Nara, Japan skyline: the 37 most iconic buildings and best views in Nara

This is an art museum that primarily displays Japanese Buddhist art. It was established in 1889, and retains its original building structure and is joined by a new wing that is connected to the original building by an underground passage. Both wings display the museum's permanent collection which includes Buddhist statues, paintings, scrolls and much more.

Saw the National Treasures exhibition. As per the advice of other reviewers I went late and queues weren’t too bad. Still busy inside. Buddhist sculpture hall is impressive.

I love visiting the museum today. There are many items from old Japan of interest there. It certainly expanded my knowledge of Japan. It's only roughly $7 Australian dollars to get in and if you are over 70 it's free. You'll need to provide proof!

We only saw the building during our visit to Nara Park. It is a landmark in the park that can't be missed. We didn't have time to enter the museum to have a look but the building looks pretty nice from outside.

Lots of national treasures and well preserved artifacts on display. Easily spend 1-2 hours looking over everything.

This place is huge and rich in history. Love the outside, full of deer and fountains, trees. You can feel the peace. There are not too many people around, most are walking in Nara Park.

The Nara National Museum, located in Nara, Japan, is a prominent cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing Japanese art and Buddhist heritage. Established in 1889, the museum is situated in Nara Park, a historic area renowned for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and serene atmosphere. The museum plays a vital role in highlighting Nara’s significance as Japan’s first permanent capital and a cradle of Japanese culture. The museum’s collections are particularly rich in Buddhist art, reflecting the deep spiritual history of the region. Its holdings include statues, paintings, ritual objects, and sacred texts spanning various periods, from the Asuka and Nara periods (6th-8th centuries) to later eras. Among its most notable artifacts are the exquisite sculptures and ceremonial relics that offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and religious devotion of early Japanese artisans. The Nara National Museum comprises two main buildings: the original Main Hall, a designated Important Cultural Property, and the East Wing, which features a more contemporary design. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent displays, drawing visitors from across the globe. A highlight of the museum’s calendar is its annual exhibition of treasures from Tōdai-ji Temple, showcasing priceless artifacts usually kept within the temple’s Great Buddha Hall. This exhibition underscores the museum’s mission to connect the public with the profound cultural and spiritual legacy of Japan. Visiting the Nara National Museum is a deeply enriching experience, offering insights into Japan’s artistic, historical, and spiritual traditions.

⸻ We visited Todaji Temple today, and it was a wonderful experience. We took a train to get here, which was very convenient. The surrounding park is huge and lively, with many school kids on day trips, creating a pleasant vibe. The temple itself is beautiful, and deer are everywhere, making the walk even more enjoyable. Don’t miss the delicious ice cream, and make sure to shop at the nearby metro station—especially the French bakery for some great food. Overall, it was a fantastic day!

An impressive construction of both the hall housing the great statue itself and the additional comparatively smaller artworks. The sheer scale of the architecture is impressive. Despite a constant flow of visiting school classes access is good and the crowding is manageable. Please stay respectful to preserve this site for the future and also allow others to see and capture the view for themselves.

Tōdai-ji Temple (東大寺) is an absolute must-see when visiting Nara, and it perfectly complements your visit to Nara Park. It is an incredibly beautiful, large, and awe-inspiring temple with an undeniable sense of majesty and sanctity. Despite the crowds, the size of the temple and the quiet corners of the surrounding grounds still manage to convey a deep sense of sacredness. One of the best things about Tōdai-ji is its convenient location. You can easily walk to the temple directly from Nara Park. The path leading up to the temple gate is part of the park, which means your journey will be accompanied by plenty of deer who are often wandering right up to the entrance. It makes the walk to this sacred site an adventurous and charming experience!

It was an awesome experience visiting this temple, home of the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. The surrounding park is huge, 🦌 deers everywhere, many school kids on day trips creating a pleasant vibe. I recommend to visit this place if you are in Nara.

Went on a cloudy day with a little drizzle. Amazing views and very impressive architecture. The huge Buddha statue looks amazing up close, with the entire temple looking very majestic. Deers were friendly and cute. It was mating season for deers, so male deers were a little hostile, but I did not encounter any hostility. You can buy crackers for 200 yen, and feed the deers. Amazing experience. All in all amazing place to visit no matter the weather. It can be quite crowded though.

Visited on sunday, early morning. Very quite, almost no crowd. I really soaked and enjoyed the tranquility. Inside you can see the magnificent statue with brief explanation and a little history. I recommend to visit this temple should you come to Nara. A few deer can be seen along the route to this temple and to outside of the temple. The deer add the authenticity of the ancient nara vibe.

Absolutely loved this temple. It is close to Kyoto so I had limited time and did it in half a day. We arrived at 12:30 and left at 4pm. There were cute deer I was able to pet one. The females seem cuter than the male deer and you could pet them. I found the statues of Buddha in Todaiji grand. Read the history if you are interested and you can learn about how Buddhism influenced Japan and ultimately is practiced alongside Shintoism.

The ticket is 900Y for both hall. I only visited the Central Golden Hall which is 500Y. To be honest, there's not much to see here. There are Buddha statues inside, but that's pretty much it. Compared of other temples. So, I give a rate of 3 stars. The location is right next to everywhere else you are visiting in Nara which is a good thing. There's a train station nearby, Kintetsu-Nara station in case you're visiting directly from Kyoto or elsewhere.

I first visited this place in 2014. My friends and I enjoyed interacting with the deer. They’re tame and generally good natured. A cautionary note is posted for the visitors though-the deer is a wild animal so be vigilant especially during mating season (autumn, if I recall correctly) so the males are more aggressive. There are available deer biscuits for sale, which, is the only food they should be fed with. From my past experience, they’re likely to eat anything within their mouth’s reach so be careful! We didn’t visit the temple itself. Instead, we just “played” with the deer, fed them and posed with them. Overall a fun experience despite the foul poop smell. The park provides plastic covers for shoes to prevent “untoward accidents” of stepping on poop. There are also lots of snacks sold along the sidewalks in case one gets hungry. We had lunch in one of the restaurants just across the park which was really convenient.

Koguku Jin is a wonderful place to see and interact with many deer up close. It’s a unique experience, especially for families and kids, as the deer freely roam around and are generally friendly. Feeding them is a highlight, but be careful when buying the deer biscuits—the correct price is 200 yen per pack, not 2000 yen, so don’t get tricked into paying more. Once you have the biscuits, expect the deer to come to you quickly, which can be both exciting and a little overwhelming at first! Overall, it’s a fun and memorable stop, but do come prepared with small change for the biscuits and be cautious around vendors. The setting is relaxing, and it’s a great opportunity to take photos and enjoy some time with the animals.

Quite usual Japanese temple, nice but not really impressive. I wouldn’t say it’s something special-and tickets are quite expensive. Although, stuff is friendly.

Nice little temple complex with three different paid admission sites. Make sure you go to the east gate first and get the combo ticket, otherwise you'll pay more to visit each separately.

