NARA PREFECTURE

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NARA MAIN CITIES and TOWNS

Asuka, located near Nara was one of the Imperial capitals of Japan during the Asuka period (538 A.D. - 710 A.D.).

Fujiwara-kyo was the Imperial capital of Japan for sixteen years between 694 and 710. Fujiwara-kyo is located near Nara.

Heijo-kyo, located near Nara, was the capital city of Japan during most of the time (710-740 and 745-784) of Nara period (710-794).

Kashihara is a city located in Nara, Japan. Kashihara is the second largest city in the prefecture.

Nara is located in Kansai region on the main island of Honshu. Nara, the capital of Nara Prefecture, is a former capital of Japan and features many great monuments from that period with ten World Heritage Sites from two listing including Horyuji Temple (containing the world's oldest wooden structure), Todaiji Temple (world's largest wooden structure) and Heijo Palace. There are more World Heritage Sites in the surrounding Nara Prefecture.

Sakurai is a city located in Nara, Japan.

Tenri is a city located in Nara, Japan.

Yamatotakada is a city located in Nara, Japan.

Yoshino, located in Nara Precture, is famous for the best cherry blossom in Japan. Mount Yoshino features around 30,000 cherry blossom trees. Yoshino is also the location of four World Heritage Sites.

NARA CASTLES

Koriyama Castle (also known as Yamato Koriyama Castle) is a mountain top style Japanese Castle which was completed in 1580. Koriyama Castle is located Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture. Today only some of the walls, moats, turret and gates remain. Koriyama Castle is surrounded by gardens and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Shigisan Castle was located at the summit of Mount Shigi in Nara Prefecture. Shigisan Castle was completed in 1536 and further expanded in 1559 to include a four story high tower. It was then destroyed in a siege in 1577. Today only ruins remain.

NARA SHRINES and TEMPLES

Gangoji Temple is a Buddhist Temple was established in 588 as part of Asuka-dera. In 718 it was moved to Nara and became one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Gangoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Himurojinja Shrine is located opposite Nara Park and is dedicated to the God of ice. During its Ice Dedication Festival, in May each year, a pole of ice which is packed with carp and breams is presented to the God.

Hokke-do Hall is part of the Nigatsudo sub temple complex which is within the Todaiji Temple complex. Hokke-do Hall (Lotus Hall) is significant because it is the oldest structure in Todaiji Temple dating back to 747AD. Hokke-do Hall is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall on the side of Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park and next to Nigatsudo Temple.

Hokkiji Temple is a Buddhist Temple located in Okamoto, Nara Prefecture. Hokkiji Temple features the oldest three story pagoda in Japan and is one of the Seven Great Temples of Nara. Hokkiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.

Horin-ji Temple, also known as Miidara Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Nara only 1km from Hokkiji Temple. Horin-ji Temple was established in the 7th century, however none of the buildings date back to this period. The three story pagoda was reconstructed in 1975. Horin-ji Temple holds six Buddhist statues which are designated Important Cultural Assets.

Horyuji Temple is a Buddhist Temple in Ikaruga, Nara Prefecture. Horyuji Temple's pagoda is considered to be one of the world's oldest surviving wooden building which started construction in 594. Horyuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area" listing.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the head shrine for around 3,000 Kasuga Shrines throughout Japan and is located within Nara Park, Nara. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Kimpu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpu Shrine was established in the 10th century. Kimpu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Kimpusenji Temple is the head temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpusenji Temple is believed to have been established around second half of the 7th century by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Kimpusenji Temple is located at a junction of several of pilgramage routes. The Zaodo building within the temple complex is the second largest wooden structure in Japan. Kimpusenji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Hoku-endo Temple is the Northern Octagonal Hall which was completed in 721 at the request of Empress Genmeiand to mark the first year since the death of Fujiwara Fuhito. The current building is a reconstruction completed around 1210. Hoku-endo Temple is part of the Kofukuji Temple complex which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Kofukuji Temple (Nara) is a large temple complex featuring two pagodas plus many National Tresures and Important Cultural Properties. Kofukuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Gojyu-no-to (Five Storied Pagoda) of Kofukuji Temple was completed in 725 at the request of Empress Komyo. The current building is a restoration which was completed in 1426. At 50.1m high it is the second highest pagoda in Japan. Gojyu-no-to is part of the Kofukuji Temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Nan'endo Hall is the Southern Octagonal Hall of Kofukuji Temple and is the nineth temple on the West Japan Thirty Three Temple Pilgrimage Route. The original hall was completed in 813 at the request of Fujiwara-no-Fuyutsugu. The current building was reconstructed in 1789. Nan'endo Hall is part of the Kofukuji Temple complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Sanjyu-no-toSanjyu-no-to (Three Story Pagoda) of Kofukuji Temple , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Nigatsudo Temple is part of a sub temple complex which is within the Todaiji Temple complex. Nigatsudo Temple is located to the east of the Great Buddha Hall on the side of Mount Wakakusa in Nara Park where it provides a great view across the valley towards Nara city. While the temple dates back to 772AD, the current building dates back to 1669 after a fire destroyed the first temple building.

