10 Things to do in Nara City
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| 10 Things to Do in Nara City |
Nara (奈良市) serves as the capital city of Nara Prefecture in Japan. It was the capital of Japan during the Nara period from 710 to 794. Although Nara became the nation's capital at that time, it wasn't officially designated as a city until 1898. During the Heian period, various kanji characters were used to write the name Nara, and there are several theories about its origin. One theory suggests that the name comes from "narasu," meaning "to flatten," while another theory proposes that it derives from the kanji 楢, which means "oak.".
For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Nara City:
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| Nara City manhole covers |
1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Nara City. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city. Colored versions of this can be seen in Sanjo-dori Street.
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| Sagi Pond |
2. Stroll around Sagi Pond (鷺池) and enjoy the view. You can also see the Ukimido (浮見堂) which is a picturesque pavilion in the pond. It is best to visit in spring or in autumn as the foliage adds beauty to the pond.
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| Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten |
3. Eat at Kamameshi Shizuka Kouen-ten (志津香 公園店). It is one of the recommended places to eat in Nara City. It is popular for its signature Kamameshi stew. Heads up, there is usually a long line outside the restaurant so make sure to come early.
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| Nakatanidou |
4. Watch how mocha rice cakes are traditionally made at Nakatanidou (中谷堂). There is usually a big crown here so if you want to be in front to see the mochi making you should either come early or wait for the next "performance". Lastly, don’t forget to buy some mochi so that you can fully appreciate the experience.
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| Yakushi-ji |
5. Visit the Yakushi-ji (薬師寺). It’s one of the oldest temples in Nara City. It was originally built in 680 and was once one of the Seven Great Temples in Nara. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them.
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| Gangoji |
6. Visit the Gangoji (元興寺). It’s one of the ancient temples in Nara City. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city. Its garden is a must-see. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the temple’s goshuin if you are collecting them.
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| Kofukuji |
7. Visit the Kofukuji (興福寺). This is a complex of ancient Buddhist temple halls and pagodas with a museum that showcases national treasures. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the temple’s goshuin if you are collecting them.
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| Kasuga Taisha |
8. Visit the Kasuga Taisha (春日大社). This shrine complex is established in 768. It is located in the forested part of Nara so expect plenty of deer along the path going to the shrine. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them.
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| Nara Park |
9. Explore the Nara Park (奈良公園). It’s a vast public park with several ancient temples and museums. It’s popularly known for the hundreds of deer that freely roam it. Be careful though as some of the deer here are moody and might bite you if they get annoyed.
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| Todaiji |
10. Visit the Todaiji (東大寺). This ancient temple is home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue. It is conveniently located in Nara Park. It is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the city. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the temple’s goshuin if you are collecting them.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Nara City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this beautiful historic city in Nara Prefecture.
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