Summary: From Kyoto Station, this ancient capital of Japan is just a 35 minute train ride. Dating back to the 700s, this remarkably intact UNESCO site is filled with specular temples, including the largest wooden structure in the world. But really, we came here for their famous Deer Park where a 1000+ deer roam free among the temples, shops, and streets.
[This blog is part of a 15-days in Japan series].
Getting There. From Kyoto Station, take that JR Nara line which departs from platforms 8, 9 and 10. Not to be confused with the metro lines that run mostly below ground, JR lines run above ground and tickets are purchased separately from JR Line kiosks. Be careful not to take the "local train." Look for "rapid," when viewing the upcoming trains on the board.
[Photo below is outside of our AirBnB]
Leaving early helped beat the crowds.
About Nara. From 710-794, Nara was the capital city of Japan. Though a relatively short period of time, it's legacy as a political stronghold has endured through the millennia. Nara's impressive temples, now designated UNESCO sites, are well-preserved which is particularly impressive given the nature of their structure (primarily wood), and age, 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries.
We Came for the Deer. The fact that Nara has so many impressive, jaw-dropping temples was a bit of a surprise since we the real reason we came was for the deer! Over 1000 dear live in Nara Park. Established in 1880, the Park is the home of temples Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, and Kofukuji and also the Nara National Museum. But why deer? Designated as national treasures, the Nara deer are considered messengers of the gods. When you walk throughout the Park, they are everywhere, even hanging out in doorways of stores and shops.
Upon arrival to Nara, we walked 20 minutes directly to the Deer Park. From there, we purchased deer crackers to feed the deer at a nominal price. After we got our fill of cuteness, we walked over to our first temple: Kofukuji. First built in 730, it was reconstructed in 1426.
We then proceeded to Isuien Garden. Despite its modest entrance, this garden turned out to be a remarkable destination. Established in the 17th century, the gardens offer a delightful short stroll around a pond.
Neiraku Museum. Within the gardens ground we were surprised to find a little museum. The unassuming tiny museum held artifacts dating back to first century!
Next, we walked over to Todaiji. Before entering the busy gates, we stopped again to visit with more deer.
After paying our entrance fees, we passed through the entry gates, and were immediately taken aback by the enormous size of this temple. The original temple, built during the Nara period (710-784) was destroyed by fire in 1160, rebuilt and destroyed by fire again in 1567. Today, the temple is the largest wooden structure in the world.
The last stop on our Nara temple tour, which only covered some of the eight great temple-shrines in Nara Park, was Kasugataisha Shrine. Dating back to the Nara era, has a fee-based inner area, but a free walk through the outer complex, including visiting the famous hanging lanterns.
Late Lunch/Early Dinner. We finished our tour of Nara at an odd hour which meant finding an open restaurant was difficult. Luckily we stumbled across this Udon restaurant, which was both tasty and cheap!
After we finished our meal, we spent some time window-shopping in the covered shopping area of Higashimuki Shotengai. Although September is much cooler than the summer months, the high heat index began to wear us down by the day's end, so we were pleased to discover this shaded and cool spot. Afterwards, we caught our train back to Kyoto and turned in for the night.
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