Asia Images / John Lander Photography

  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Contact
  • Archive
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
Next
576 images found
twitterlinkedinfacebook

Loading ()...

  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-4.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-3.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-deer-park-5.jpg
  • Nara Deer Park is a large park in central Nara and 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 wild 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-1.jpg
  • Nara Park or Nara Koen is a large park and the location of numerous Nara attractions, including Todaiji, Nara National Museum, Kofukuji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is home to hundreds of wild deer.  Nara's deer have become a kind of symbol of the city and have even been designated a natural treasure. Traditionally, deer have always been considered messengers of the gods in the in Shinto religion.  Nara's deer are fairly tame, though they can be aggressive when hungry. Deer crackers or shika sembei are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors.
    nara-park-3.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
  • Nara Centennial Hall is a a multi-use space with two auditoriums and a smaller hall that is used for musical performances, plays and other events. The building is a modernist piece of architecture designed by Arata Isozaki, one of Japan's most renowned architects, who also designed  Art Tower in Mito, the Kyoto Concert Hall and the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art and numerous projects overseas.<br />
The Nara Centennial Hall was completed in 1999 as part of the centennial celebrations of the city of Nara.
    nara-centennial-hall-1.jpg
  • Nara Deer Crackers Shika Sembei - Nara Park is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Shrine and Kofukuji. The park is home to hundreds of freely roaming wild deer. Considered to be messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, Nara's nearly thousand plus deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated a natural treasure.
    nara-deer-crackers-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
  • Built in 1909, the Nara Hotel is located on a hill beside Nara Park providing an excellent view of the historical sights in Nara such as Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple, the Five-Storied Pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Forest.  With over 90 years of history, hotel is designed to look traditionally Japanese, but the service and facilities provided are of international class standard
    nara-hotel.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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-3.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-7.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-6.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-5.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-2.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-1.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-9.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-8.jpg
  • Gangoji was one of the seven great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as famous as the Big Three: Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji, Gangoji Temple is definitely worthwhile in part because it is free of crowds and tour buses visiting the more famous spots in Nara.   Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the most ancient temples in Japan.  Gangoji Temple was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan and originally established as Hokoji Temple or Asukadera because of its original location near Asuka. The design of the temple has architectural influences from mainland Asia.  Many of the priests who first served as Hokoji were from Korea & China.  When the capital moved to Nara, Hokoji was moved and partly rebuilt then renamed Gangoji. Gangoji’s most noteworthy treasure is the Chiko Mandala named after an abbot of the temple.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is also famous.
    gangyoji-4.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-5.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
  • 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
  • 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-7.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-6.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-1.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-4.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-6.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-3.jpg
  • Arare Path at Jikoin, Nara  - Jiko-in was founded in 1663 by Sekishu Katagiri, a feudal lord of the area who mastered the way of Zen Buddhism and tea ceremony.  He believed that tea ceremony was part of his 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.
    jikoin-21.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-11.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-8.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-7.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-5.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-4.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-2.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-1.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-10.jpg
  • The Imperial Palace in Nara revealed the remains of an 8th-Century pond garden: the To-in Garden, workers preparing the ground discovered the remains of a stream garden--a yarimizu  that dates to the same period as the palace itself.  The winding stream echoes the Chinese, Korean and early Japanese tradition of a stream banquet during which guests attempted to come up with an original poem before cups of sake.  All that remain at To-in are the stream and the rocks placed along the banks of the stream and anticipates certain aspects of later Japanese garden elements.
    Toin-Teien-9.jpg
  • Arare Path at Jikoin, Nara  - Jiko-in was founded in 1663 by Sekishu Katagiri, a feudal lord of the area who mastered the way of Zen Buddhism and tea ceremony.  He believed that tea ceremony was part of his 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.
    jikoin-20.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
  • Saga-Ike Pond, Nara
    saga-ike-pond.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. 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-5.jpg
  • 4. Kofukuji 興福寺 was once an important center for Buddhism in Japan.  Since it was established by the Fujiwara clan who ruled Japan at the time, it also retained influence over the imperial government.  One of the great temples of the Nara Period it features a five storey 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.  Although its pagoda dominates the scene, octagonal halls contain most of Kofukuji’s treasures, rarely open for viewing.  The Octagonal Halls are noteworthy because of their unique architectural design and part of the Western Japan Pilgrimage of 33 Temples.