There are five to six structures in this temple complex All structure are historical and religious places The temple complex includes notable structures like the Five-Story Pagoda, the second tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, and the octagonal Northern and Southern Halls. The pagoda has been rebuilt multiple times due to fire damage, with the current structure dating back to the 15th cent Kofukuji was founded in 669 by Kagami-no-Ōkimi in Yamashina, Kyoto, as a chapel for her husband, Fujiwara no Kamatari. It was later moved to Fujiwara-kyō and then to its present location in Nara when the capital was relocated.

Magical!! Jus b careful, th deer can b overly aggressive. They surround u rt aft u purchase th crackers for them n they nipple at u to get fed. Once u pass them or when u run out of food they don't bother u. Th deers r throughout th park. Th rest of th park is beautiful, th temples n there's shops at th bottom of th hill..... there's even a Starbucks

Enormous shrine and a beautiful one. Since I only had a few minutes because I had to go back to my hotel to check-out, I had to be rather quick and I regret not having visited the shrine the day before when I arrived at Nara with more time to spare because it totally deserves a more thorough visit. Also, very photogenic. This coming from a tourist with no particular knowledge about the shrine (again, I would have liked to have more free time here to learn about the place had I known it was this amazing).

Amazing shrine. Filled with lantern offerings me and old. The walk up is also filled with stone lanterns. The walk through the park is magical with the ancient forest surrounding the park, filled with deer and large overgrown lanterns is cooler than the broiled park below. When you stone at the shrine there is a lovely cooling spot as well as the usual offering places and offerings for prayers. On entry to the paid section you find many lanterns. Most be amazing when they light these for festivals. As with all Shinto temples is an amazing blend of ritual and offering. Was fairly quiet and could wander in peace apart from the room filled with Karen’s and mirrors which got a bit selfie crazed. Mostly bustling Europeans.

Feel the zen in the middle of the forest. All the rain, moss, trees and deer bring me more close to nature. The wwalk to the temple is amazing.

When I visited Kasuga-taisha Shrine in Nara, I was struck by the mysterious atmosphere, where the elegance of the nobility and the bustle of the common people merged in a single air. The corridors of the shrine are graceful... At the same time, the approaches to the shrine are decorated with lanterns, deer roam the area. Note: This is a sacred place, so be polite and quiet 🤫

The temple is a bit of a hike from the train station, up hill with a few steps as well. But it is very beautiful and worth it. I came during a rainy day, so I didn't travel deeper. Will come back again for sure.

It’s a little bit far to walk to Kasugataisha temple but it’s worth the to just walk through the amazing way surrounded by the religious symbols and all the deer 🦌 walking around and asking to feed them 😍👍❤️

A really beautiful shrine — another must-see in Nara. It’s a bit less crowded up there, and definitely worth going inside.

An incredibly ancient temple where you can see the traces of history etched into the wooden beams. Inside the main hall stands a magnificent and awe-inspiring Great Buddha that truly moves the heart. There’s a small trail at the back leading to a memorial site for the Sixth Patriarch. It’s not the easiest place to reach, but absolutely worth the trip.

A masterpiece well introduced in Google. I learnt about this historic site, a Unesco heritage site of Japan, before I was there. My holiday itinerary was not planned for this. I encouraged my son's and daughter to accommodate this temple while on that day in Nara visiting Daitoji temple. All of us were really having an immersion architecture of Tang Dynasty. This place received little tourists attention. My tourist guide experience vouches for its outstanding features in all aspects.

Cherry Blossom season is quiet compared to other crowded sites, it’s relaxing & zen. The Tang Dynasty Chinese Buddhist Master 鉴真大和上 tried to cross the ocean 6 times & finally successfully reached Japan after so many years of failed attempts & loss of his closest friends, his determination & bravery to spread architectural, medicine etc knowledges & wisdoms & peace beyond borders was selfless & significant even after 1300 years… Truly a master of pure heart & kindness!

A serene and sacred oasis, completely different from the many temples so crowded that have effectively reduced themselves to tourist traps. The historic walkway outside also beats Gion.

Beautiful Buddhist temple. Incredibly well taken care of. The Garden surroundings the temples were very nice well worth the visit. A very piecefull place. If I am in Nara definitely will have to visit again If you read English, make sure to get the brochure it gives a great overview of the history of the temple and also has a website off of the qrcode, these people thought about everything!

One of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was my first time seeing a thousand-hand Buddha. All arms carved in wood. It offers a piece of history in the nation building of Japan, especially Buddhism, before Kyoto (Heian-kyo) was established.

Beautiful and serene temple with rich history. A peaceful place to explore and reflect.

A beautiful and historic temple with incredible ancient architecture, it’s amazing to see structures this old still standing. The grounds are peaceful and well-preserved. That said, the entrance fee is quite expensive compared to other temples, which might be a drawback for some. Still, it’s a special place worth seeing if you’re interested in history.

Horyu-ji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan and home to some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. The history, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit in Nara.

It was my university field trip. It was not enjoyable but also packed with historical knowledge experience. The pagoda and temples were built more than 1400 years ago. This history of this place dates back to when before Nara was the capital of Japan in the 6th century. Once you step foot into this historical place, you'd feel as if you've been transported into a different era in time. I wholeheartedly advise everyone to take your time and slowly pace through this place so that you can immerse, feel, and absorb the atmosphere.

Please take half day to this gorgeous temple! We been to Nara twice and visited this temple in our second trip to Nara, we were upset why we didn’t visit here earlier. Once stepping into the gate, we were speechless of how beautiful this temple is! Please don’t miss this place in your trip!

A real historical, well-maintained temple park. I visited quite a lot places in Nara and this one was one of my favorite!

GREAT anciant Buddhist temple in Japan!! Many Buddhist buildings, included oldest Buddhist building in Japan are very impressive. Gilt bronze Buddhist statue of "Sakyamuni Triad" and wooden statue of "Kudara Kannon" are very beautiful!

This temple shows the grand scale that temples were at the time. The current cost to get in is 2000 yen per person for the 3 areas

Cherry Blossom season is quiet compared to other super crowded sites. It’s a must visit if you love ancient architectures & history. It felt like travel back in time of 1000 years while standing there in the rain & enjoy the sight of the pagodas. Very zen & relaxing when there are less people around!

