Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara

 

Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara are part of the Japans UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Most of the sites belonging to this list are Temples and shrines but there is also a Imperial palace site and a primeval forest. If you are visiting Nara you should at least visit few of these beautiful temples around Nara as well as the Imperial palace and the primeval palace.

 

Gango-Ji Temple

This heritage site is a very old Temple, the original foundation was moved to Nara in 718. Unfortunately it has been destroyed in fires and been re built,  but it has still the feel of the original temple and has been made in to one of the historic monuments of Ancient Nara.

Address:

11 Chuincho, Nara 630-8392, Nara

Opening Hours:

9:00 – 16:30

Kasugayama Primeval Forest

The Kasugayama primeval forest is and old forest that has been untouched since 841 (by law) The forest resides next to Kasuga-taisha temple. It is full of life with different bird species and insects living in the forest. It is a place where you can truly feel how old the forest is and how untouched it is.

Address

630-8212, Nara, Nara

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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
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.
read more
Heijo Palace
Heijo Palace
On its huge grounds, there are structures such as the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall, the Heijo Palace Site Museum, Suzaku Gate and a garden. The opulence of the former capital which flourished as the center of Japan still lives now.
read more

Plan your trip to nara

Chat with a local tour guide who can help organize your trip.

Request a Tour