    4.NARA-KOFUKUJI-02.jpg
  • 4. Kofukuji 興福寺 was once an important center for Buddhism in Japan.  Since it was established by the Fujiwara clan who ruled Japan at the time, it also retained influence over the imperial government.  One of the great temples of the Nara Period it features a five storey 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.  Although its pagoda dominates the scene, octagonal halls contain most of Kofukuji’s treasures, rarely open for viewing.  The Octagonal Halls are noteworthy because of their unique architectural design and part of the Western Japan Pilgrimage of 33 Temples.
    4.NARA-KOFUKUJI-01.jpg
  • 4. Kofukuji 興福寺 was once an important center for Buddhism in Japan.  Since it was established by the Fujiwara clan who ruled Japan at the time, it also retained influence over the imperial government.  One of the great temples of the Nara Period it features a five storey 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.  Although its pagoda dominates the scene, octagonal halls contain most of Kofukuji’s treasures, rarely open for viewing.  The Octagonal Halls are noteworthy because of their unique architectural design and part of the Western Japan Pilgrimage of 33 Temples.
    4.NARA-KOFUKUJI-03.jpg
  • 7. Gangoji 元興寺 was one of the great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as grand as Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji,  Gangoji Temple is comparatively more modest making it free of crowds who will be busy visiting the more famous spots in Nara. Nevertheless, it contains no less than three of Japan’s National Treasures which include its main hall, modest as it may appear.  Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara as it was originally founded in 588 when Buddhism was in its infancy in Japan. The temple’s design has architectural influences from mainland Asia and many of the priests who first served here were from Korea & China.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it is famous.
    7.NARA-GANGOJI-04.jpg
  • 7. Gangoji 元興寺 was one of the great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as grand as Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji,  Gangoji Temple is comparatively more modest making it free of crowds who will be busy visiting the more famous spots in Nara. Nevertheless, it contains no less than three of Japan’s National Treasures which include its main hall, modest as it may appear.  Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara. The temple’s design has architectural influences from mainland Asia and many of the priests who first served here were from Korea and China.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it the temple is famous.
    7.NARA-GANGOJI-01.jpg
  • 7. Gangoji 元興寺 was one of the great temples of the Heian Period in Nara.  Though it is not as grand as Kofukuji, Todaiji and Horyuji,  Gangoji Temple is comparatively more modest making it free of crowds who will be busy visiting the more famous spots in Nara. Nevertheless, it contains no less than three of Japan’s National Treasures which include its main hall, modest as it may appear.  Gangoji lies among narrow streets of the Naramachi district of old Nara. The temple’s design has architectural influences from mainland Asia and many of the priests who first served here were from Korea and China.  The grounds of Gangoji contain many ancient stone lanterns and grave markers, for which it the temple is famous.
    7.NARA-GANGOJI-02.jpg
  • 10. Heijo Palace 平城宮 The palace grounds design were based on the Imperial Palace at Xian, China which occurred at the same time in history when Nara was capital of Japan from 710 until 784.  Kyoto later became capital and Nara's Imperial Palace was abandoned.  The ravages of time and elements destroyed the buildings. Structures of the former palace complex have been reconstructed, including the Daigokuden - Audience Hall the largest building on the palace grounds was reconstructed for the occasion of the 1300 year anniversary of the founding of Nara as Capital.
    10.NARA-HEIJO-01.jpg
  • 2. Kasugayama Primeval Forest 春日山原始林 has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches across a large area behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 and this has preserved the forest as a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds and wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the daytime. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live.
    2.NARA-FOREST-01.jpg
  • Naramachi literally "Nara Town is the old merchant district of Nara, where a handful of traditional buildings have been preserved most of which are open to the public as boutiques, shops, cafes, restaurants and a few museums.  These buildings can be found in the district's narrow lanes. Many of Naramachi's old buildings were machiya, long, narrow townhouses similar to those found in nearby Kyoto. Machiya served both as shops and as the living quarters for the local merchants and their families. The store fronts of machiya were often kept narrow in order to save on taxes, which were calculated on a property's access to the street rather than its total area. Today, a handful of these machiya have been preserved are open to the public as museums as well as shops.
    nara-machi-1.jpg
  • Migiwari-Zaru means literally substitution monkey. These Nara Monkey Charms can be found all around Naramachi Old Town. This red monkey charm is hung on the eves of the house to protect the inhabitants from disasters, usually as a kind of fire protection.  They also block evil forces from entering the home. One doll for each person of the home is hung on the eve of the house. They protect sinners from punishment by as the monkey is punished instead which is where the name comes from - substitution monkey.
