Although it’s often overshadowed by Kyoto, the city of Nara can also count itself among the pre-Tokyo capitals of Japan. As a matter of fact, Nara was to be the country’s first permanent capital, ...

The Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura in the west and east of Japan are both impressive, although the former is considerably larger. Since Buddhism was first introduced in Japan around the sixth ...

Japan is in the midst of a deer epidemic. The animals are overrunning a number of its regions, causing havoc for farmers, and leading to local governments encouraging "population management". About ...

Easily accessible as a day-trip from the big tourist hubs of Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. What makes the city so popular is the fact that it’s home ...

Step back in time to Nara, Japan’s captivating first permanent capital (710-794 CE). Just a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka, this serene city offers a unique blend of ancient history and natural ...

In its history as a unified nation, Japan has had three major capitals. Tokyo (the modern capital) and Kyoto (the longest-serving capital) garner most of the international visitors. Tokyo draws those ...

Deer are seen upon Daibutsu Pond near the Great Buddha Hall at Todaiji Temple in Nara. In autumn, yellow gingko leaves gracefully pave the area. (Photo by Yusuke Hashimoto/Series Akiiro Nara 11) The ...

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