[JAPAN] Nara

Nara, the ancient capital city in Kansai region, is famous for its hundreds of freely roaming deer in Nara Park. Its most famous temple, Todaiji houses the second largest Buddha statue in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.


Getting there:

Both JR and Kintetsu provide train connections between Osaka and Nara. However, I would recommend taking Kintetsu Line from Namba Station as it is a faster and more convenient way to get to Nara than the JR Nara Line. Kintetsu Nara station is also nearer to Nara Park than JR Nara station.

A one-way ticket for Kintetsu Line from Namba Station to Nara station cost 560 yen and the journey takes about 40 minutes. For JR line, the run to Nara is 50 minutes from Osaka Station and 30 minutes from Tennōji (800 yen and 470 yen respectively, no charge with rail pass).



Arriving at Kintetsu Nara station.



A shopping street is outside Kintetsu Nara station.


Getting around:

Many of Nara's main attractions such as Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha and Nara National Museum are found in the centrally located Nara Park and can be visited on foot.


What to see?

If you’re doing a day trip to Nara like me, definitely focus on Nara Park and Todaiji. This was the first deer that I saw on the way to Todaiji.



More deer at Nara Park.



Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you have food for them.





People gathered around the deer to take photos.



Kofukuji is one of the many temples in Nara.



You can buy deer crackers (shika senbei) that are sold for 150 yen, to feed them around the park.



Of course, we wouldn’t miss the opportunity to take photo with the deer.





We had a blast taking photo in Nara Park.



Rules and regulation of the park.



Refuge site in case of earthquake.



From Kintetsu Nara Station, it is about a 30-minute walk to Todaiji.

It can also be reached by bus and you need to get off at Todaiji Daibutsuden. From the bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to Todaiji's main building. I chose to walk, as there are other attractions along the way and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to encounter the deer in the park.



Passed by Nara National Museum. This museum has one of the world's best collections of Buddhist art and changing exhibitions. It opens form 9.30am – 5pm. The admission is 500 yen with special exhibitions up to 2,000 yen.



A cherry blossom tree outside the Nara National Museum.



You’ll first see a row of souvenir shops before arriving Nandaimon, the giant front gate of Tōdaiji.



A stone marking the site of Todaiji.



A deer was sniffing the cup my sister was holding.



Todaiji's grounds are spacious and cover most of northern Nara Park.  Todaiji Museum is located just next to the Nandaimon Gate, along the main approach to the Daibutsuden Hall.



We were here at Nandaimon.





Deer gathered in front of the gate, looking for a hand-out from visitors.



Nandaimon is guarded by two fierce, awe-inspiring protectors.







Deer are everywhere!



Remember that deer are wild animals. They can get aggressive and bite, kick, butt or knock you down.



Through the gate is a stone path leading to the outer walls surrounding the Daibutsuden. Follow the signs to the left to buy admission ticket to enter the inner courtyard.





Daibutsuden is said to be the largest wooden building in the world. It is also home to Daibutsu, a 15-meter-tall seated Buddha.





The temple is listed UNESCO World Heritage site as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, together with seven other sites in Nara.





To the right of the entrance to the Daibutsu-den is a statue of the Pindora which a disciple of Buddha. It is said to have excelled in the mastery of occult powers. It is commonly believed in Japan that when a person rubs a part of the image of Binzuru and then rubs the corresponding part of his own body, his ailment there will disappear.



Once inside Daibutsuden, it’s hard not to notice the giant seated Buddha. The Buddha weighs around 500 tonnes. His hair is made of 966 individual bronze balls.



The petals of lotus pedestal on the Great Buddha Vairocana is seated are incised in hairline engraving with identical designs, dating from the Nara period (8th century).



Nyoirin-kannon.



Koumokuten, one of the pair of guardians in the Daibutsuden.



Models of the former and current buildings are also on display in the Daibutsuden.



Just behind and to the right of the Daibutsu, is a wooden column with a small hole carved through the bottom. It is said that those who can squeeze through this hole will be granted enlightenment in their next life. School children are lining up to squeeze through this hole. In practice, only kids have any luck to squeeze through this hole while the adults can only look on in envy.


Souvenirs







You can find many deer-themed souvenirs and even cookies around Nara.



A local specialty is kaki-no-hazushi, which is persimmon leaf wrapped sushi.



You can find it at Hiraso, a shop selling local food on the way to Nara Park and Todaiji.


Nara Sightseeing Map (click to see enlarged image)

Todaiji
Opening hours:
7:30 to 17:30 (April to October)
8:00 to 17:00 (November to March)
No closing days

Admission:
Buddha hall only: ¥600 Adults, ¥300 Children.
Buddha hall and Todaiji museum: ¥1000 Adults, ¥400 Children.