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Nara

While it only held the title for 74 years, Nara was the first capital of Japan. Like Kyoto, this ancient city was built on a grid, mirroring the Tang Chinese city of Chang'an; the resulting layout is logical, well-ordered, and dotted with pleasant parks and gardens. History and culture buffs should note that Nara has managed to preserve its heritage well; among its many historical buildings are 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as several of the oldest wooden buildings in Japan - and the world.

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Byodo-in Temple

On the way to Nara from Kyoto, stop at Byodo-in Temple in Uji City, one of the 17 UNESCO sites in and around Kyoto. The longevity and cultural importance of Byodo-in, which was established by a member of the powerful Fujiwara clan in 1052, is commemorated on both Japan’s 10-yen coin and 10,000-yen bill.

Horyu-ji Temple Complex

See the Horyu-ji temple complex, home to the two oldest wooden buildings in the world, Horyu-ji’s East temple and the West temple. These examples of ancient Japanese architecture were built in the 607 AD by Buddhist carpenters from the Korean kingdom of Paekche. The original structure burned down in 670, but the structure you will see today is the reconstructed temple finished in the 8th century.

Kasuga Grand Shrine

Visit Kasuga Grand Shrine. Located at the foot of Nara’s Mount Mifuta, a sacred place where deities were believed to descend to earth, the shrine was officially established in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, but is believed to date from the very beginning of the Nara period. The Fujiwara clan was one of the most powerful aristocratic families of the period, and the Imperial court worshipped here.

Nara Park

Stroll through Nara Park, where you will see hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in Shinto, Nara’s deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a national treasure. Vendors in the park sell small packets of rice crackers that you can use to feed the deer.

Todai-ji Temple

Continue on to Todai-ji Temple, home to the largest Buddha statue (daibutsu) in Japan. It is also the world’s largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two-thirds of the original temple’s size. Your guide will walk you through Todai-ji and the halls that flank it, Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do.

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PREFERRED HOTEL

Sasayuri-Ann

With scenic views of Mt. Muro, Mt. Takami, and the sea of rice fields below, the Sasayuri Ann is a lovely wooden villa built with traditional Japanese aesthetics such as a thatched roof and traditional pine flooring. Guests sleep on traditional futon bedding atop the loft’s tatami floor and have the option to lounge in a wooden bathtub. The villa also has a well-equipped kitchen with an electric cooking stove, dishwasher, coffee machine, rice cooker, and other amenities. The Yamato-ann, a second building that comes included with reservations, is fitted with a traditional tea room, another bathing space, and a productivity area. Check out the Homa Temple to experience the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism, or explore the nearby Fukano Village before returning to enjoy gourmet meals of sushi, local fare, or even barbecue and pizza. There is even a "Washoku" course meal that can be provided as prepared by a Michelin star-awarded chef. What really sets the Sasayuri Ann apart, however, is its superior level of service, which is overseen by Tetsuji Matsubayashi, who is happy to show guests around the area and ensure that their stay is second-to-none.

Tsukihi-tei Ryokan

Hidden away in the sacred Kasugayama Primeval Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tsukihi-tei Ryokan offers a taste of Japan’s traditional roots in serene surroundings. The small inn has only five guest rooms, outfitted with traditional tatami mats, low tables and futon mattresses. The ryokan offers Michelin-class kaiseki meals, based on a seasonal menu.

Nara Hotel

Discover a culture steeped in history and Meiji tradition at the Nara Hotel, surrounded by natural beauty amongst richly biodiverse parks. This hotel is ideally-located for a visit to Nara Park, which can be seen while enjoying a traditional breakfast from the premises. Frequent guests to this hotel praise its second-to-none service, congruent with traditional Japanese hospitality, but with a special “Nara twist.” Air-conditioned guestrooms include minibars, desks, high-speed internet access, complimentary newspapers, phones, bathrobes, bidets, hair dryers, daily housekeeping, and complimentary toiletries, while additional perks like in-room massages and wake-up calls are just a phone call away. A restaurant, coffee shop, and bar are popular on-site facilities allowing guests to mingle, while experiencing the warm, welcoming old-world Nara hospitality that’s been passed down for generations.

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