[Nara 0009_HH] A half-day tour of Nara's World Heritage sites and sacred deer

Todaiji Temple was built by the state in the 8th century and is now a designated World Heritage Site. The Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world, and within the building are the Hokke-do Hall and Nigatsu-do Hall, which house many Buddhist statues. In the spring, Nigatsu-do Hall holds the unique Nara ritual of "Omizutori," and from here you can get a panoramic view of the city of Nara. Inside the Great Buddha Hall is a 15-meter-tall Great Buddha, and at the South Gate are statues of Kongorikishi. Be sure to visit and experience its grandeur for yourself.

Nara Park is a representative tourist spot in Nara, with approximately 1,300 deer living in its vast grounds. Historical buildings such as Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are dotted around the park, and you can enjoy the scenery throughout the seasons. It is an attractive spot for interacting with the deer and enjoying the beautiful nature.

Toshodaiji Temple was founded in 759 by the Tang Dynasty monk Ganjin Wajo, who finally made it to Japan after many hardships, as a training center for people studying the precepts. Originally, it only had a lecture hall, sutra repository, and treasure house, but in the late 8th century, his disciples completed the main hall. Its majestic beauty makes it widely known as a representative example of architecture from the Nara period.

Nara Park is a large park, and the tourist sites we will visit later, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which we will visit at the start of the tour, are all located within the park. Nara Park is famous for its deer. The friendly and adorable deer welcome visitors!