Nara

Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital from 710 to 794 CE, offers visitors a remarkable journey through Japanese history and culture. Located in the Kansai region, this compact city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it one of Japan’s most culturally significant destinations. The city’s crown jewel is Nara Park, a sprawling green space where over 1,000 sacred deer roam freely, bowing to visitors in exchange for deer crackers called “shika senbei.”

The magnificent Todaiji Temple dominates the city’s skyline, housing the Daibutsu — a 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue that ranks among Japan’s most iconic religious monuments. Visitors can also explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, Kofukuji Temple with its distinctive five-story pagoda and the serene walking paths through Nara’s historic neighborhoods. The city’s manageable size makes it perfect for a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, though staying overnight allows for a more relaxed exploration of its temples, traditional machiya townhouses and local cuisine, including kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) and Yamato beef.