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Although small in size, in relative to Kyoto, it may also be quite a feat to fully explore Nara in one day.
Here is our recommended itinerary for your one day trip from Kyoto to Nara, so that you will not
miss out the best tourist attractions of Nara.
Todaiji temple
First of all, make your way to Todaiji temple, to behold the grandeur of the Great Buddha statue
(Daibutsu), standing at 16.2m tall. The temple, while was founded in the 8th century, has a
Daibutsuden Hall that houses the great statue. It was burnt down twice and the present structure was
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rebuilt in 1709 (two-thirds of its original size) and still remain as one of the largest wooden structure
in the world. It is one of the wonders of Japan that is not to be missed. Admission to Todaiji temple is
500 yen (as of 2015).
Nara Park
Next, after marvelling at the temple and Daibutsu, head down to the UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nara Park. The park is located in the centre of the city and features a vast green area with 1200 free
roaming deer. That is why it is also popularly known as the deer park. The park represents the spirit
of Nara, where history and nature blend in harmony. Legend has it that the Fujiwara clan (who
founded the Kasuga Kaisha Shrine) has invited a mighty god, who came to Nara riding on a white
deer. Since then, all deer have been respected and protected as divine messengers by the locals. Many
of the historical relics of Nara is located in or around the park, making it a good base to explore the
rest of Nara.
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Horyuji temple
If you decided not to roam around so much like the deer in Nara and is interested in exploring more
of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nara, I personally recommend visiting the Horyuji Temple,
one of the first places to be designated by UNESCO along with Himeji Castle. It was built by Prince
Shotoku in the period of Empress Seiko and it is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world
(founded in 607, reconstructed in the 8th century after lost to a fire). Horyuji temple has a five storey
pagoda, one main hall and some buildings that had remained intact from long ago. It takes only 12
mins by the JR train from Nara station and then 30 minutes walk or 8 minutes bus to get here. All the
buildings here are registered as National Treasures of Japan and rightly so.
If you are lucky enough to stay more than a day here in Nara, do check out our Top 10 Must See and
Things to Do in Nara, as there are more tourist attractions to see and things to do in the beautiful and
peaceful Nara.
Photo credits from top: Yuki Shimazu, Karl Baron, m-louis, TANAKA Juuyoh and Dick Thomas Johnson
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Author: Rachel
Japan, as one of her very first trip far away from home, Rachel found it to be eye-opening and awe-inspiring. She
got so fascinated by the distinction of Japan, especially the people and how such country so unique from the rest
can exist in this chaotic world, that she went back twice to further her endless discovery of it. With that said,
there is still much to explore in Japan! Google+ View all posts by Rachel
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