Nara
Travel Guide > Asia > Japan > Honshu > Kansai > Nara
In this Article
- Introduction
- Neighbourhoods
- Sights and Activities
- Events and Festivals
- Weather
- Getting There
- Getting Around
- Eat
- Drink
- Sleep
- Work
- Learn
- Keep Connected
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Introduction
Nara (奈良市) is a city (population ~370,000) in the Kansai Region of Japan. In the 8th century it was the capital of Japan in a period known as the Nara Period. A selection of stunning temples and shrines make this a popular travel destination. It is also home to a very large population of tame deer that roam freely, particularly in Nara Park. The Daibutsuden Hall, in the Todai-ji temple is the world's largest wooden building.
For more information, check the English website about Nara.
Neighbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Buddhist Temples
- Tōdai-ji, including Nigatsu-dō
- Saidai-ji
- Kōfuku-ji
- Gangō-ji
- Yakushi-ji
- Tōshōdai-ji
Kasuga-taisha
The Kasuga Grand Shrine was established in 768 A.D. and is the Fujiwara family's shrine. It has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The stone lanterns lining the path to the shrine and the bronze lanterns inside make this shrine well worth a visit.
Heijō Palace
Heijō Palace was the Imperial Palace of Japan, during most of the Nara period. Its remains are part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other Sights and Activities
- Nara Park
- Kasugayama Primeval Forest
- Naramachi
- Nara National Museum
- Isuien Garden
- Sarusawa Pond
- Wakakusa-yama
- Yagyū
Events and Festivals
Weather
Nara has a humid subtropical climate. Summers last from June to September when average daytime temperatures are between 27 and 32 °C and nights are mostly around 20 °C. Winters last from December to February when days are approximately 10 °C and nights are around or just above zero. Most of the rain falls during the warmer summermonths. Snow is possible from January to March with 3-5 centimetres a month on average.
Getting There
By Plane
Nara doesn't have its own airport. International flights in nearby Osaka arrive at the Kansai International Airport (KIX). Airlines flying from Europe to Osaka include KLM (Amsterdam) and Finnair (Helsinki). Osaka Airport (ITM) serves only domestic destinations.
By Train
Japan Rail has trains to and from Nara. Kyoto is about 30 minutes by train, Osaka 40 minutes.
By Car
By Bus
The JR Bus Group has buses to/from Tokyo, among other places.
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Nara Kotsu Bus service (City Loop Route) offers a bus services every 30 minutes.
By Foot
Most of Nara's sites are easily explored on foot.
By Bike
Eat
Drink
Sleep
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asukaso | 1113-3 Takabatakebodai-cho | Hostel | 93 |
| Cotton 100% | Nara-pref,Nara-city,Tkabata-cho 1122-21 | Hostel | 64 |
| Guesthouse Yougendo | 3-25 Kudo,2-Chome,Oji-Cho Kita Katsuragi Gun Nara,Japan. | Guesthouse | 92 |
| Hotel New Wakasa | 1 Kitahanda Higashi-cho Nara-shi | Hostel | 92 |
| Marks W Hotel Nara | Takada 92-15,Yamato Koriyama City | Hotel | 88 |
| Matsumae Ryokan | 28 Higashi Terabayashi-cho | Hotel | - |
| Nakata Bed & Breakfast | 1-1 Teramachi | Guesthouse | 91 |
| Nara UGAYA Guesthouse | 4-1 Okukomori-cho | Guesthouse | 81 |
| People's Inn Hanakomichi | 23 Konishi-cho | Hotel | 87 |
| Ryokan Kousen | 1125,Tkahata-cho | Hostel | - |
| Tenpyo Ryokan | 9 Higashimuki-Nakamachi | Guesthouse | 76 |
Budget
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
This is version 3. Last edited at 12:48 on Nov 5, 09 by Utrecht (+1727). 4 articles link to this page.
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