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Nara Images 27 images Created 16 Nov 2008

As Japan's first official capital city, Nara is home to many preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its attractions include the town's famous wild deer who roam around town and Nara Park - a wide, pleasant space of greenery. Besides the ever-present deer, Todaiji Temple is home to the Daibutsu, literally "Big Buddha" the largest Buddha statue in Japan. The other main UNESCO attraction is Kasuga Shrine, lined with more than 1000 lanterns, and the scene of many festivals and Japanese ceremonies throughout the year.
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  • The Great Buddha of Nara belongs to Todaiji Temple, located in the ancient capital of Nara.  The construction of Todaiji, was completed in 752 with the aim, not only to house the Great Buddha image, but also to consolidate the position of the city as Japan's capital and powerful center of Buddhism. The Great Buddha Hall, called "Daibutsu-Den", the main hall of Todaiji, was rebuilt several times. The current structure, completed in 1709, is only two-thirds of the original size, but is still the largest wooden building in the world. The seated figure inside is the world's largest bronze image of Buddha. The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara were registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
    nara-daibutsu-1.jpg
  • Shadows of lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is famous for its many lanterns that were donated by worshippers. The many bronze lanterns within the shrine as well as some of the 3000 stone lanterns leading to the shrine's approach are lit on the occasion of the Lantern Festivals in February and August.
    lanterns-kasuga-1.jpg
  • Nara Deer Park is a large, pleasant space in central Nara, established in 1880. It is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.  The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion of Japan, Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
    nara-deer-park-2.jpg
  • Heijo Palace Nara, was the imperial palace of Japan from 710 until 784. The remains of the palace was established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 . The palace grounds were based on Xi'an the Tang Dynasty capital of China, which was concurrently, the time when Nara was capital of Japan.  When Kyoto became capital, Nara's Imperial Palace was abandoned.  The ravages of time and elements destroyed the buildings though much of it was rebuilt for Nara’s 1300 Year Anniversary festivities held in 2010.
    Heijo-Palace-3.jpg
  • Ukimi-do is a hexagonal gazebo on the water built over Sage-Ike Pond or Heron Pond in Nara Park.  Its reflection on the water is a popular subject for artists and photographers. It is especially beautiful on summer nights, when it is illuminated, in autumn with reflection of maples and spring with sakura blossoms on the pond.
    ukimi-do-nara-1.jpg
  • Isui-en Garden Maples - Isuien was created during the Meiji era and is the only strolling garden in Nara. It was originally two separate gardens, now combined into one.  The garden site original formed part of Manishu-in-  a minor temple which was part of the larger temple Kofuku-ji. In the central pond of the gardens, there are two islands with sculptures of a crane and tortoise. The back gardens were completed by using a technique called "borrowed landcape."  These make the space between the garden and background seem to disappear, producing a continuity which makes the landscape blend in visual harmony.
    isui-en-1.jpg
  • Todaiji Temple or Great Eastern Temple is one of Japan's most famous temples and a landmark of Nara. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.<br />
Todaiji derives its name from its location east of Nara, which was the capital of Japan when it was built. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, housing the largest bronze Buddha in existance, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.
    todaiji-4.jpg
  • Kofukuji is a Hosso Buddhist temple in Nara.  One of the great temples of the Nara period (710-794), it features a tall five-story pagoda and many Buddhist art treasures.  Today only a handful of the temple's 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 15th century.  Kofukuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 along with other historic sites in Nara.
    kofukuji-nara-1.jpg
  • Moss Covered Japanese Lanterns at Kasuga Shrine which is famous for its many lanterns which were donated by worshippers.  The stone lanterns lining the shrine's approach are lit on the occasion of the Lantern Festival held in both February and August.
    lanterns-kasuga-5.jpg
  • Nandaimon Gate is a large wooden gate with two fierce looking statues overseeing the gate.  The gate marks the approach to Todaiji Temple. Temple visitors will encounter  wild deer from who beg for shika senbei crackers.
    nandaimon-gate-2.jpg
  • Kasuga Shrine Shinto Priests -Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara often called Kasuga Grand Shrine. Established in 768 AD and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Kasuga Taisha is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers: hundreds of bronze lanterns are hanging from the buildings, and many stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds. The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals in February and August. Kasuga Shrine, and the Kasugayama Primeval Forest behind it are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites which is part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.
    kasuga-shinto-priests-1.jpg
  • Kofukuji is a Hosso Buddhist temple in Nara.  One of the great temples of the Nara period (710-794), it features a tall five-story pagoda and many Buddhist art treasures.  Today only a handful of the temple's 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 15th century.  Kofukuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 along with other historic sites in Nara.
    kofukuji-nara-3.jpg
  • Issuien Garden rear garden was designed by Horitoku, with a pavilion on the west side of the pond.  The pond in the eastern garden inscribes the Chinese character for water and contains a small island, reached by stepping stones. Its layout is that of a strolling garden with hills and a waterfall.  This is a strolling garden, with paths encircling the garden rolling past a teahouse, rest areas, moving over stepping stones.
