Weekend Guide · Japan
Weekend in Nara
Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital (710–784 AD), is a compact city of extraordinary historical treasures set within beautiful parkland. Over 1,200 friendly Sika deer roam freely through Nara Park, considered sacred messengers of the gods, alongside some of Japan’s oldest and grandest temples and shrines.
Arrive & Explore Nara
Todai-ji Temple & Great Buddha
Housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) at 15 m tall, Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall is also the world’s largest wooden structure
Nara Park
A vast public park home to over 1,200 wild Sika deer, considered sacred in Shinto tradition
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
A UNESCO-listed Shinto shrine founded in 768 AD, deep in the forest of Mt
Hidden Gems & Local Flavours
Kofuku-ji Temple
One of Nara’s great temple complexes, founded in 669 AD
Horyu-ji Temple
The world’s oldest surviving wooden structures, dating to 607 AD
Naramachi
Nara’s preserved historic merchant district, with narrow alleyways lined by traditional machiya townhouses, craft shops, sake breweries, and small cafes
Local Tips
- 1Japan is more affordable than its reputation suggests.
- 2Japan is consistently ranked among the world's safest countries.