Nara - Japan - 1978

First time we went to NARA in 1978 when we went to Kyoto in a group.

It was a day trip from Kyoto. 

Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. 

Nara is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty, offering some of the most unique sights in Japan. 

Nara is one of the oldest capital 

• Nara Periods (538–794): Japan's first capital was established in Nara.

• Heian Period (794–1185): The capital moved to Kyoto. Political power gradually shifted to aristocratic families, like the Fujiwara, while the emperor's power remained largely ceremonial.

• Kamakura Period (1185–1333): The Minamoto clan, led by Minamoto no Yoritomo, established the shogunate system. The emperor stayed in Kyoto, but the shogun held true power from Kamakura, creating a dual government. 

We visited the most popular places like

Todaiji Temple

Famous for its massive Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden) and the giant bronze Buddha statue.

Tōdaiji, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan .

Walking into Todaiji feels like stepping into a piece of ancient history. The temple complex is vast, and the statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is awe-inspiring.

Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building, despite the fact that the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple hall's size. The massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Along the approach to Todaiji stands the Nandaimon Gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce looking statues

Nigatsudo Hall

The Nigatsudo Hall is a short walk on the hill east of the Daibutsuden Hall and offers nice views of the city from its balcony. The hall is the site of the spectacular Omizutori ceremonies, held every March.

Hokkedo Hall

The Hokkedo, also known as the Sangatsudo, is one of the oldest surviving structures in the Todaiji temple complex. It is a short walk east of the Daibutsuden Hall, beside Nigatsudo Hall. The building houses a statue of Kannon, surrounded by Buddhist guardians.

Shoso-in

The Shosoin is a large storehouse constructed in the 8th century. Located a five minute walk behind the Daibutsuden Hall, the building is elevated on stilts and used to store the treasures of Todaiji Temple and the Imperial Family. It can be viewed only from the outside.

Shoso-in is a wooden treasure house, and is located about 300 meters north of Daibutsuden of Todaiji. This is one of 9 constructions of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" designated as a World Heritage Site. Originally, this building was a warehouse of Todaiji, and it is said that it was built around 756. The most distinctive feature of Shoso-in is the special structure called "Azekura". The body of the building is constructed by combination of triangular wooden bars, and it is like a log house.

The width is about 33 meters, the depth is about 9.4 meters, and the height is about 14 meters. The floor is elevated about 2.7 meters above the ground.

There are three rooms in the building. In 756, Emperor Shomu who built Todaiji was dead. His wife, Empress Komyo, housed hundreds of her husband's belongings and collections in this warehouse.And later, many treasures of Todaiji were also housed. The treasures include not only Japanese craftworks and documents but also many valuable artifacts from ancient China, Central Asia and Persia. So it is sometimes said that here is the eastern end point of Silk Road.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine 

Famous for hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns lining the paths and within the shrine. The lanterns, especially during the bi-annual Mantoro Festivals, create a mystical atmosphere. It’s worth exploring the inner and outer shrine areas, which are shaded by beautiful forests.

Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the shrine of the Fujiwara family, established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as

Horyuji Temple

Hōryū-ji  (Temple of the Flourishing Dharma) is a Buddhist temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Famous for it being one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world.

Kofukuji Temple

Famous for its five-story pagoda and golden Buddha statues. Once a powerful temple in Japan, Kofukuji is a place to reflect on Nara’s historical prominence. Its museum offers great insight into ancient Buddhist art.

Kofukuji (Kōfukuji) used to be the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful aristocratic clan during much of the Nara and Heian Periods. The temple was established in Nara at the same time as the capital in 710. At the height of Fujiwara power, the temple consisted of over 150 buildings. The temple features several buildings of great historic value, including a five-storied pagoda and a three-storied pagoda. At 50 meters, the five-storied pagoda is Japan's second tallest wooden pagoda, just seven meters shorter than the five-storied pagoda at Kyoto's Toji Temple. 