    isui-en-3.jpg
  • Nara National Museum is one of the preeminent national art museums in Japan.  The museum is noted for its collection of Buddhist art, which includes images, sculpture and altar articles. The museum displays works of art belonging to temples and shrines in the Nara area.
    nara-national-museum.jpg
  • Chrysanthemums and Japanese window at Isuien Garden which has been preserved since its creation during the Meiji period, the only strolling garden in Nara. .
    isui-en-2.jpg
  • Dragon Water Fountain - Water is considered purifying in Japan, hence the emphasis on cleanliness in everyday life.  Water fountains such as these, known as tsukubai, are also beneficial to hear the trickling of falling water to soothe the nerves as well.  A tsukubai is a small basin provided at Japanese Buddhist temples for visitors to purify themselves by the ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. This type of ritual cleansing is also the custom for guests attending a tea ceremony. Tsukubai are usually of stone, and are often provided with a small scoop, laid across the top, ready for use.
    tsukubai-23.jpg
  • Shichi-Go-San literally seven-five-three, is a traditional rite of passage and festival day in Japan for three and seven year-old girls and five year-old boys, held annually on November 15. As Shichi-Go-San is not a national holiday, it is generally observed on the nearest weekend.  Boys who are aged three or five and girls who are aged three or seven are still dressed in kimono, many for the first time, for visits to shrines.  Western-style formal wear is also worn by some children.
    shichi-go-san-10.jpg
  • Kasuga Taisha is famous for its many lanterns which have been donated by worshippers. Hundreds of the bronze lanterns within the shrine are lit on the occasion of the Lantern Festivals in February and August.
    lanterns-kasuga-3.jpg
  • Yaki-imo, baked sweet potatoes, are a treat that is enjoyed in Japan during colder months.  The best time to taste this sweetness starts when the potatoes are mature in late November.  Available from carts or small trucks yaki-imo vendors are among the last of Japan's street vendors, they typically announce their approach with a little song so that area residents know they're on their way.
    yaki-imo.jpg
  • Nara Park is a large, pleasant park in central Nara, established in 1880. It is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.  The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer which are  considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion of Japan.  Nara's deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated a National Treasure.
    shichi-go-san-12.jpg
  • Sembei, Japanese rice crackers, can be found flavored with a wide array of flavours including soy sauce, seaweed, kelp, sesame seeds, soybeans plus a huge range of more modern flavors like cheese, chocolate and even kimchee. Smaller sembei often come mixed with other ingredients such as peanuts or pine nuts.  Traditional sembei are large, round and savory.  Sembei aren't all savory though - sweet sembei are made with wheat flour instead of rice flour.
    sembei.jpg
  • A torii is a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entry to a Shinto shrine.  The basic structure of a torii is two columns that are topped with a horizontal rail. Slightly below the top rail is a second horizontal rail. Torii are traditionally made from wood and are usually painted vermilion red.
    torii-kasuga-taisha.jpg
  • Kofukuji Temple's pagoda, seen from Sarusawa Pond, Kofukuji is one of the great temples of the Nara period and features a tall five storey pagoda. Today only a handful of the temple's 175 buildings remain standing, most of which date from the 15th century.  Kofukuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
    sarusawa-pond.jpg
  • The statue is of Binzuru Yakushi Nyorai or Pindola Bharadvaja, is made of wood,and dates from the Edo period . In Japan,  Binzuru is the most widely revered of the sixteen disciples of Buddha.  He is reported to have excelled in occult powers. In Japan people believe that if you rub a part of the image of Binzuru, and then the corresponding part of your own body, the ailment there will be cured
    binzuru.jpg
  • Kofukuji is one of the great temples of the Nara period featuring a five storey pagoda.  Today only a handful of the temple's original buildings remain.  Kofukuji was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    kofukuji-nara-2.jpg
  • A tsukubai is a basin provided at Japanese temples for visitors to purify themselves by ritual washing of hands and rinsing of the mouth. Tsukubai are often made of stone, and provide a scoop, laid across the basin. The water supply is provided by a bamboo pipe called a kakei.
    tsukubai-6.jpg
  • Jiko-in was founded by Sekishu Katagiri, a feudal lord of the area who mastered  tea ceremony.  He believed that tea ceremony was part of his Zen Buddhist meditation regime, and so constructed a tea ceremony room and garden for this purpose.  The garden is well known for its elaborate shrubbery - and also includes a larger view of the Yamato plain and hills, contrasted with the temple, tea room, trees, stones, shrubs and grass.  Jiko-in is also very unique in that it is a rare exception that visitors can wander around the shrubs and dry rock garden.  Included in the cost of entry is matcha tea and sweets.
    jiko-in-nara-3.jpg