Yakushiji Temple (薬師寺), located in Nara, Japan, is one of the most significant and ancient Buddhist temples in the country. Originally constructed in 680 CE during the Asuka period by Emperor Tenmu, the temple was built to pray for the recovery of his wife, Empress Jitō. Dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing, the temple symbolizes hope and spiritual healing. Yakushiji is renowned for its symmetrical layout and stunning architecture, epitomizing the classical style of early Japanese Buddhism. The temple complex includes several iconic structures, most notably the East Pagoda (東塔, Tōtō), a three-story pagoda dating back to the 8th century. This is the only original structure that survived multiple fires and is celebrated for its elegant design and intricate details. The West Pagoda (西塔, Saitō) and the Kondō (金堂, Main Hall) have been meticulously reconstructed to preserve their historical and spiritual significance. Inside the Kondō, visitors can find an extraordinary bronze triad statue of Yakushi Nyorai flanked by two Bodhisattvas, exemplifying artistic mastery from the Hakuho period. These statues are considered national treasures and reflect the deep devotion to Buddhist teachings. In addition to its architectural and artistic treasures, Yakushiji Temple serves as an active center for Buddhist worship and meditation. The temple’s tranquil atmosphere and rich history make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Japan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

This is a peaceful temple belonging to the Yogācāra school of Buddhism. It features a beautiful pagoda and murals depicting scenes from the Great Tang Dynasty’s journeys to the Western Regions. It’s a great place for those interested in Buddhist teachings and history. Legend has it that relics of Xuanzang are enshrined here.

Marvelous, an over 13-hundred years old stupa and other rebuilt buildings show us ancient views.

July 5th 2025 I attended a group tour organised by Nara International Citizen centre, along with students from NAIST and Nara University. We went to three places, Yakushi-Ji is our first stop. We were just in time to see the buddhist monks performing their prayers (as you can see from the video). This place temple specifically feels oddly calming, reminding me of Todai-ji. As you walk around, enjoying the lotus flowers and ancient architectures. Hopefully, you'll feel as peaceful and relaxed as I did!

Great ancient Buddhist temple in Japan. Two Three-storied pagodas are beautiful!! Gilt bronze Buddhist statue of "Bhaisajyaguru Triad" is very impressive.

Seem most temple in Japan is nice ..This temple is too... The left side pagoda has these bronze relief scenes inside of Buddha that are incredible (no photos allowed). It’s a rather large complex with much to view, but seems like U could cover it in 1/2hours...

Not much of an attraction for sightseeing. I recommend taking a bike and going around the site and spending 15 minutes here. The railroad actually cuts the site in 2, but it's otherwise just a vast expanse of gravel and grass that I assume the locals just use as a normal park. The information center has more going for it such as exhibitions and learning resources for children. On the plus side, there's no entrance tickets needed for anything.

Impressive experience whitnessing an ancient enormous buddha statue in reality. Entry was 800 yen but it was definitely worth it!

Heijo Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara, offers a fascinating journey into Japan’s ancient capital during the Nara period. The reconstructed buildings, including the grand Daigokuden Hall, give you a sense of the scale and significance of this historic site. The park's open spaces and well-maintained paths are perfect for exploring, and the on-site museum provides fascinating insights into the history and significance of the palace. Seasonal events and cultural activities make each visit unique. The expansive grounds are peaceful and ideal for a leisurely stroll, with informative exhibits that provide insights into Nara’s history and culture. Visiting during special events or festivals adds even more charm. A must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in Japan’s rich heritage!

Take a walk past the rebuilt temples and across the road. Quieter, calmer and more serene; feels like a little closer to the sky.

Peaceful and well-maintained historical site. Great place for a relaxing walk.

Its very large and peaceful. It is still in reconstruction and restoration. Nice to visit and see how they build the palace. Absolutely complicated, they are really master of wood. They also have food, coffee and souvenirs shops.

Stunning historical site - oozing positive energy of past Imperial playground - beautifully maintained and the perfect place to go for a stroll, run or simply connect with 1,400 years of history!

We recently stopped in Japan on one of our trips to Korea to visit my wife’s family. From Tokyo, we booked a tour to Osaka, Nara and Kyoto on the bullet train. One of the places we visited on the tour was the Todaiji Temple to see the giant Buddha. It was magnificent. Beautiful building . Well worth the visit to learn about the long history of the temple.

This was one of the most atmospheric spots I visited in Nara. The walk up was memorable in itself - a long, steep staircase lined with stones inscribed with kanji dedications from worshippers. At the top stood the beautiful Nigatsu-dō Hall, founded in 752 CE by the monk Sanetada. Despite its age, it has survived almost entirely intact, with only the Raido chapel added later in 1200. Across from the main hall, I stopped by a small building to get a goshuin. The rain had started coming down hard by then, and I was thankful for the shelter while waiting. Once it eased up, I took time to explore the wooden corridors, admire the rows of lanterns, and take in the view from the elevated platform overlooking the temple grounds and Nara’s lush greenery below. Even with the mist and clouds, it was a serene and unforgettable visit.

Fabulous temple surrounded by nature, with a great view over the city of Nara. There are many different buildings with paintings and sculptures. The path to the temple is a bit steep, but it’s worth the climb!

Great place to see sunset & view of Nara, I visited around 7PM during the summer and it’s free to enter. A must see especially on a clear day. Though, it’s a bit far from Todai-ji & the way there is kinda eerie near sunset

It's free of charge. It's worth visiting when you are visiting the Nara Park. It's not that busy here. It has a nice atmosphere with deers roaming around in the wild.

A temple further up a slope along a path towards the right of Todai-ji, offers a scenic view of the city.

October 13, 2025 No entrance fee. A great spot to just observe the city area below and how high you've actually climbed already from Todaiji.

It’s a beautiful tranquil garden. We were honoured to be chosen by Eiko for an unexpected free tour. She was so lovely and explained a lot of facets of the garden in great detail. Ookini!

Such an amazing garden with a peaceful vibe. will never regret a visit; it has free entrance, and I had never seen such a well maintained garden before. Definitely worth a visit in Nara🦌

A beautiful manicured garden in Nara We have visited this garden during our trip to Nara at the end of June 2025. We have entered at the very end of the day just an hour before closing and found ourselves among very few other visitors in the garden. The attention to detail is impressive - beautiful selection of plants as well as some wildlife- butterflies, bees, lizards and fish in the pond. Given more time and less hot day I would really enjoy an opportunity to sit down and meditate whilst admiring the scenery.

Beautiful free garden with plenty of shade. Right beside the deer park.

Very nice Japanese garden to appreciate. Have a small private venue for rental and event.

We randomly stumbled upon this garden on our way to Nara Park, definitely worth going off the main crowded route. Beautiful hidden garden with well preserved traditional architecture.

Very nice, quiet and beautiful garden. No entrance fee.

It is beautiful Japanese garden located in Nara, the old capital of Japan near Kyōto. It has been preserved since its creation in the Meiji era, and is the only walking garden in Nara. The gardens cover roughly 145,000 square feet (13,500 m2). In the central pond of the gardens, there are two islands with sculptures of a crane and tortoise. In Japanese culture these animals represent longevity. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Toilets available. Great place for photography.

It is a peaceful and well designed Japanese garden. Some parts of it are currently under constructions but you are still able to visit it. The entrance fee is 1200 yen per adult and it's totally worth it. Autumn has just begun so there wasn't a lot of red leaves, but still the mix of green/ yellow/ red leaves compose a pretty and peaceful picture. Recommended to make a stop before going to the temples.

