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NARA
Nara, a city even older than Kyoto, has a distinction of being the first permanet capital of Japan. Previously, the capital had moved to the palace of whichever emperor was reigning.
But from 710-784-with another 10 years at nearby Nagaokakyo –Nara was a large metropolis of palaces,temples,shrines and dwellings. The arts,crafts and industry were encouraged and flourished to and flourished to an exceptional degree, and the awesome results can still be seen to day. The Nara period also realized the firm establishment of Buddhism alongside the indigenous Shinto religion, to the cultural enrichment of Both.
At present, Nara has the unique honor of preserving the world’s oldest wooden structure, at Horyuji Temple, and also the world’s largest, at the great Todaiji Temple. Separated from Kyoto by hills running nort to west, the venerable city basks comfortably in a pleasant stateof mellow relaxion. Graceful tame deer, regarded as divine messengers, roam peacefully about Nara Park and in the precincts of shrines and temples.
Getting There
From Kansai International Airport :
By JR train : 35 min. By Limited Express “Haruka” to Tennoji Station and 35 min. by a rapid train to R Nara Station
By other train : 35 min.by Nankai Limited Express “Rapi:t” to Namba Station and 40 min.by Kintetsu rapid train to Kintetsu-Nara Station.
From Kyoto : 45 min.by JR rapid train to JR Nara Station or 45 min. by Kintetsu express train to Kintetsu-Nara Station.
Sightseeing
Nara is that rarity in the world, an ancient city of wooden monuments that, in spite of the vicissitudes of time, has managed to retain an impressive number of historical and artistic treasures. Although several days at least are necessary to see Nara’s Temples, shrines and art works properly, judicious planning can lead to a good overall view in a day or two of the most celebrated sites as they are clustered is specific areas.
AROUND NARA PARK
NARA PARK is a finely wooded area more popularly called Deer Park for its over 1,000 gentle deer wanderling about. A favorite pastime is to feed them special biscuits obtainable at the park.
Kofukuji Temple was founded in 710 as the tutelary temple of the height of its prosperity, only six remain . However, four of them are designated National Treasures, and the Five-storied Pagoda reflected in nearby Sarusawanoike Pond is one of the most scenic sights of Nara.
Nara National Museum houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist art. Besides items owned by the museum itself are important by various temples and shrines throught the country, and in particular those in the Kansai area.
Todaiji Temple is not only one of the greatest attractions in Nara, but in Japan as well. Founded in the mid 8th century, it has remained one of the most important temples in the land to this day. He colossal statue of Buddha was last repaired in 1692, and its wooden hall-the largest in the world-was rebuilt in 1709 one-third smaller than the original.
The raised, specially-constructed Shosoin Treasure Repository housed Todaiji’s priceless collection of art objects until the mid-20th century when they were placed in modern ferro concrete structures. Selected items from the collection can be seen at the Nara National Museum from late October to early November.
Nara-machi the area located south of Sarusawanoike Pond and west of Gangoji Temple, preserves aesthetic Japanese structure such as Imanishike Shoin Residence dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries. This area is ideal for exploring the aesthetic of traditional Japanese architecture and its historical background, ink and sake merchant’s houses, several small museums portraying daily and traditional crafts, and Nara’s history commercial trade with other Asian countries.
Nara, a city even older than Kyoto, has a distinction of being the first permanet capital of Japan. Previously, the capital had moved to the palace of whichever emperor was reigning.
But from 710-784-with another 10 years at nearby Nagaokakyo –Nara was a large metropolis of palaces,temples,shrines and dwellings. The arts,crafts and industry were encouraged and flourished to and flourished to an exceptional degree, and the awesome results can still be seen to day. The Nara period also realized the firm establishment of Buddhism alongside the indigenous Shinto religion, to the cultural enrichment of Both.
At present, Nara has the unique honor of preserving the world’s oldest wooden structure, at Horyuji Temple, and also the world’s largest, at the great Todaiji Temple. Separated from Kyoto by hills running nort to west, the venerable city basks comfortably in a pleasant stateof mellow relaxion. Graceful tame deer, regarded as divine messengers, roam peacefully about Nara Park and in the precincts of shrines and temples.
Getting There
From Kansai International Airport :
By JR train : 35 min. By Limited Express “Haruka” to Tennoji Station and 35 min. by a rapid train to R Nara Station
By other train : 35 min.by Nankai Limited Express “Rapi:t” to Namba Station and 40 min.by Kintetsu rapid train to Kintetsu-Nara Station.
From Kyoto : 45 min.by JR rapid train to JR Nara Station or 45 min. by Kintetsu express train to Kintetsu-Nara Station.
Sightseeing
Nara is that rarity in the world, an ancient city of wooden monuments that, in spite of the vicissitudes of time, has managed to retain an impressive number of historical and artistic treasures. Although several days at least are necessary to see Nara’s Temples, shrines and art works properly, judicious planning can lead to a good overall view in a day or two of the most celebrated sites as they are clustered is specific areas.
AROUND NARA PARK
NARA PARK is a finely wooded area more popularly called Deer Park for its over 1,000 gentle deer wanderling about. A favorite pastime is to feed them special biscuits obtainable at the park.
Kofukuji Temple was founded in 710 as the tutelary temple of the height of its prosperity, only six remain . However, four of them are designated National Treasures, and the Five-storied Pagoda reflected in nearby Sarusawanoike Pond is one of the most scenic sights of Nara.
Nara National Museum houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist art. Besides items owned by the museum itself are important by various temples and shrines throught the country, and in particular those in the Kansai area.
Todaiji Temple is not only one of the greatest attractions in Nara, but in Japan as well. Founded in the mid 8th century, it has remained one of the most important temples in the land to this day. He colossal statue of Buddha was last repaired in 1692, and its wooden hall-the largest in the world-was rebuilt in 1709 one-third smaller than the original.
The raised, specially-constructed Shosoin Treasure Repository housed Todaiji’s priceless collection of art objects until the mid-20th century when they were placed in modern ferro concrete structures. Selected items from the collection can be seen at the Nara National Museum from late October to early November.
Nara-machi the area located south of Sarusawanoike Pond and west of Gangoji Temple, preserves aesthetic Japanese structure such as Imanishike Shoin Residence dating back to the 16th to 18th centuries. This area is ideal for exploring the aesthetic of traditional Japanese architecture and its historical background, ink and sake merchant’s houses, several small museums portraying daily and traditional crafts, and Nara’s history commercial trade with other Asian countries.
