Asia Travelers Recommend

Situated 42 kilometres outside of Kyoto in Japan's Kansai region, Nara was the country's first permanent capital city. Only 35minute train journey from Kyoto, Nara has some of Japan’s oldest temples, like Todai-ji Temple - one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. In its huge precincts are various Japanese national treasures, including the Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall) and an enormous bronze statue of Buddha. The Isui-en gardens are the best in the city, with its lush greenery and a carp-filled pond. While the Nara National Museum offers artistic culture with it Buddhist art. In the ancient, colourful Kasuga Shrine there are 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns, which extend along the path to Deer Park, where 1,000 tame deer freely roam in 1,250 acres of peaceful greenery.