Go check this out!!! Stumbled upon this lookn to get out of the crowds of the bamboo forest. Paid entry but definitely worth it. Garden is pristine. Historical tea houses have placards that explain in detail. Friendly staff.

Beautiful Japanese garden with a small adjoining museum. Really nice peaceful place to walk round away from the Nara crowds.

Beautiful gardens blending together water and land features. Quite pricey but we were offered a tour for free; our tour guide was super knowledgeable and friendly, talking about the history of the garden and Japanese garden structure, an experience I would definitely recommend if in the area.

A stunningly beautiful Japanese garden. Peaceful, relaxing, and as if time stood still. Simply wonderful.

Although the entrance fee is a bit expensive however we know that it will be used to maintain this beautiful garden so it's worth the pay. I love Japanese garden

Very nice place to enjoy nature. It is more or less like easy circular route with a side trail leading to a waterfall. There are several old trails leading to the interior-high areas of the mountain but those are closed to the public and likely unkept. The standard road is nice enough and peaceful.

We did the Kasugayama Primeval Forest hike / loop in Nara Park - it was wonderful. Highly recommended. A moderate hike, with plenty of gentle incline. Quite well signed at each fork in the path. Also impressed by the number of toilet and rest area facilities. The views from the Wakakusayama Summit over Nara were amazing. The waterfall is a very scenic and worthwhile detour. And the hiking through the primeval Forest was a real pleasure. It snowed lightly for much of the hike and there was heavy ice in places where there is running water (not on the trail). It was a highlight of our two night stay in Nara. 13km hiking loop. Plus 2km from Nara to the trail head. Plus 2km from trail exit back to Nara - so wear some suitable gear. Took us around 4hr. Collect a map from the tourist office near Sarusawa Pond.

A beautiful forest and a great place for hiking (and I've seen some people even jogging). You can get there through west entrance from Mt. Wakakusa and after something between 4 and 5 hours you can get back to Nara from the south entrance. During that time, you can see also Uguisu Waterfall, Kasugayama Stone Cavern Buddhas and an abandoned temple. Beware of snakes, fallen trees and slippery sides of the road.

Relatively easy hike through beautiful nature. From Nara park you can go through the forest to the top of Wakakusayama hill (~1hr) and then descent straight down the hill (~10mins). To enter the hill area you need a ticket for ¥150 p.p. There are plenty of deer on the hill too.

This forest is part of UNESCO world heritage and it's a beautiful hike. If you're coming from Nara Park, you can enter the trail from just east of the restaurant Mizuya Chaya. Going around the whole forest took us about four hours. It will take you to the Wakakusayama hilltop, the Uguisuno-taki waterfall, and then along the southern edge of the forest. Some more detail: The full circuit is about four hours trek, mostly gravel path or asphalt, but quite a bit of incline in some places. Going from the trail entry to the hilltop takes about an hour, where you'll want to pause to enjoy the view, then another hour or so to get to the waterfall, and another hour and a half trek to the edge of the forest in the southwest. It's possible to meet cars along the way, but we never did, only two mopeds and two bikes along the full circuit. We met a handful of other hikers as well, mostly Japanese. It's perfect to spend a morning or afternoon. If it's a hot day, don't be discouraged, as the path is almost completely in shade from the trees and the forest is pleasantly cool even on a hot day. I recommend taking a lot of water along, as we did not see any water taps along the way. There are two restrooms we went by, one on the hilltop (where there are also vending machines with drinks), and one at the reststop on the southeast edge of the forest.

I had the whole trail to myself, only passed a handful of locals along the way. If you love nature this is a must.

Here’s our adventure to experience the Kasugayama Primeval Forest. I read somewhere that the trail around the forest is about 10km. And some visitors took up to 4 hrs. (We ended up taking more than 5 - excluding the time we took from Nara station to the start of the trail). We set off from Nara station. There’s a visitor centre above the station where we picked up a map. Anyway, once we reached Nara Park, we got lost after walking along what we thought was the way to the start of the trail. We eventually found an entrance further inwards near Satei Yusui, a restaurant near the Mizuya Shrine. This was the Kasugayama Mountain Trail. The trail was a pretty straightforward gravel path. It became an upslope climb for most of the way and let us to the top of Mount Kasuga. As we neared the top, we saw a sign to turn left to go to the mountain top, and turn right to continue on the trail. We were glad to have headed to the mountain top. Apart from satisfying our curiosity of the view from the top, there was a toilet and a car park and some vending machines with cold and hot drinks. Good for a recharge. From the mountain top, there was an option to head down to Nara Park (nearer). Or to continue one round around the forest before returning to Nara Park (much much longer). We decided to walk the long way, and realize there was a one-way narrow road for cars to drive into the forest. Although they have to pay a toll charge. On our walk, we didn’t see any cars pass us by. The trail goes down. Which was a relief as we had been walking up quite a bit before that. After awhile, we saw a sign pointing to a waterfall that was 600m away. So we decided to go. When we heard no water sounds as we walked lower down the trail, we started dreading the thought of having to walk all the way back up. Thankfully, we found the waterfall and did hear the water sounds as we got nearer. This was the Uguisuno-taki falls. Thankfully, we did not have to retrace our steps, and followed another trail back to the main route. Apparently, you can drive to a car park nearby, and walk down to the waterfall. This is along the one-way route for cars into the forest. But this stop is a branch off the main road, which cars then have to get back onto. With the sun about to set in less than 90 minutes, and us barely at the halfway point, we started to walk faster. Haha. We eventually reached a security post. There was a trail that turned right just before the post that led down to the Takayama Shrine. We took this route as it looked like the shortest way out from the forest. Along the way, the path split into one that led downwards to a rest stop. We decided to go with that one. The path was rocky and I think it’s a shorter path that followed along the Noto River, compared to the trail we saw on the map that was more windy. The trail ended and we exited to a small road that led down to houses along the street. We were back in town just before the sun set! So here’s our thoughts: - the forest is very nice and majestic. - You need to give yourself time to enjoy. - Good walking shoes is a must. - Limited toilets and rest stops along the trail. - There’s probably other trails apart from the one we walked along. - We came across people who were either hiking or jogging. - Bring water. - The walk consist of upslopes and downslopes. - We missed some of the sights and shrines cos we were rushing a bit, and also at times feeling lost. - Just follow the main route and have your mobile phone with a data plan so you can track where you are along the trail.

It’s a pure historical site where you’ll find the world largest Buddha statue of bronze. Inside the main hall will give you some spiritual feel as well as ancient cultures idea. It’s a unique experience one must try. Fee: ¥800 Hours: 8:00~17:00

Big scale amazing wooden architecture its hard to understand and get the same impressions from pictures, recommend to visit and watch by your self why its UNESCO world heritage site, even though there is a lot of people and long line but it moves very fast.

Huge statues, and if I’m not mistaken the building has been rebuilt and is a replica of the original already since the hall has been destroyed in the past. It’s amazing how they built something so huge back in the old days without the existence of modern machineries.