Kofukuji's pagoda is both a landmark and symbol of Nara. It was first built in 730, and was most recently rebuilt in 1426. Neither pagoda can be entered by the public.

While entrance to Kofukuji's temple grounds is free and possible around the clock, there are three areas that require paying an entrance fee: The Central Golden Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall and Kofukuji's National Treasure Museum.

Yakushiji Temple

Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the late 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. One of Japan's oldest temples, Yakushiji has a strictly symmetric layout, with the main hall and lecture hall standing on a central axis, flanked by two pagodas.

The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years, and dates from 730. It appears to have six stories, but is in fact only truly three-storied, like the West Pagoda.

The Genjo-sanzoin Garan is a recently built complex located slightly north of the main complex area. Constructed in 1991, the complex is dedicated to the Chinese monk Genjo-sanzo, who lived in the 7th century and is famous for his extensive travels to India and Central Asia. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism, upon which Genjo-sanzo's teachings had a profound influence.

Heijo Palace

During most of the Nara Period (710-794), Nara served as the capital of Japan and was known as Heijo-kyo. The Heijo Palace extended about one kilometer wide and one kilometer long and served as the site of the emperor's residence and government offices. For its great historical and cultural importance, the palace site is included as one of the World Heritage Sites of Nara.

Although the palace once stood as the majestic center of the ancient capital, all of its original buildings were eventually lost, with the exception of a single hall that was moved in the 8th century and now stands at Toshodaiji Temple. When the capital was moved away from Heijo-kyo in 784, Heijo Palace and a large part of the city were abandoned as officials and other citizens flocked to the new capital. The temples on the outskirts of the former capital, however, retained their importance, and the city of Nara eventually resumed its growth around these temples, while the palace grounds were used for nothing but rice fields.

Mount Wakakusa

Famous for its panoramic views of Nara and the surrounding landscape. One can hike up the mountain for a rewarding view, especially stunning in spring and fall. Each January, the mountain is burned in a traditional event called Yamayaki, creating a spectacular sight from below.

Hase-dera Temple

Famous for its long covered stairway, pagoda, and seasonal beauty. Hase-dera offers a serene and memorable experience, with its iconic stairway and views across the valley. It’s especially stunning during autumn and cherry blossom season, providing a tranquil spot for reflection.

Isuien Garden

Famous for its scenic ponds, traditional teahouses, and manicured gardens. A peaceful Japanese-style garden with views of Todai-ji’s Daibutsuden Hall. It’s an excellent place for a quiet walk and to enjoy the seasonal changes in foliage.

Yoshikien Garden

Famous for its three different garden styles: pond garden, moss garden, and tea ceremony garden. Less crowded than Isuien but equally beautiful, Yoshikien is a hidden gem in Nara.

Toshodai-ji Temple

Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style" famous for its connection to Ganjin, the Chinese monk who founded the temple. An important temple in the development of Buddhism in Japan, Toshodai-ji is peaceful and quiet, with beautiful temple buildings.

Tenkawa

Famous for its hidden temples and its spiritual atmosphere. It is  Located in a valley surrounded by nature, the Tenkawa region offers visitors a chance to explore remote temples, hot springs, and hiking trails.

Taimadera

Taimadera  a temple located in Nara Prefecture. Taimadera is a significant Buddhist temple with a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. It's renowned for its beautiful gardens, historical architecture, and artistic treasures.

• History: The temple was established in the late 7th century and is associated with the Taima family. Taimadera is closely linked to the belief in the Western Paradise (Sukhavati) of Amida Buddha.

• Cultural Significance: One of its most famous treasures is the Taima Mandala, a silk tapestry that depicts the Pure Land of Amida Buddha, which is believed to have been woven by the historical figure Chūjō-hime. This mandala is an important cultural asset of Japan.

• Gardens and Structures: The temple has beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, including a pond garden that changes its appearance with the seasons, making it a lovely spot to visit, especially in autumn and spring. The main halls, such as the Kondō (Golden Hall), house important religious statues and artifacts.