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1. Nara National Museum
- It is fitting that this major Buddhist art collection is situated in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. The western gallery dates to 1895, while... read more
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- Landmarks
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2. Kofukuji Temple
As you walk east from either the JR or Kintetsu Station, this is the first temple you reach. It was established in 710 as the family temple of...
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3. Nara National Museum (Nara Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan)
To the east of Kofukuji, this museum opened in 1895 to house invaluable Buddhist art and archaeological relics and has since expanded into a second...
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- Type:
- Museums
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4. Todaiji Temple
Nara's premier attraction is Todaiji Temple and its Daibutsu (Great Buddha), Japan's largest bronze Buddha. When Emperor Shomu ordered construction...
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5. Kasuga Grand Shrine
A stroll through the park will bring you to one of my favorite Shinto shrines in the Kyoto area. Originally the tutelary shrine of the powerful...
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6. Hokke-ji Temple
- Once an imperial palace (Himuro Gosho) became the head provincial nunnery. Hokke-ji was established as a convent in 747 by Empress Komyo, who was... read more
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- Attractions
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7. Toshodai-ji Temple
- This lovely temple, the headquarters of Buddhism's Ritsu sect was established in 759 AD by Ganjin, the famous priest of the Tang dynasty era. The... read more
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- Type:
- Religious Sights
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8. Gango-ji Temple
- Formerly called the Hokoji, it is known as Japan's first Buddhist temple. It was removed to this site from Asuka in 718. One of Nara's seven great... read more
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- Attractions
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9. Nara Prefectural Museum of Art
- The museum is a venue for several exhibits throughout the year of visiting collections. The three main areas of the permanent holdings are ceramics,... read more
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- Type:
- Art Museums/Galleries
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10. Yakushi-ji Temple
- The building of Yakushi-ji was ordered by Emperor Temmu as supplication for his ailing Empress in 680. When he passed away in 698, it was not yet... read more
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- Type:
- Religious Sights
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The Best of NileGuide
- There’s never a reason to be bored in Nara. There are just too many things to do. Start with the must-see attractions, move to the big sights and fine museums, check out some tours, dig in to some outdoor activities, and work your way down to the between-the-cracks, off-the-beaten-path gems. Just leave some time to catch your breath.
