8 most beautiful Shrines and Temples you should visit in Nara

With so many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, Nara is considered to be one of the ancient city in Japan. Plan a trip here. Once you walk out the station, you will feel the old Japan atmosphere all the way. Start from the most famous temple in Nara, Todaiji. It has the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha. It is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara". You may not be a Buddhist but here really brings you peace and calmness. Not to mention how cute the Sika deers are!   

After touring Todaiji, you can walk through temples, shrines and streets. We try to list you the best 8 Shrines and temples you wouldn't want to miss when you in Nara. Just by visiting these spectacular shrines and temples, you will get to better understand Japan history. And of course, most shrines are surrounded by the beauty of nature or well-designed gardens. Each of the temples has its own architecture style for you to discover! 

Todaiji
Todaiji
Todaiji was completed in the year 752 and continues to be a popular place of religious importance to this day. The essential sights include the buildings that were rebuilt after being destroyed in fires caused by wars, the Daibutsu (the great Buddha), the masterpieces of the geniuses Unkei and Kaikei, and the statues of the guardian deities.
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Kasuga Taisha
Kasuga Taisha
The World Heritage site of Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine) was established to enshrine the local deity. This was 1300 years ago, at around the time of the relocation of the capital. The brilliant vermilion shrine standing in the primeval forest is magnificent and mysterious sight.
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Toshodai-ji
Toshodai-ji
Toshodai-ji is a famous temple founded by the Chinese high priest, Jianzhen, in the Nara Era. You can feel the ancient memories infused in the buildings and Buddhist statues on the temple grounds that have existed for hundreds of years.
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Kofuku-ji
Kofuku-ji
Kofuku-ji is a World Heritage site known for its 5 storied pagoda, also a symbol of the ancient capital of Nara. The building’s architecture is designated as a National Treasure, and there are many other attractions such as the Heian Era Buddhist sculptures.
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Horyuji Temple
For over 1,400 years, the beauty of Horyuji has continued to fascinate its visitors. Immerse yourself in the mysterious legends and intriguing historical facts of Japan’s oldest wooden temple.
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Yakushi-ji Temple
Yakushi-ji Temple
The famous Yakushi-ji Temple is one of the religious landmarks symbolizing Nara alongside Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji. The temple possesses many valuable historical items such as Buddha statues, paintings, and the buildings themselves.
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Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
Located north of Todai-ji’s Hokke-do Hall, Nigatsu-do is known for its Shuni-e (omizutori) service. It’s famous as an observation point from the roof of the Great Buddha Hall where you can look down upon the city of Nara
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Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple
Shin-Yakushi-ji Temple
A precious statue and building survive today in belief of the healing Buddha from 1200 years ago during the Nara Era. The distinct and spectacular Twelve Heavenly Generals are well worth seeing.
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