Located less than an hour by train from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara holds a special place in Japanese history as the country’s first permanent capital (Heijo-kyo), established in 710 AD. It is a city where history is not just preserved in museums but roams freely in the streets. Nara offers a more rustic, ancient atmosphere compared to the refined elegance of Kyoto.
Nara Park: Where Deer Rule
The most famous residents of Nara are not humans, but the 1,200 wild Sika Deer that roam freely in Nara Park.
- Messengers of the Gods: According to legend, a deity visited Nara riding a white deer, and ever since, the deer have been protected as sacred messengers of the gods. They are designated as a “natural monument.”
- Shika Senbei: Visitors can buy packs of “deer crackers” (shika-senbei) to feed them. Be warned: the deer are polite but aggressive! They will bow their heads to ask for a cracker, but if you take too long, they might nudge or nip you. It is a chaotic and memorable interactive experience.
Todai-ji: The Giant Buddha
Standing in the center of the park is Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples.
- The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall): This massive structure is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Despite its immense size, the current building (rebuilt in 1709) is actually only two-thirds the size of the original.
- The Daibutsu: Inside sits the Great Buddha (Vairocana Buddha), a bronze statue standing 15 meters tall. Seeing the colossal hand alone (which is about the size of a human) is awe-inspiring.
- The Pillar with a Hole: Inside the hall, there is a wooden pillar with a hole cut through its base. It is said to be the same size as the Great Buddha’s nostril. Legend says that if you can squeeze through the hole, you will be granted enlightenment (or at least good health).
Kasuga Taisha: The Lantern Shrine
A walk through the primeval forest leads to Kasuga Taisha, the shrine dedicated to the deity who rode the white deer.
- Lanterns Everywhere: The shrine is famous for its 3,000 lanterns. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the eaves, and thousands of stone lanterns line the mossy pathways.
- Mantoro: Twice a year (in February and August), all 3,000 lanterns are lit during the Mantoro festival, creating a mystical, flickering atmosphere in the dark forest.
Fast Mochi and Leaf-Wrapped Sushi
Nara has a unique culinary culture that differs from its neighbors.
- Nakatanidou Mochi: Near the station, you will often see a crowd gathering to watch “High-Speed Mochi Pounding.” Two men pound green mugwort rice cake (yomogi mochi) with incredible speed and synchronized shouting. The resulting mochi, dusted with kinako powder and filled with red bean paste, is incredibly soft and warm.
- Kakinoha Zushi: This is a traditional preserved food of Nara. Pieces of mackerel or salmon sushi are wrapped in persimmon leaves (kakinoha), which have antibacterial properties. The leaves impart a subtle, fruity aroma to the sushi.
From the bowing deer to the towering Buddha, Nara offers a journey back to the very dawn of Japanese civilization.
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