Nara Park and Cultural Heritage

A shrine in Nara established in the Nara period. Founded in 768, it was revered as the tutelary deity of the Fujiwara clan and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The harmonious landscape of its vermillion-painted structures integrated with Nara Park makes it an emblematic symbol of Nara. Its year-round rituals and the famous lantern ceremony attract attention from around the world.

A shrine in Nara established in the Nara period. Founded in 768, it was revered as the tutelary deity of the Fujiwara clan and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The harmonious landscape of its vermillion-painted structures integrated with Nara Park makes it an emblematic symbol of Nara. Its year-round rituals and the famous lantern ceremony attract attention from around the world.

A vast urban park home to approximately 1,200 wild deer roaming freely. The deer have been protected since ancient times as divine messengers of Kasuga Grand Shrine, and feeding them 'deer crackers' is a beloved tourist experience. Adjacent to World Heritage sites including Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, it is the heart of Nara tourism.

The head temple of the Kegon school of Buddhism, founded by Emperor Shomu in the Nara period. The Great Buddha Hall housing the approximately 15-meter Vairocana Buddha is one of the world's largest wooden structures. It is a component of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.'

An ancient Nara temple originally vowed by Emperor Tenmu for the recovery of his empress. The East Pagoda, a surviving National Treasure from the Nara period, is praised as 'frozen music' for its graceful form. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.'

A major Kegon Buddhist temple in Nara. Founded in 743 by Emperor Shomu, it houses the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, a colossal bronze statue standing 15 meters tall and weighing 250 tons. The Great Buddha Hall is the world's largest wooden building. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, it attracts millions of visitors annually.

A temple located in Ikaruga, Ikoma, Nara Prefecture. Known as the world's oldest surviving wooden building, it is traditionally dated to 607. Many national treasure structures including a five-tiered pagoda, main hall, and cloisters survive. In 1993, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a Buddhist architectural complex. Attracting about 1 million visitors annually, it represents Japanese Buddhist architecture.