Ominesanji Temple is an important temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect. Ominesanji Temple is located on the top of Mount Omine in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Ominesanji Temple was found around 600AD by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Parts of Ominesanji Temple are considered sacred and only men can enter these. Ominesanji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Saidaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect which is located in Nara. Saidaiji Temple means Great Western Temple as it is to the west of its counterpart Todaiji Temple. Saidaiji Temple was established in 765AD.

Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is the first branch of Usa Hachimangu Shrine (Usa-shi, Oita-ken), which was established in 749AD in order to protect Todaiji Temple. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine was separated from Todaiji Temple in Meiji Period due to the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism. The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1180. The current buildings were built in 1250. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine contains many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Rice Planting Festival is held in February every year. Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine is located on the eastern side of Nara Park.

Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Nara, which is famous for being the world's largest wooden building, which houses Japan's largest statue of Buddha. Todaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Nandaimon Gate is the Great Southern Gate for Todaiji Temple. Nandaimon Gate is around 400m south of the main Todaiji Temple and today almost appears to be a separate structure by itself. Nandaimon Gate, being part of Todaiji Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Toshodaiji Temple, located in Nara, is the head temple in Japan of the Ritsu-shi sect of Buddhism. Toshodaiji Temple has many buildings dating back to 759 that are National Treasures. Toshodaiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Wakamiya Shrine is a Subordinate shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and a complex of 12 small shrines. Wakamiya Shrine was established in 1135. The Main Hall, Oratory, Kaguraden (music hall) and Ablution Pavilion are designated as National Treasures. Wakamiya Shrine is famous for its On Matsuri (Festival of Japanese traditional music and dance) held in December every year. Wakamiya Shrine is located in the south eastern section of Nara Park.

Yakushiji Temple is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, located in Nara. Yakushiji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Yata-dara Temple (also know as Yatasan- Kongosenji Temple ) is famous for its hillside gardens full of hydrangeas. Yata-dara Temple is located in Nara.

Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshimizu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Yoshimizu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine was established around 806AD and dedicated to mikumari, a female spirit associated with water. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is one of four key mikumari shrines in Japan. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing.

NARA MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES

Kofukuji Temple Museum is located within the Kofukuji Temple complex and is formally known as the Kofukuji Temple National Treasure Museum. Completed in 1959 it houses National Tresures and Important Cultural Properties including various artworks (statues, paintings and craft works), plus historical documents and books. The collection includes the sculptures of a standing Asura and the head of Yakushi Nyorai.

Nara National Museum houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art including paintings, sculpture and altar articles. Many of the items on display are on loan to the museum from Buddhist temples in the Nara region. The original Nara National Museum building was completed in 1889 and is an Important Cultural Property.

NARA LANDMARKS

Heijo Palace was the former Imperial Palace during the Nara Period, when Nara was the capital of Japan. Today little remains above the ground of the original buildings and there is now a reconstruction of Suzakumon (gate) to the palace. Heijo Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara" listing.

Nara Prefectural Government Office is the administration building for the Prefecture of Nara .

Nara-ken New Public Hall is located in Nara Park and was constructed in 1987 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Nara Prefecture. Nara-ken New Public Hall features a Noh theatre which can also be used as a auditorium, plus conference rooms, reception hall and a garden.

NARA GARDENS and PARKS

Former Daijoin Temple Garden located in Nara is a garden located where Daijoin Temple once stood. The garden was designed by Zen-ami in the mid Muromachi Period (1336 - 1568). In 1958 the site was designated as a Scenic Place. Starting in 1973 the Japan National Trust started restoring the garden.

Isuien Garden is the only walking style garden in Nara. Isuien Garden is actually two Japanese gardens that were joined together to form one larger garden. Isuien Garden dates back to the Meiji era (1899).

Kasugayama Primeval Forest is located on the hills to the east of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Listing of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".

Nara Park is a large public park (660 ha) and is a major focus of the famous sites of Nara including several sites that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Listing of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". Nara Park is designated one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" by the Japanese Government. Nara Park contains over 1,200 wild sika deer which were considered sacred, but are now considered a National Treasure.

Yoshikien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden which features a tea house, a Pond Garden, Moss Garden and a Tea Ceremony Flower Garden. Yoshikien Garden is located in Nara, near Nara Park and almost next to another famous garden, Isuien Garden.

NARA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS

This Tourist Information Center is located next to JR Nara Station.

NARA MOUNTAINS

Mount Yoshino, located in Nara Prefecture, is famous for the best cherry blossom in Japan. Mount Yoshino features around 30,000 cherry blossom trees which blossom over an extended period and is included in the list of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

NARA TRAIN STATIONS

Nara Station JR is the main Japan Rail Station for Nara.

NARA SHOPPING

Don Quijote is a chain of discount stores selling a wide range of products including groceries, electronics and clothing. This store is located in Nara.