Historic monuments of Nara

Treasures of an ancient capital

A visit to the city of Nara takes you to a Japan from another time. The former capital from AD 710-784, Nara is a stunning record of eighth-century culture and architecture. Today, eight temples, shrines and historic sites around Nara are collectively designated a World Heritage site, testament to their universal significance. Among them the grand Todaiji Temple includes the world's largest wooden structure, Daibutsuden Hall, which houses a huge statue of Buddha, while the five-storey pagoda at Kofukuji Temple is a famous Nara symbol. The bright-red pillars and unique design of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, built by the powerful Fujiwara clan, is striking against the lush-green backdrop of the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, preserved as a sanctuary of natural beauty for over a millennium. Yakushiji Temple, Gangoji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple and the site of the Heiji Palace complete the list.
Standing still in the flow of time, Nara is truly a treasure chest of history. Now a decade since being heritage-listed, Nara continues to enthrall visitors from around the world with a glimpse of the glories of ancient Japan.