    nara-symbol-3.jpg
  • Migiwari-Zaru means literally substitution monkey. These Nara Monkey Charms can be found all around Naramachi Old Town. This red monkey charm is hung on the eves of the house to protect the inhabitants from disasters, usually as a kind of fire protection.  They also block evil forces from entering the home. One doll for each person of the home is hung on the eve of the house. They protect sinners from punishment by as the monkey is punished instead which is where the name comes from - substitution monkey.
    nara-symbol-1.jpg
  • Migiwari-Zaru means literally substitution monkey. These Nara Monkey Charms can be found all around Naramachi Old Town. This red monkey charm is hung on the eves of the house to protect the inhabitants from disasters, usually as a kind of fire protection.  They also block evil forces from entering the home. One doll for each person of the home is hung on the eve of the house. They protect sinners from punishment by as the monkey is punished instead which is where the name comes from - substitution monkey.
    nara-symbol-2.jpg
  • 9. Toshodai-ji Temple 唐招提寺 was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Consequently, its influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after sseven attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall was reopened in 2009 after being restoration during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is surrounded by a moss garden.
    9.NARA-TOSHODAIJI-03.jpg
  • 2. Kasugayama Primeval Forest 春日山原始林 has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches across a large area behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 and this has preserved the forest as a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds and wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the daytime. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live.
    2.NARA-FOREST-02.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-6.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-3.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-8.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-5.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-4.jpg
  • Great Buddha at Daibutsuden,Todaiji - Todai-ji or the Eastern Great Temple in Nara - the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden shelters the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon sect of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”.  Wild deer, regarded as messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roam the area regularly.
    nara-daibutsu-2.jpg
  • 9. Toshodai-ji Temple 唐招提寺 was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Consequently, its influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after sseven attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall was reopened in 2009 after being restoration during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is surrounded by a moss garden.
    9.NARA-TOSHODAIJI-01.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
  • 1. Kasuga-taisha Shrine 春日大社 was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan and rebuilt several times over the centuries.  The legend is that the Fujiwaras invited a powerful deity or god to Nara, who arrived in town riding on the back of a deer.  Consequently, wild deer from the forest above the city roam freely in its grounds.  Kasuga is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers:. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the buildings and hundreds more moss-covered stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds.  The Kasuga style of lantern is ornate and bears the images of the sacred deer.  The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals - Setsubon held in February and Obon held in August. The lanterns light the way for ancestral spirits.
    1.NARA-KASUGA.jpg
  • 1. Kasuga-taisha Shrine 春日大社 was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan and rebuilt several times over the centuries.  The legend is that the Fujiwaras invited a powerful deity or god to Nara, who arrived in town riding on the back of a deer.  Consequently, wild deer from the forest above the city roam freely in its grounds.  Kasuga is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers:. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the buildings and hundreds more moss-covered stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds.  The Kasuga style of lantern is ornate and bears the images of the sacred deer.  The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals - Setsubon held in February and Obon held in August. The lanterns light the way for ancestral spirits.
    1.NARA-KASUGA-03.jpg
  • 1. Kasuga-taisha Shrine 春日大社 was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan and rebuilt several times over the centuries.  The legend is that the Fujiwaras invited a powerful deity or god to Nara, who arrived in town riding on the back of a deer.  Consequently, wild deer from the forest above the city roam freely in its grounds.  Kasuga is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers:. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the buildings and hundreds more moss-covered stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds.  The Kasuga style of lantern is ornate and bears the images of the sacred deer.  The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals - Setsubon held in February and Obon held in August. The lanterns light the way for ancestral spirits.
    1.NARA-KASUGA-04.jpg
  • 1. Kasuga-taisha Shrine 春日大社 was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan and rebuilt several times over the centuries.  The legend is that the Fujiwaras invited a powerful deity or god to Nara, who arrived in town riding on the back of a deer.  Consequently, wild deer from the forest above the city roam freely in its grounds.  Kasuga is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers:. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the buildings and hundreds more moss-covered stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds.  The Kasuga style of lantern is ornate and bears the images of the sacred deer.  The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals - Setsubon held in February and Obon held in August. The lanterns light the way for ancestral spirits.
