Visit Japan Web invites you to explore Nara, Japan’s initial permanent capital established in 710 at Heijo. Prior to that, the capital was relocated whenever a new emperor assumed the throne. However, the influence and political ambitions of the powerful Buddhist monasteries in the city grew, posing a serious threat to the government. As a result,  the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784 and subsequently to Kyoto a few years later.

Due to being the location of the Nara Prefectural Government, central government agencies and large enterprises have multiple bases here. Most of them are concentrated around the Kintetsu Nara Station and Shin-Omiya Station. But compared to other areas, Nara Prefecture’s industry and commerce are not well-developed.  Tourism, on the contrary, is flourishing. It developed the Tenpyo culture, preserving many cultural heritage sites from the 8th century, making it a famous international tourist city.

According to the legendary history of Kasuga Shrine, the god Takemikazuchi arrived in Nara on a white deer to protect the newly constructed capital of Heijō-kyō. Since then, the deer have been revered as celestial beings, safeguarding the city and the nation. Tame sika deer, also known as spotted deer or Japanese deer, freely roam the town. Local vendors offer sika senbei to tourists so they can feed the deer.

Owing to its historical significance, the city is replete with cultural treasures. Some of them are Japan’s oldest and largest temples. Nara is situated less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka. Tourists often stay in Kyoto or Osaka and make day trips to Nara.  So it has a low accommodation rate with only about 10% of tourists staying in Nara.

Here are some places of interest that Visit Japan Web recommends.