Nara Travel Guide

Guidebooks

Fodor's Japan

Nara is a place of synthesis, where Chinese art, religion, and architecture fused with Japanese language and Shinto traditions. The city was established in 710 and was then known as Heijo-Kyo (citadel of peace). Fujiwara-no-Fuhito, father-in-law of Emperor Mommu, was responsible for the city's creation. His grandson, the future Emperor Shomu, later graced the new capital with its wealth of temples, pagodas, and shrines.

Nara Hotels

Nara has accommodations in every style and price range. Since most people treat the city as a day-trip destination, at night the quiet streets are the domain...read more

Fodor's Choice

Nara Restaurants

It's a sin to visit Nara and not have a kaiseki dinner, an aesthetically arranged 7- to 12-course set meal using the freshest ingredients. It's usually...read more

Things To Do in Nara

Explore the best sights, entertainment, and shopping with our top choices and insider tips.

Sights

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Nara Experiences

Top Reasons to Go to Nara

Architecture: Nara's wealth of classical temples, pagodas, and shrines includes some of the world's oldest wooden structures. Crafted in the Chinese... Read more
Try, Try, Try Again

Toshodai-ji was built in 751 for Ganjin, a Chinese priest who traveled to Japan at the invitation of Emperor Shomu. At that time Japanese monks... Read more