The Nara Prefectural Folk Museum is located at the eastern foot of Yadayama Hills within the Nara Folk Park in Yamatokōriyama, northern Nara Prefecture. Themed around introducing the way of life in Nara Prefecture in the past, it is one of the renowned attractions in Yamatokōriyama. Foreign visitors can enter the museum for free upon presenting their passport. The folk museum preserves and displays the...
Nishiyama-dera is a temple located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Its mountain name is "Shōhōzan," and it enshrines the principal image of Shakyamuni Buddha. It was founded in 765 (the first year of the Tenpyō-shōhō era) by Empress Shōtoku as a headquarters temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect, established to protect the nation and pray for peace. During the Nara period, the temple once had over 10…
Tōshōdai Temple is the head temple of the Japanese Ritsu sect, located in Gojō-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. It was personally built by the Chinese Tang Dynasty eminent monk Jianzhen in the architectural style of the flourishing Tang era, which is why it is hailed as a temple symbolizing friendship between China and Japan. It is a national treasure-level temple in Japan and, in 1998, was inscribed as an important part of the “Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara” on the UNESCO World Heritage List...
Yakushi-ji Temple, also known as the Glass Palace, is a temple located in Nishinokyo, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Together with Kofuku-ji, it is one of the head temples of the Hosso sect. It was founded by Emperor Tenmu in 680 and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 as part of the “Cultural Properties of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” Yakushi-ji Temple enshrines...
Kōfuku-ji is a temple located in Tōdaiji-chō, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Hossō school, one of the six schools of Nanto Buddhism, and is also one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto. It is said that the temple was originally founded as Kiyomihara-dera in 699 by the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari on Mount Shigi. Later, it was relocated to the Umayasaka area of Nara Prefecture and renamed Umayasaka-dera;...
Yamatokoriyama is a city in northern Nara Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its goldfish. The goldfish is the symbol of this city, and many people immediately associate it with Yamatokoriyama. Throughout every season, a variety of flowers bloom here, constantly changing — a city where the seasons are known through its blossoms…
Nara City is located in central Japan, in the northern part of Nara Prefecture. It is a historically renowned city, serving as the capital of Nara Prefecture and the prefecture’s largest city. This uniquely charming city is a cultural ancient capital that has accumulated a thousand years of history and is known as the "Rome of the East." The Japanese refer to Nara as their "spiritual homeland" and "...
Shorin-ji is located in Uda City in the northeastern part of Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Shingon Shorin-ji sect and enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image. The temple was founded by Kenkei during the Hōki era (770–781). Legend has it that during the late Nara period, people prayed for the recovery of Emperor Kanmu, who was ill, near Shorin-ji, and their wishes were eventually granted...
Hase-dera Temple is located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Buzan branch of Shingon Buddhism, with the mountain name “Buzan.” The principal image enshrined here is an Eleven-Faced Kannon holding a vajra in the right hand and a water flask in the left. The temple was first established when the monk Dōmyō began constructing a Senju Dōban Tower on a small hill in 688 to pray for the recovery of Emperor Tenmu’s illness. …
The official name of Asuka-dera Temple is Anjo-in, also known as Hōkō-ji or Gankō-ji. Located in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture, it is Japan’s oldest officially established temple. Its mountain name is Torishima-yama, and its principal object of worship, the “Asuka Daibutsu,” is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Legend has it that it was founded by Soga no Umako in the first year of the Emperor Suiko’s reign (588), and it currently belongs to the Japanese Shingon sect…
Kitora Tomb is a circular burial mound constructed in the late 7th to early 8th century, located within the Asuka Historical National Government Park in Asuka Village, Takaichi District, Nara Prefecture. It was accidentally discovered by a local farmer in the 1960s. The interior of the tomb is built with alternating layers of clay and sand, standing 5 meters high and with a diameter of up to 1…
Hannyabaru Plum Grove is located on the Kitazugi Hills in Nishiyoshino Town, Gojō City, Nara Prefecture. With twenty thousand plum trees growing from the foothills to the mountainside, it is one of Japan’s most famous plum blossom viewing spots. Poems about these plum trees have been composed since the 14th century. Originally planted for the cultivation and harvest of plums...
Introduction From Yuzuharaoka Observation Deck, you can enjoy views of the Saikai National Park starting with the Kujukushima Islands, shipyards, the streets of Sasebo, and the Saikai Bridge. It is said that you can witness seven ever-changing sceneries here each day. When visiting Nagasaki, don't miss this famous sight. Nagasaki, Japan…
Introduction The Ninety-Nine Islands are a representative scenic spot in Nagasaki, consisting of 208 islands. With azure coastlines and crystal-clear waters, the islands often display dazzling hues. Visitors can take boat tours to explore the beauty among the various isles. From Kashiwamisaki Pier to Hirado, the sightseeing cruise takes about…
Hokke-ji is a temple of the Kegon sect located in Nara City, Japan. It is a 10-minute walk from the site of the ancient capital Heijō-kyō, the Heijō Palace ruins. The main deity is the Eleven-faced Kannon, and it was founded by Empress Kōmyō. During the Nara period, it served as the national nunnery for all provinces in Japan and is one of the Three Great Convent Temples of Yamato. In 2010, the 125th...
• The world’s largest wooden ancient structure; admire the 16-meter-tall bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha inside. Attraction introduction: The Great Buddha Hall is the main hall of Tōdai-ji, also called the Golden Hall. Built in 1709, it measures 57 meters in width and 50 meters in depth. Majestic and imbued with an ancient charm, although it is only two-thirds the size of the original building…
Kashihara City is a city in central Nara Prefecture, Japan, and the second most populous city in the prefecture. The city's name originates from "Kashihara no Miya," the palace of Emperor Jimmu. It is also home to Nara Medical University. Kashihara is a city abundant in shrines, where visitors can explore Taino-Yamaguchi Shrine, Kunitsukuri Shrine, Takayamagahara Shrine, Amano-Iwato Shrine, Unebi Futamami Shrine...
Tenri City is a city located in the central-northern part of Nara Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1954, the city's name originates from the Tenrikyo religion, making it the only city in Japan named after a religious organization. The city center is home to numerous facilities related to Tenrikyo and is known as a religious city. It is also the location of Tenri University. Tenri City boasts a wealth of historical sites and cultural heritage...
Introduction Baiyun Pool is located on the eastern foothills of Juanli Mountain, surrounded by deep green pine forests that are lush and shady. In summer, Baiyun Pool is a popular tourist destination, where visitors from all over come to go boating, camping, or hiking, breathing in fresh air and enjoying the pleasures of nature. · Nagasaki, Japan…
Introduction During the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's rule, due to the persecution of Christianity, six Spanish Christian missionaries and 20 Japanese believers were executed here. Later generations erected a monument on this hill where the religious event took place. What was once an unremarkable hill has become an internationally renowned pilgrimage site, attracting numerous visitors...