Quick entry, about 800 yen adult and 400 yen kids. Nice shrine, very impressive the size of Buddha. Clean area. English tour guide available upon request for free with entry. Pay extra for audi tour guide. Bathroom available outside pay area. Small shops inside for lucky charms and souvenirs.

The Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji in Nara is one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring cultural treasures. The Daibutsu, a towering bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha standing over 15 meters tall, sits inside the massive wooden Daibutsuden Hall — the largest wooden building in the world. The sheer scale of both the statue and the hall is humbling, and the atmosphere is filled with quiet reverence despite the number of visitors. The craftsmanship of the statue, originally cast in the 8th century and restored through the centuries, reflects both spiritual devotion and remarkable engineering skill. A unique highlight is the pillar with a hole said to be the size of the Buddha’s nostril — children (and some adults) line up to crawl through it for good luck. This is a must-visit for anyone traveling in Japan, not just for its religious importance but also for its place in world architectural history

It's really impressive. Photos and videos of it don't make it a justice, can't just show how huge this statue is and how big the building is. Wooden colomns of this building is impressive. Must see place in Nara.

The most iconic temple in Nara prefecture. All statues show us the ancient sculptures’ brilliant prowess.

If you are busy, please skip this museum, not much to see and look at. Also it is only describing ~800 AD only; if you look for the entire history of Buddhism in Japan as making connections of other key elements: history, wars, publications, politics, culture and religions. This museum is very underdone.

The temple stands out with its unique architecture, quite different from typical East Asian temples. The friendly deer roaming the park around the temple also add a charming and memorable touch to the visit. Overall, it’s a highly worthwhile experience.

Super worth the money and time, great exhibition! We do have certain bund with Buddha.

The entrance was included in the combo ticket I bought to visit Tōdai-ji Temple, and the visit was worth it. Many statues inside and precious articles (swords and other objects), and exploring the museum won’t take too much time. Nice video at the entrance with some good information. No pictures allowed inside.

Todai-ji Museum is worth a visit, especially for the cafe! While the exhibits themselves weren't particularly captivating, the treats and tea at the museum cafe were absolutely delicious. Four stars primarily for the cafe experience, which offered a welcome break and some tasty refreshments.

Nice place and u can get eki stamps there

An Interactive shrine within the Nara Deer Park. You can try to pass through a small hole if you want to. You can also place your intentions near the entrance hall.

Despite lack of clarity whether it would be open, we found this excellent photography gallery to be more than welcoming. Attended on a Friday afternoon in late March 2025

It is pretty far from the major sights and the exhibition is average. If you are on a rushed schedule, you can skip it.

Boring museum with not a very creative display. The building is nice though the exhibits are ordinary. Generic landscape images and bw portraits.

Nice gallery

took me 3 minutes to get water running when washing hands. Not fun when you have soap all over your hands.

Great place for photography lovers!

Cool

Great place for photos and see goldfish presented in an artful way. I took off three stars because there was a fish that was a small bowl with too little space to swim and move. The space between and the top of the gravel to the top of the water was too small for the fish to swim freely and the fish struggled to swim. In a different tank there were 6 fish in a small cube tank and not enough for them. In another tank, a fish was barely hanging onto life and floating with its head down and tail up.

The target audience is mostly kids. If you don’t have kids, you don’t need to go there. Most of the setups are just for taking photos. The entrance fee is, comparing with other tourist attractions, much higher. Though it is understandable that lots of fish need to be kept alive. But there are lack of descriptions about the fish. It’s hard to acknowledge this as a ‘museum’.

What happens when someone mixes LSD, Ikea interior design, and a pet shop? You get the Nara Kingyo Museum. It’s modern art with actual fish swimming around in glass cubes lit like a Tokyo nightclub. Half the time you don’t know if you should clap, meditate, or call an electrician. Every corner screams “artistic vision” while your brain screams “why are the fish watching me?” It’s weirdly hypnotic though. The lights, reflections, and goldfish floating in designer bowls somehow look like an underwater dream, or a bad trip with very expensive lighting. Worth it? Yeah, if you enjoy feeling mildly confused but visually satisfied. Bring your camera, leave your logic. Final score: 4/5 — Beautiful nonsense done right.

The goldfish museum is conveniently situated on the 4th floor of Mi Nara shopping mall in Nara prefecture, making it easily accessible for visitors. Upon purchasing an entrance ticket priced at approximately ¥1,200 per person, guests are treated to a captivating display of goldfish tanks housed within intricately decorated rooms. Each room features unique themes such as the crystal, traditional kimono patterns, flowers and seasonal motifs, providing ample opportunities for stunning photographs. While the goldfish themselves are certainly a sight to behold, what truly sets this museum apart is its attention to detail in creating visually stunning setups. Whether you're a goldfish enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful aesthetics, this museum is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Environment looks great! Love the vibe over here. The fishes are not very active.

Great place to visit. Plenty of gold fish in different rooms. The way they made it gave me a really wonderful visual experience!

I did this art aquarium as well as the art aquarium in Ginza. I'd have to say I like this one more. If going to the park to see the deer this is well worth adding to the days itinerary. Bigger than expected. Had multiple themed areas that were very creative and fun to see. Good place to sit down and rest to just enjoy the environment as well. Interactive places for pictures. The disco room was great.

Described as the most beautiful temple in Tale of Genji's time, about 1000 years ago, this temple is situated in a valley slightly off from both Nara and Kyoto. The main statue is a 10 m high bodhisattva that was made before 1500 that had since become an archetype of its own. It is well worth a trip to experience the beauty of the temple and surrounding environment.

#Hasedera #Temple is one of the most beautiful temples l have visited in Japan. lt is located on the mountain side and surounded by beautiful flowers, that is why also called the temple of flowers. The steps reminded me #Echizen Daibutsu in #Fukui. But they are not as much as it. Also not very steep, quite manageable. When you reach the top, you will see the wooden terrace with a beautiful view of valley and that reminded me #Kiyomizudera in #Kyoto. Since Nara was the earliest beginnings of Japanese Buddhism as the first capital, Hasedera Temple has a cery long history dated back A.D. 686. Main Hall of the Temple is a National Treasure of Japan, designated by the Japanese government as the most precious of Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties. There is a small museum where you can have a chance to see the eleven-headed statue of Kannon (the goddess of mercy) and you can pray by touching his foot. From architectural point of view, almost 10 meter tall wooden statue is one of the largest wooden sculptures in Japan.

There was a beautiful flower arrangement on the starcase, which doesn't allow people to walk in. Visitors can line up to take photos. The only reason I gave 4 stars is that I would prefer natural fields of hydrangea, which I have seen in some other places.

Although it was out of season and there were no flowers blooming, it was a great temple up on a hill. Many steps but were not steep at all and it is relatively quiet being out out of the main cities.