    1.NARA-KASUGA-02.jpg
  • 1. Kasuga-taisha Shrine 春日大社 was established by the powerful Fujiwara clan and rebuilt several times over the centuries.  The legend is that the Fujiwaras invited a powerful deity or god to Nara, who arrived in town riding on the back of a deer.  Consequently, wild deer from the forest above the city roam freely in its grounds.  Kasuga is famous for its lanterns that have been donated by worshipers:. Hundreds of bronze lanterns hang from the buildings and hundreds more moss-covered stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine grounds.  The Kasuga style of lantern is ornate and bears the images of the sacred deer.  The lanterns are lit twice a year at the Lantern Festivals - Setsubon held in February and Obon held in August. The lanterns light the way for ancestral spirits.
    1.NARA-KASUGA-01.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-2.jpg
  • 9. Toshodai-ji Temple 唐招提寺 was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Consequently, its influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after sseven attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall was reopened in 2009 after being restoration during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is surrounded by a moss garden.
    9.NARA-TOSHODAIJI-02.jpg
  • Kofuku-ji Pagoda - 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-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. 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.
    todai-ji-15.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. 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.
    todai-ji-10.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-4.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-3.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-3.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-8.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-2.jpg
  • Horyuji Temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, credited with the early propagation of Buddhism in Japan. Horyuji is one of the country's oldest temples with the world's oldest surviving wooden structures. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Horyuji's temple grounds are divided into two main precincts, the Western Precinct and the Eastern Precinct   Enclosed by roofed corridors, the Western Precinct is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structures which are: the central gate Chumon, the main hall Kondo and a five storied pagoda. They were built during the Asuka Period and have never suffered damage or destruction although they have been renovated many times over the centuries. The main hall houses some of Japan's oldest statues of Buddha where visitors can witness the evolution of Japanese Buddha statues which had lost the more East Indian appearance in earlier creations. The Eastern Precinct showcases the octagonal shaped Yumedono Hall of Visions with life size statues of the founding prince surrounded by statues of Buddha and rakan disciples.
    horyu-ji-1.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live.  Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-4.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-01.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-2.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-10.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-9.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-7.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-17.jpg
  • Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest has been untouched for thousands of years.  The forest stretches out across an area of half a kilometer, behind Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Logging and hunting have been prohibited here since AD 841 which has made it a rare ecosystem with over 175 types of trees, rare birds, insects as well as wild animals including the sacred wild deer that roam around central Nara during the day. At night the deer return to Kasuga Forest where they live. <br />
Kasuga Primeval Forest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    kasuga-primeval-forest-1.jpg
  • Yakushiji was constructed by Emperor Tenmu in the 7th century for the recovery of the emperor's sick wife. Yakushiji  is one of Japan's oldest temples, and laid out in a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi trinity, considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The East Pagoda is the temple's only structure to have survived the many fires that have beset the temple over the years. It appears to have six stories, but there are really only three stories, in symetry with the West Pagoda. Yakushiji is the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism.  The Genjo Sanzoin Garan is a central octagonal hall, where Genjo-sanzo's remains are enshrined.
    yakushiji-1.jpg
  • Toshodaiji Pond Garden - Toshodaiji was founded by Ganjin - a Chinese priest invited to Japan by the emperor to train priests and teach Buddhism. Ganjin's influence propagating Buddhism in Japan was monumental, and his arrival and teaching at Toshodaiji was important in this process.  Ganjin finally arrived in Japan after 7 attempts to cross the South China Sea and eventually went blind. Toshodaiji's main hall kondo was reopened in 2009 after being renovated during which the building was dismantled and reconstructed. The temple's lecture hall was originally at the Nara Imperial Palace and was moved to Toshodaiji. Today, it is the only surviving building of the former palace. The Buddha statues inside these buildings are national treasures of Japan.  North of the temple, the tomb of Ganjin is located surrounded by a moss garden.
    toshodaiji-11.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-20.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-18.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-14.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-13.jpg
  • Daijo-in garden was designed by Zenami in the mid Muromachi Period and fell into ruin with the demise of the temple of the same name. In 1958 the site was designated as a National Scenic Place then the Japan National Trust restored the garden to its original brilliance.  The former Daijo-in temple prospered as a temple whose chief priest was a member of the imperial family but now only the garden remains.
    daijo-in-10.jpg
  • Jiko-in was founded in 1663 by Sekishu Katagiri, a feudal lord of the area who mastered the way of Zen Buddhism and tea ceremony.  He believed that tea ceremony was part of his 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.
    jikoin-11.jpg
Next