Yakushi-ji Temple

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.

A Kegon Buddhist temple in Nara, Nara Prefecture, and the sect's head temple. Founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu. The Great Buddha Hall is the world's largest wooden structure, housing a 15-meter-tall Great Buddha. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, attracting approximately 3 million visitors annually.

Collective cultural heritage centered in Nara Prefecture, the ancient capital during Japan's Nara Period (710-794). Contains Todai-ji, Nara Park, and numerous historic temples and shrines. Registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara' in 1998. Concentrating Japan's national treasures and important cultural properties, it represents a premier Japanese cultural tourism destination.

Known affectionately as the 'White Heron Castle,' Himeji Castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Combining an elegant white-plastered exterior with sophisticated defensive architecture, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle construction. After major restoration in 2015, it attracts around two million visitors annually.

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.'

One of Japan's largest castle complexes in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. Known as White Heron Castle, the beautiful white-walled keep cluster is both a World Heritage Site and National Treasure, considered the masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture. Beauty was restored through the 2015 'Heisei Grand Renovation,' attracting about 2 million visitors annually.