Best temple in japan, our local! Easy access from HASE DERA station. Fraction of the tourists of Kyoto or even Nara.. a real local experience!

A very quiet place on a weekday. We counted less than 15 visitors on this large temple ground when we visited after lunch time. We could walk/hike leisurely around. It was a pleasant experience overall.

Hasedera Temple is a must see in Nara, Japan! Stunning views & fresh air, less tourists, uphill walking with many stairs and slopes. you can take the left side of the entrance can lead you to the bamboo groves alongside the path and avoid buying ticket for entrance.

Very old temple. Actually one of the oldest Holy places in the country. Nice staff and serene setting.

Oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, it's not that big as there is just a single structure but it's easy to get to from the town centre. It's worth a visit as the open nature of the building gives you views into and out of the building from all sides and the style and design are slightly different to other temples. Worth a visit and a read on the history.

Great ancient Buddhist temple in Japan. Old roof tiles on Main Hall "Gokuraku-bo" and many small Stone pagodas are very impressive.

While wandering through the charming streets of Naramachi, we came across this temple - a peaceful and historic spot tucked among the old townhouses and narrow lanes. It ended up being a wonderful surprise. Gango-ji has deep roots, originally dating back to Japan’s very first Buddhist temple, Asuka-dera, before being relocated to Nara in the 8th century. Though only part of the original complex remains, the grounds are still beautiful and full of history. The cherry blossoms were just beginning to fade when we visited, adding to the tranquil, reflective mood. We couldn’t enter the main hall, but we did pick up our final goshuin of the day at the entrance - a great way to end our time exploring Nara.

The wooden structures of this temple was the spot for the FIRST BUDDHIST TEMPLE in Japan, Asuka-dera (Hōkō-ji). Coming through the Heijo-kyo transfer, and being rebuilt and moved, where it became a state-sponsored temple. This edifice used to be a part of the priests' living quarters of the Gango-ji Temple, and was reconstructed as its main hall (National Treasure) and Zen hall (National Treasure) in the Kamakura period. In the storehouse (no photography is allowed) are a small wooden five-storied pagoda (National Treasure), a wooden sitting statue of Amida Buddha, Chiko Mandala, an abundance of articles on folk belief, and so on. Though its a 10 minute walking distance from south of Kofuku-ji Temple (next to Todai-ji Temple), it is worth the visit to complete the UNESCO World Heritage Site landmarks of Ancient Nara.

Gangō-ji was one of the first Buddhist temples in Japan, and was ranked as one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, in Nara .

Peaceful and historic temple. A quiet spot to enjoy Nara’s history.

This small, quiet temple is one of my favorite places in Japan. It's probably the oldest building I've ever been in, and I love listening to the wooden beams creaking softly in the breeze. No photography is allowed inside; they offer postcards, prints, and books to help you remember your visit.

The temple was constructed in 747 by Empress Komyo as a place to pray. The main hall is supposed to be the place for reciting Buddhist prayers. In the hall the Healing Buddha with a jar of medicines is in a seated position surrounded by 12 divine generals. The healing Buddha is made of wood, the generals are made of clay. The temple was damaged by fire, and rebuilt later. Wonderful temple, not to be missed.

Shinyakushiji Temple is a truly serene and peaceful gem. Nestled in a tranquil setting, it offers visitors a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle. The temple’s impressive architecture, with its intricate details and calming presence, provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and contemplation. The beautiful grounds, along with the stunning Buddha statue at the heart of the temple, surrounded by his wild guardians. create an atmosphere of deep spirituality. Shinyakushiji Temple is a must-visit destination that leaves a lasting impression. Plus there is a great ice cream shop Fiore Gelateria right outside it!

The 12 gods are impressive, but not really my cup of tea as I prefer temples with beautiful gardens (probably due to the fact that I am not a Buddhist).

Impossible to describe... I'm stunned. A must watch! Incredibly impressive. I recommand highly.

Great ancient Buddhist temple in Japan. Wooden Buddhist statue of "Bhaisajyaguru" and Clay Buddhist statues of "Twelve Heavenly Generals" are very impressive!

Very quiet temple and worth to visit. The statues of 12 gods surrounding around Buddha are great.

Himuro Shrine (氷室神社), located near Nara Park in Nara City, is a charming Shinto shrine with a unique historical significance tied to ice preservation. The shrine, whose name translates to “Ice Room Shrine,” is dedicated to the deity of ice, honoring the role of ice in ancient rituals and daily life. Established during the Heian period (794–1185), Himuro Shrine was built to venerate the gods responsible for the natural formation and preservation of ice. In a time before refrigeration, ice was a rare and valuable commodity, used in imperial ceremonies and for preserving food. Himuro Shrine’s spiritual significance grew as it became associated with the protection of ice and cold weather. The shrine is modest in size but rich in cultural charm. Its serene atmosphere is enhanced by traditional wooden architecture and seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves later in the year. A notable feature is the annual Himuro Shrine Ice Festival (Himuro Taisai), held every May. During this event, large blocks of ice are offered to the deities, symbolizing gratitude and the importance of ice in daily life. Visitors often stop at the shrine to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and relief from summer heat. Himuro Shrine also offers a quieter alternative to Nara’s larger and more crowded attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to Japan’s cultural traditions.

🧊 Himuro Shrine (氷室神社) is a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary that offers a welcome moment of quiet reflection amidst the hustle of Nara Park. It holds a special charm and a deep sense of serenity and spirituality (khlang). The shrine is conveniently located right next to Nara Park and is along the path leading to the much larger and famous Tōdai-ji Temple. It’s an easy and worthwhile stop on your walking tour. Atmosphere: Compared to the main attractions, Himuro Shrine is quiet and tranquil. It is dedicated to the God of Ice, which gives it a unique history, particularly with regard to ice making and refrigeration. The Unique Experience: Ice Fortune Teller! The most memorable part of a visit here is their special fortune telling ritual: * The Ritual: For JPY 200, you can try their unique omikuji (fortune slip) where you place the paper slip onto a block of ice to reveal your fortune. * A Novel Experience: This is a truly new and unusual experience that you likely won't find at many other Japanese shrines. It’s a fun, inexpensive, and interactive way to get a glimpse into your future!

Himuro Shrine is hardly one of the more popular attractions in Nara, but it’s still worth a visit. It’s on the way if one is walking from the train station to Todai-ji, so one doesn’t even need to go out of one’s way to visit. A short visit is enough, perhaps on the way to or way back from other attractions. This shrine is also quieter than the other more popular sites, which is a bonus if one is all touristed out.

This place literally for ice, and the elder man there was very enthusiasm and kind to our foreign visitors. Although 600 yen for Shuin is a little expensive than shrines in Osaka. But still love the view.

A calm, beautiful Shrine with an interesting ice Fortune (only in Japanese). There weren't many people at 9am and you can get a written Goshuin for 600 yen.

