Japan is a country full of cities that have magnificent shrines and temples as well as rich culture, history and religion. It is a excellent country that combines their polite traditions into every area of their lives. One of the cities that has a rich culture and history is Nara. Taking a trip to Nara for the day with your gang is the best way to experience everything there is to offer!

A little bit about Nara

Nara, the capital of Japan's Nara Prefecture is a city full of history, culture and deeply rooted religion. Established around the 8th century, Nara was once an ancient capital during the Nara Period (Heijo-kyo) in Japanese history.

Nara is located less than one hour travel from Kyoto and Osaka and has many significant temples, artworks and museums for you as a visitor to explore. Nara is a small city so you can see everything all within one day!

Nara is well known for the largest temple in Japan, Todaiji Temple! Your gang would look fantastic in front of this marvellous architecture.

                                                          [Pictured: Todaiji Temple]

Go inside and see Japan's most giant imposing bronza Buddha statue. You will be truly wowed with its articulate carving and the different buddhas surrounding him. The unique features surrounding the Buddha are all very interesting and important to Japanese Buddhism and culture. Step back and take it in with your gang before moving onto other interesting features within Todaiji Temple.

                                               [Pictured: Todaiji's big bronze Buddha]

What about the deer in Nara Deer Park?

Cute, polite and hilarious gangs of deer freely roam around the grassy hills and slopes of Nara Deer Park. You can surround them, pat them and even feed them senbei (rice crackers)! Be careful though they may bite! It is always a laugh and an excellent time to spend with your friends or gang. Take your time and explore Nara Deer Park and capture those deer selfies!

                                      [Pictured: Nara Deer Park, Deer Selfies]

You may ask, why are deer such an important part of Nara's culture? 

Here are three reasons why:

1.  Deer are considered messengers of God in Japan's Shinto religion and are often considered as helpers of gods. So in Nara they are messengers of the local Gods and protect the sacred temples, grassy Nara Park and the shrines.

2. Nara's deer are an essential part of keeping history and religion alive in the area as they are carefully protected by the locals as natural monuments.

3. Nara's deer are famed for being polite and bowing before they receive food or are patted by visitors. This is showing the deep and long traditional of politeness and respect within Japanese culture and language.

Watch this video to see cute polite bowing deer!

                                    [Video: Cute Japanese Polite Bowing Deer, Source: Youtube]

After seeing the deer with your gang and going inside Todaiji Temple make your way over to the outstanding and excellent Kasuga Taisha.

                                                           [Pictured: Kasuga Taisha]

Kasuga Taisha is a historically significant shrine in Nara that was established around the same time as the capital around the 8th century. Kasuga Taisha housed the Fujiwara clan one of Japan's most powerful family clans during Nara (Heijo kyo) and Heian Period.

Explore the grounds of this unique shrine and you may even see one of your deer buddies there in amongst the lanterns. Try and get a snap of these modelling deer.

                                            [Pictured: Deer in amongst the lanterns at Kasuga Taisha]

Then head over to one of the small auxiliary shrines, Meoto Daikokusha Shrine. This shrine is unique as it is a love shrine. You can try praying for your love and writing a message on the Ema or plaque to hang on the wall. It is an interesting cultural and religious experience for you to do while you explore Nara with your gang. 

                                                          [Pictured: Ema at Meoto Daikokusha Shrine]

Before leaving Nara make sure you try the local foods and sweets. Your gang will be salivating when they see these delicious foods.

Try Mochi (rice balls) at the famous Nakatanidou Mochi Shop, Chagayu (a staple food of Nara priests) and delicious somen noodles all Nara's local dishes. You will be wanting to come back for more!

Make sure you get those Instagram worthy shots!

                                           [Pictured: Famous Nakatanidou Mochi in Nara, Japan]

                                        [Pictured: Chagayu, priests meal in Nara]

After your day in Nara, head onto Osaka or Kyoto to experience everything these cities have to offer. The Kansai region is easily accessible and an excellent area to gather with your gang.

Always remember Nara, is definitely a place to that your gang will love and will cherish their travel memories together!

Contact us at info@tomatotravel.com.au, through our online chat or 1300-680-057 for further information regarding Nara, blogs or tours.

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We hope you enjoy your Monday and the rest of the week! We will be back next week.

Tomato Travel Blogger | 2019