and there is a spectacular torchlight procession at the corridor of Nigatsudo Hall. This night's marvelous sights with fire and water will give tourists marvellous experiences. This traditional Buddhist ritual has been performed at Nigatsudo Hall, Todaiji, for over 1,200 years. After this ceremony, the local people see the coming of spring.

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