Nara Prefecture | A Land of History and Nature Steeped in Timeless Spirit

Nara Prefecture is often regarded as the birthplace of Japanese history. As the location of Japan’s first permanent capital, it remains a place where traditions and spiritual practices cultivated over 1,300 years continue to live on.

In Nara City, the Great Buddha Hall of Tōdai-ji Temple—one of the world’s largest wooden structures—stands in quiet grandeur. Nearby Nara Park is home to freely roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods. The surrounding area is dotted with historic landmarks such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kōfuku-ji Temple, preserving the elegant atmosphere of the ancient capital.

Nara is also known for its rich natural beauty, including Mt. Yoshino and Mt. Ōdaigahara. Mt. Yoshino is especially famous for its cherry blossoms, and in spring the mountainsides blush pink, creating an ethereal landscape that draws countless visitors.

In the Asuka region, which includes Asuka Village, numerous ancient tombs and the remnants of Japan’s earliest Buddhist culture remain. This area not only holds immense archaeological value but also inspires deep imagination about Japan’s distant past.

Woven together by history, nature, and faith, the landscapes of Nara offer a profound sense of peace to all who visit.