A Kamenoi Hotel trip where you can choose from the charms of Japan
Nara
The beauty of Japan told through deer and history
Nara
- World Heritage
The fusion of magnificent nature and culture - the charm of Nara
Nara is located on a vast site of about 1,600 hectares that spreads east from the center of Nara, and while it is adjacent to Japan's leading cultural heritage sites such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple, it still retains a strong historical background as the capital of Japan during Nara period. Over 1,000 deer, which have been considered messengers of the gods since ancient times, are allowed to roam freely within the park, and visitors can feed them deer crackers and carefully approach them to take photos, an experience that cannot be had at other zoos or tourist facilities in the region.
It is a comprehensive tourist area where nature and culture coexist in harmony, where you can enjoy natural scenery that changes with the seasons and historical buildings, making it popular not only with tourists from Japan and abroad, but also with locals as a place to relax.
The history and cultural background of Nara
The origins of Nara date back to Nara period (8th century). At the time, this area was part of Heijo-kyo, a city decorated with many temples, shrines, and aristocratic mansions. As times changed, the faith and culture centered around the temples and shrines was preserved, and the area was developed into a park. During the Meiji period, the concept of an open urban park was adopted, and the area was developed into a place where a wide range of people, including tourists and local residents, could stop by.
Designation as a World Heritage Site and Place of Scenic Beauty
Nara, along with the surrounding historical buildings, is registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the "Nara." These temples, shrines, and historic sites have left a profound mark on culture, politics, and religion since Nara period, and are an essential part of the development of Japanese culture.
Furthermore, many areas have been designated as scenic spots or historic sites, and are highly regarded not only for their cultural value but also for their scenic beauty. The combination of the natural beauty and historic buildings within the parks creates a unique atmosphere that attracts many visitors.
Nara 's main facilities, areas and attractions
Nara is a vast park divided into areas around Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, around Kofuku-ji Temple, and the Naramachi area, each of which is dotted with historical buildings and natural spots.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views that change with the seasons and time of day, such as cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in autumn, the view from the top of Mt. Wakakusa, and the Ukimi Pavilion reflected in the pond. The diverse walking routes are designed to provide visitors with fresh discoveries.
![Nara](/selection/img/narapark/thumb/narapark.webp)
Nara
location | 30 Noboriojicho, Nara |
---|---|
Access | ・From Kintetsu Nara Station, it is about a 10-minute walk or a 4-minute ride on the Gurutto Bus (sightseeing bus). ・From JR Nara Station, it is about a 20-minute walk or a 15-minute ride on the Gurutto Bus (sightseeing bus). |
Contact information | 0742-22-0375 |
Website | https://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/ |
The published information is as of the time of publication of the article and may differ from current information.
When using the service, please check the latest information on the official website etc. in advance.
customer's voice
- KAMENOI HOTEL NARA
I think the location is very good. It's about a 15-minute walk from Yamato-Saidaiji Station, a terminal station where express and rapid express trains stop, so it's not impossible to walk there, and it's also a quick taxi ride away. It's also about 40 minutes by car from Osaka city.
On the other hand, there is a train depot to the west and the ruins of Heijokyo to the east, so there is nothing nearby, giving it the atmosphere of a Hot springs inn and a nice open view.
It is just two train stops or 15 minutes by car to Nara, Todaiji Temple, and Nara.
From the observation deck you can see the Heijo Palace ruins and Mount Kasuga. It was wonderful.
I would definitely like to use this service when I visit Nara in a different season, as I can see the summer festival and fireworks at Heijo Palace ruins in the summer, and the mountain burning of Mt. Wakakusa in January.
It is adjacent to the World Heritage Site of Heijo Palace, so it is quiet and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historic site during the day and the illuminated Suzaku Gate and other landmarks at night.
Sightseeing spots around Nara
Located close to Nara are the World Heritage sites Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofukuji Temple.
Each one is a sacred place where you can experience its own unique history and art.
If you combine touring historical sites with a stroll around the city, you can fully enjoy the area around Nara over the course of a whole day.
Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha Hall
Todaiji Temple was founded by Emperor Shomu during Nara period and is an important temple that is part of the World Heritage Site "Cultural Monuments Nara." Its magnificent historical scenery attracts tourists from both Japan and abroad. The approach to the main hall is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere, and coexistence with the deer provides a special experience.
The 15-meter-tall Great Buddha, Rushanabutsu, is one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues. It was first cast in the 8th century and has been restored and rebuilt many times to remain in its current form. The Great Buddha Hall was once the world's largest wooden building, and even today, its magnificent exterior and interior space are overwhelming. One of the pillars has a small passageway called the "nose hole," which is famous for granting good fortune to those who pass through it.
![東大寺と大仏殿](/selection/img/narapark/thumb/todaiji.webp)
Kasuga Taisha Shrine Headquarters
Kasuga Taisha is a historic shrine founded in 768, located on the east side of Nara, characterized by its vermilion-painted shrine building and countless stone and hanging lanterns. The Kasuga-zukuri architectural style has been designated a national treasure and an important cultural property, and the approach to the shrine from the main approach is surrounded by nature throughout the seasons, creating a fantastical atmosphere. At the "Chugen Mantoro" festival, which is held every year on the nights of Setsubun in February and August 14th and 15th, the lit lanterns create a mysterious sight.
The "Kasugayama Primeval Forest" on the back of the mountain is a sacred area where untouched nature remains, and some access is restricted to protect the ecosystem, while efforts are being made to eradicate invasive species and develop hiking trails. When you visit the shrine, we recommend enjoying this mystical forest as well as the shrine building.
![春日大社本社](/selection/img/narapark/thumb/kasuga.webp)
Kofukuji Temple
Kofuku-ji Temple was founded by the Fujiwara clan during Nara period, and its five-story pagoda is widely known as the symbol of Nara. The five-story pagoda, which stands about 50 meters tall, is one of Japan's most elegant Buddhist pagodas.
The National Treasure Museum located within the temple grounds displays valuable Buddhist statues and cultural assets, including the Ashura statue, making it a must-see spot for anyone with an interest in Buddhist art.
It is also close to the park, so you can easily visit it while strolling through Nara. It has had a deep connection with the Fujiwara clan throughout history and has long been loved by people as one of the temples that symbolize Nara.
![興福寺](/selection/img/narapark/thumb/kohuku.webp)
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KAMENOI HOTEL NARA
- ・About 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Yamato-Saidaiji Station (free shuttle available)
- ・Approximately 15 minutes from Horai IC on the Daini Hanna Road
3-9-1, Nijo-cho, Nara 630-8002 Japan 630-8002
TEL: +81-742-33-2351
![亀の井ホテル 阿蘇 パークリゾート](/selection/img/narapark/thumb/yamatoheguri.webp)
KAMENOI HOTEL YAMATO HEGURI
- ・About 10 minutes walk from Kintetsu Motoyama-kamiguchi Station (free shuttle available)
- ・About 10 minutes from Ichibu IC on the Daini Hanna Expressway
2-16-1, Kamisho, Heguri-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara 636-0905 Japan 636-0905
TEL: +81-745-45-0351