All photos taken on 24/03/23. Himuro Shrine is famous for its special Omikuji (fortune tellers), which are placed on ice and can predict your future, including health, wealth, life, etc. When spring comes, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the shrine looks even more beautiful.

A shrine right near Nara deer park. Enshrined in the Shinto shrine is the deity god of ice. The shrine is on the smaller/medium side of size but still very peaceful and calming At the shrine, there is an omkuji (fortune) where it can be placed on the ice to reveal the fortune! There is a goshuin stamp (御朱印) available that is written directly into the book. Also many different charms that can be purchased there.

This museum hold all the antiques and cultural items of Nara. At the entrance you will see cloth pouch 身代わり申など (Migawarizaru nado) It looks like monkey. It is made of red and white cloth hanging around the house. This charm is used to ward off bad luck and illness. Inside the museum store different artifacts of Japan. There are many pottery. Jewerly boxes, Clocks and more. An interesting place to visit to see antiques.

Very small but interesting museum, the staff was friendly. Located in the heart of Naramachi, this free museum showcases local crafts and historic items, including a fascinating collection of antique wooden shop signs. This is the place to get the Naramachi’s famous red and white silk migawarizaru amulets which are a wee bit pricey (IMO).

Free family run museum where you can learn about the red monkey dolls (Migawari-zaru) hanging from many Nara homes. Fine collection of Edo and Meiji period pictorial business shingles.

Closed at 5pm. Oh yeah, when in Japan unless in tier 1 cities, avoid Tuesday and Wed. Many shops and restaurants are closed on these days😓.

Fantastic little shop with museum; super friendly owner…NOT to be missed!

If wandering the Naramachi, one should set aside a little time to tour the Naramachi Museum. This is a great free resource to develop a feel for the nuances of the local history and community. The crafts on display range from gorgeous traditional to the contemporary, as well as a few tasteful post-modern efforts. NM also has a nice gift store for obtaining samples of local crafts.

Small private museum that is free to enter

You can use a Taiwan student ID to purchase a discounted college student ticket. The facilities inside include restrooms, coin lockers, and vending machines. There were many exhibition rooms to see, starting from 2nd floor then to 1st floor. While it is unfortunate that all descriptions are in Japanese—with no English translations for the artworks—it still provides an intriguing opportunity to explore historical Japanese art.

Amazing museum for educational purposes. Front desk staff was very friendly.

Wow what a stunning curation!!! We're absolutely in love with this place. From modern to traditional, you've got a great sample for everything. Well worth the admission fee - 400 or free for foreigners (visitors or residents), disabled people and some other categories. Will be back for sure.

I went to see the Edward Gorey exhibition, but too many of the (very small) illustrations were placed behind glass and were basically impossible to see. I have no idea why this decision was made. Also the queue for the gift shop was absolutely crazy. There was only one register and the line was 30 people line with a wait of 45 minutes.

A nice art museum and is free for foreign visitors! Staff were very kind and friendly ( there was even someone at the end who took my picture next to an exhibit sign). Exhibition likely rotates. There was even a mini music concert out front which they also invited me to attend.

Nice place.... Good collection of popular arts in the world.

We loved the exposition. Friendly service at front desk and gift shop. Lockers available. Free entrance for foreigners (bring passport).

Very detailed & informative exhibition hall, learned so much, must see if you’re a history & architecture fan. I spent about an hour in here watching all the archeological works.

Highly recommend to go this free museum to learn & experience the history of the palace then go outside to see the gate You can try traditional clothes, play game,build timbers&roof

Great place for adults and kids, very informative and interactive.

Very cute museum, free to boot, which tells a good history of the Nara period and the city's role as a capital. Is short but fun, especially for children as it has many elements aimed at them, and the staff was extremely kind

(Translated by Google) Heijo Palace Izanaikan is located within Heijo Palace Historical Park, which opened in 2018, about 2.9 km northwest of Nara Station, south of Nijo-oji in Nara City. Opening hours are 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and admission is free. This guidance facility conveys the significance and splendor of Heijo Palace Historical Park, a special place where the Nara period can be experienced in the present day, and invites visitors to explore the park and temples and shrines that retain vestiges of the past. Experience Heijo Palace in the Nara period through a 1/200 scale replica model of the entire Heijo Palace complex, large-scale videos, and a Heijo Palace One-Day Picture Scroll, transcending time and space. Discover the diverse charms of the Heijo Palace ruins through experiences such as being amazed by the excavated artifacts and documents, and enjoying the park's current state. Also noteworthy are exhibits of artifacts and documents excavated within the Heijo Palace ruins, as well as a 1/5 scale structural model created for the first restoration of the Daigokuden hall. (Original) 平城宮いざない館は、奈良駅の北西2.9kmほどの奈良市二条大路南に平成30年（2018年）に開園した平城宮跡歴史公園の中にあります。 開館時間は9：00～17：00で、入館無料です。 奈良時代を今に感じる「特別な場所」である平城宮跡歴史公園の意義とすばらしさを伝え、往時の面影を残す公園や寺社へといざなうガイダンス施設です。 平城宮全域の復原模型（1/200）や大型映像、平城宮一日絵巻など、時空を超えて奈良時代の平城宮を体感し、出土品や資料のよみときに驚き、公園のいまを楽しむなどの体験を通して、平城宮跡の多彩な魅力を発見することができます。 平城宮跡内で発掘された出土品や資料の展示、第一次大極殿復原にあたり製作された構造模型（1/5）も見応えがあります。

(Translated by Google) October 2025 Suzakumon Square Transportation Terminal 🅿︎ ¥200/hour The explanations on the projector are very easy to understand. There are so many exciting exhibits! ☺️ You can even rent costumes and take photos! If you're interested, I highly recommend taking a look at the exhibits when you have the time. There are also volunteer guides available. ☝️ The limited-time "Shigeki Tanizawa Photo Exhibition" was held. Apparently, the exhibits featured works from the monthly magazine "Nara-ra." This was also wonderful. It's amazing that admission is free for all this! 😆 (Original) 2025.10月 朱雀門ひろば交通ターミナル🅿︎¥200/1h プロジェクターでの説明がとてもわかりやすいです。 展示物も多いのでワクワクしますよ☺️ 貸衣装で写真も撮れます！ 是非、興味ある方は時間に余裕がある時にじっくり見て欲しい内容です。ボランティア案内おじいもいます☝️ 期間限定の「谷沢重城 写真展」を行ってました。月刊「ならら」掲載作品らしいです。 こちらも素敵でしたよ。 この内容で入場無料とは凄いです😆

(Translated by Google) Standing on the site of the Imperial Palace, you can get a sense of the city as a whole. You can see Heijo Palace and the surrounding mountains, the expanse of the Nara Basin and its roads, the size of Heijokyo as a whole, and the scale of its politics and economy. The Nara period was a period of great change for Japan, and you can feel the stirrings and breath of a nation that began to exert its influence across the country as the culture and scientific power brought by immigrants blossomed. September 2025 (Original) 宮城の跡地に立つと、その都市の全体像に触れることができます。平城宮と周辺の山々、奈良盆地の広がりと街道、平城京全体の大きさと政治経済の規模、等など。やはり奈良時代は日本の大転換期であり、渡来人の持ち込んだ文化、科学の力が花開き、日本全国に支配力をおよぼし始めた国家の胎動、息吹が感じられます。2025.9

This is one of the underrated areas in Nara Deer Park. There is not much to see here but it has a certain grandeur to it. I also some cottage nearby and a public toilet as well. I also spotted some really big crows in the area.

