Nara, Japan's Heart With A History and Culture Expert

Nara was the first capital of Japan until 800. Nara, a place of profound significance for the Japanese, is often referred to as the 'Japanese soul town ', the very birthplace of Shinto and the essence of Japanese identity. Here are some examples of Nara attractions. Nara-machi is located downtown in Nara. This is a preserved traditional townscape with restaurants, handcraft shops, temples & shrines, a sake tasting shop, museums and culture centres. I recommend visiting Nara-machi before going to Nara Park to enjoy the various faces of this city. Nara Park has three world heritage sites and several other attractions, including Ukimido. Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Ukimido are indispensable to visit. Of course, you cannot talk of Nara Park without referring to its deer. They politely bow before eating. Please return your bow to them. If you still have some time, it will be delightful to visit Horyuji, Japan's first world heritage site, the oldest wooden building in the world.