Why do people like Nara?

A celebration of the seasons. If it's springtime Nara is a top spot for cherry blossom. The city itself was stunning enough but Nara is also the name of a prefecture that includes Yoshino, one of the top cherry blossom viewing sites in all of Japan.



People love Nara, Japan, primarily for its unique blend of ancient history and the famous, semi-wild Sika deer that roam freely through Nara Park. As Japan's first permanent capital (established in 710 AD), Nara is home to some of the country's most significant cultural treasures, including Todaiji Temple, which houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)—one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Visitors are drawn to the interactive experience of feeding the deer "shika senbei" (deer crackers), as the animals have famously learned to "bow" to tourists in exchange for a treat. Beyond the deer, Nara offers a more tranquil, "spiritual" atmosphere than the bustling streets of nearby Osaka or Kyoto. The well-preserved Naramachi district, the serene Kasugataisha Shrine with its thousands of lanterns, and the breathtaking autumn foliage make it a year-round favorite. In 2026, Nara remains a top-tier destination for those seeking an "authentic" glimpse into Japan's 1,300-year-old heritage within a stunning natural setting.

People Also Ask

Nara, once known as Heijo-kyo, was the first capital of Japan (710-794). It's home to 3 of Japan's World Heritage Sites and many impressive shrines, temples and ruins.

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Nara Prefecture is located in the Kansai Region of Japan, and is known as the home of many early emperor palaces, large Shinto shrines, and abundance of wild deer that roam freely through the region.

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Because of this legend, deer were thought of as sacred animals--the helpers of gods--and have been carefully protected for many years. Even today, Nara's deer are carefully protected as natural monuments.

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Originally known as Yamato, Nara was Japan's first capital and the seat of the Emperor. Rich in ideas and technology from Europe, China and Korea via the Silk Road, Nara is a living museum with 1,300 years of art and architecture to offer.

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Nara had a role as a Buddhist centre before it rose to political and social prominence in the 8th century. Buddhism was one of the many religions that spread along the lengths of the Silk Roads, and was often transmitted by pilgrims, monks and indeed merchants themselves.

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Nara National Museum is also located in the park. Staying overnight gives you extra time to see Nara by night, and explore some of the dinner options available. You can try some of Nara's specialities, such as somen noodles (a string-thin flour noodle), or bitter persimmon leaf sushi, kaki no ha zushi.

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Nara's sights include Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Heijo Palace, Nara National Museum, the Neiraku Museum and the Isuien Garden Complex.

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Nara Dreamland (Japanese: ?????????, Hepburn: Nara Dorimurando) or just simply Dreamland, was a theme park near Nara, Japan, heavily inspired by Disneyland in California. It opened in 1961 and was in continuous operation until its permanent closure in 2006 as a result of falling attendance.

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