Tracing back to 728, Todaiji Temple, known as “Great Temple of the East” was established during the Nara period, before Kyoto was declared capital of Japan. One of the former Seven Great Temples, Todaiji Temple serves as the head temple of the Kegon school of Buddhism. Daibutsuden of Todaiji Temple is the world’s largest wooden building, and home to Daibutsu or “Great Buddha,” one of the world’s largest bronze statues of Buddha protecting relics believed to belong to Emperor Shomu within. Nigatsudo Hall, “Hall of the Second Moon” stands proudly above the city, offering a stunningly beautiful view of Nara, while discreetly housing two Kannon statues known as Hibutsu, “Hidden Buddhas” that are national treasures hidden from the public. The gardens and temple have organically merged over the centuries, offering a seamless and harmonious balance of nature and Japanese history. The deer in this temple can be seen strolling around the temple grounds, regarded as messengers of the gods in Shintoism. Todaiji Temple earns not just the title of one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, but it also holds the UNESCO World Heritage Site title.

 1 Zoshi-cho, Nara, Nara Japan
 4-Day Sunrise Highlights from Tokyo: Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara 
 6-Day Japan Combination Package from Tokyo: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto & Nara 
 9-Day Japan Combination Package from Tokyo: Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima 
 14-Day Japan Combination Package from Tokyo: Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, Mt.Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Takayama & Kanazawa 

Just as Nara was established as Capital of Japan in 710, Kofukuji Temple was also established in the year of 710. Isolated in tranquility, the ancient buildings of Kofukuji Temple are a vault to many national treasures of Old World Japan: the Deva statues, statues of the Ten Great Disciples of Buddha, and the Thousand-armed Kannon. Once owned by the legendary Fujiwara Clan, these temple grounds still remain as a World Heritage Site, indicative of the deep history and culture of ancient Japan. Its most defining building, the Goju no Tou is a 165 foot tall, five tiered pagoda is a designated national treasure, just like many of its numerous structures and halls. Featuring a National Treasure Museum, Kofukuji exhibits an amazing art collection that displays the marvel, history, and multicultural influence of Buddhist art. When entering Kofukuji Temple Grounds, you set foot in an environment embraced by national treasures.

 48 Noboriojicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, 630-8213, Japan

A true symbol of Japanese culture blending in with the tranquility of the mountains, Hasedera Temple, the head of Buzan Shingon Buddhism has been involved with Japanese folklore— most notably the Japanese epic, Tale of Genji. For over an entire millennium, Hasedera has stood the test of time since the year 686; the main hall itself is a National Treasure of Japan with three statues built to serve as temple guardians just by Nio Gate. These temple guardians have been created with a fierce visage for the purpose of warding off demons, evil spirits, and thieves. Hasedera Temple is also home to the Eleven-faced Kannon: the Goddess of Mercy, as well as Japan’s largest wooden statue standing at 31 feet tall. Over 150 varieties of Chinese peonies bloom beautifully along its stone staircase, stretching at nearly 60 feet long. During nature’s grand finale in the autumn, the temple grounds are scattered with leaves, much like nature's own stained glass art.

 731-1 Hase, Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, 633-0112, Japan

Home to two of the world’s oldest wooden buildings, the five tiered Pagoda of Horyuji and the Kondo, “The Golden Hall” of Horyuji just serves as another reminder of the deep history of Nara. Displaying the history of multicultural exchange in Japan, some of Horyuji’s buildings resemble both ancient Chinese and Korean aesthetic. This shining gem of Nara protects statues, murals, shrines, and monuments of Old World Japan. Among such treasures is the Tamamushi Shrine, showcasing the cultural influence of ancient Korea and China in Mainland Japan. Horyuji has served as a treasure vault of Buddhist culture from all over the world, holding over 2,300 important cultural and historical structures and articles; within this collection includes nearly 190 designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. As much a wonder it is how such an elegant building was created so long ago, it’s no wonder why Horyuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 1-1 Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture 636-0115, Japan

Devoted to Okuninushi no Mikoto, the guardian deity of human life, the Omiwa Shrine was established on the holy mountain, Miwa. One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, Omiwa Shrine is considered by some to be Japan’s first shrine. The lack of any images or objects of worship is somewhat of an anomaly, though it is often believed that this is because Mt. Miwa, itself is the main object of reverence. Resting humbly in a peaceful forest, its “Torii” gate is the second tallest in Japan, as well as one of the few with doors. With a diverse group of buildings made from the ancient era to the Edo era, the Omiwa Shrine is home to numerous Important Cultural Assets. In addition to the shrine itself being an Important Cultural Asset, there is a suit of red lacquer armor and a copy of the 19th scroll of the Book of Zhou. As cutting down both trees and grass are forbidden from this mountain, Omiwa Shrine is surrounded by a densely grown and organic forest of cedar, pine, and cypress trees all about the mountain.

 1422 Miwa, Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, 633-0001, Japan