The Ichi No Tori marks the entrance to the parks of Kasuga Taisha in Nara.

Good experience with some deers but a bit sneaky at the same time those deers

The primary torii ⛩ is the literal type. Astounding history.

Simply beautiful

just located oppsite to the train station

Cute deer.

(Translated by Google) A national treasure building that is not very popular. There are no decorations such as zodiac signs, and it is very dark. There were relatively few people, so I was able to take a closer look. Visually, the building looks narrow from the first floor to the second floor. (Original) あまり人気がない、国宝の建物。 干支などの飾りはなく、とても渋めです。 人が比較的少なかったので、じっくり見れました。 建物の見た目的には、一階から二階にかけて絞って見えます。

(Translated by Google) ☆【National Treasure】 It is the oldest building in Kofukuji Temple, and its graceful appearance is wonderful 😄 A three-storied pagoda standing approximately 18m in height on the southwest corner of the Kofuku-ji temple grounds. It was built in 1143 during the Heian period, but was burnt down during the war in 1180. It was then rebuilt in the early Kamakura period to its current appearance. Although it is smaller than the five-storied pagoda, it is a must-see national treasure. Usually closed to the public, only open to the public on July 7th👀 (Original) ☆【国宝】 興福寺の中でも最古の建造物、凄く優美な立ち姿は素敵です😄 興福寺境内の南西隅に立つ高さ約18mほどの三重塔、平安期の康治2年(1143年)建立も治承4年(1180年)戦乱の中で焼失、その後鎌倉時代前期に再建され現在の姿に、五重塔に比べると小振りでも趣ある必見の国宝「三重塔」 普段は非公開、7月7日のみ一般公開👀

(Translated by Google) (Visited in September 2024) The five-story pagoda is currently under renovation, so I could only see the three-story pagoda. It is currently ranked alongside the Hokuendo as the oldest building in Kofuku-ji. (Original) （2024/9月造訪）五重塔整修中，只能看三重塔過過乾癮。目前和北圓堂並列為興福寺最古老建物。

(Translated by Google) In late March 2021, I got off from Kintetsu Nara Station and visited Kofukuji Temple. Rather than entering from the direction of Sarusawa Pond, we entered the precincts from the shopping street side that runs from Kintetsu Nara Station, and on our way to the central area, where there is a five-storied pagoda and Kondo hall, and where there are many deer, we discovered a three-storied pagoda. I had visited Kofukuji Temple many times before, but I had never taken this route before, so this was my first visit. Perhaps because it was off the main route for tourists, there were almost no people around this three-storied pagoda, although there were many tourists near the Kondo Hall, which we visited later, and we spent time admiring the scenery in the picture with the three-storied pagoda in the background on a clear day. The five-storied pagoda is of course amazing, but the height and the balance between height and width can make it feel a little overwhelming, but this three-storied pagoda has a good balance and the greenery behind it makes it a more comfortable place for me personally. (Original) 令和3年3月下旬に近鉄奈良駅を降りて、興福寺様に参拝。 猿沢池方面からではなく、近鉄奈良駅から続く商店街側より境内に入り、五重塔や金堂があり、鹿がたくさんいる中心エリアに向かう途中に、三重塔を発見。 いままで何度も興福寺様には訪問させていただいていたのだが、こちらのルートを通ったことがなく、初めての訪問。 観光客の方々の主要なルートからは外れていたせいか、この後訪問した金堂付近には多くの観光客がいたにも関わらず、この三重塔付近にはほぼ人がおらず、快晴のなか、三重塔をバックに写真に写った景色に見とれ時間をすごしておりました。 五重塔ももちろんすごいのですが、あまりの高さと、高さと横幅のバランスからくる感覚が少し圧倒される感じがあるのですが、この三重の塔はバランスがよく、背後の緑の景気もあるため個人的にはこちらのほうが居心地よくすごせました。

(Translated by Google) Along with the Hokuen-do Hall, this is the oldest building in Kofuku-ji Temple. It was rebuilt during the Heian period and is a national treasure. (Original) 北円堂とともに興福寺で最古の建物 平安時代に再建された 国宝

(Translated by Google) Visit the Five-storied Pagoda, Tokondo Hall, and the National Treasure Museum in that order. Yes, I also want to see the three-storied pagoda. I walked. When I looked at the guide map, I was at the edge of the temple grounds. It was the oldest building at Kofukuji Temple. It is small and looks cute compared to the impressive five-storied pagoda, but it is a building that gives you a sense of history. It seems that there will be a special opening of the three-storied pagoda on July 7th (Friday) in 2023. Benzai Tenku is scheduled to start at 10am. (There may be changes) I would like to see the Benzaiten statue and the 15 Doji statues enshrined on the east side of the first floor. (Original) 五重塔、東金堂、国宝館の順に巡り、 そうだ三重塔も見たい。と歩きました。案内図を見たら境内の端っこ。 興福寺で最古の建物でした。 こじんまりしていて、迫力ある五重塔に比べれば可愛らしい印象ですが、歴史を感じられる建物です。 2023年の特別開帳で、7月7日（金）は三重塔特別公開があるようです。弁才天供は10時〜予定。（変更があるかも）初層東面に祀られる弁才天像と十五童子像、見たいなぁ。

(Translated by Google) Kofuku-ji's three-story pagoda, along with the Hokuen-do Hall, are the temple's oldest buildings. Built in 1143 by Empress Kokamon'in Seishi, the consort of Emperor Sutoku, the three-bay, three-story pagoda is a designated National Treasure. It was destroyed in a fire caused by war in 1180, but is said to have been rebuilt soon after. Inside the first floor, four heavenly pillars are set up, depicting a Pure Land landscape where Buddhas and Bodhisattvas gather together: Yakushi Nyorai to the east, Shaka Nyorai to the south, Amida Nyorai to the west, and Maitreya Nyorai to the north, each depicting 1,000 Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Following the Shinbutsu Bunri (law separating Shinto and Buddhism) order in the early Meiji period, a painted eight-armed seated statue of Benzaiten and her associated deities (fifteen children) from Seson-in, a subsidiary temple of Kofuku-ji, were relocated to the current pedestal on the east side of the inner sanctuary. (Original) 興福寺の三重塔は北円堂とともに興福寺で最古の建物になります。 康治二年(1143年)に崇徳天皇の中宮皇嘉門院聖子が建てた建物で、方三間三重塔婆の本瓦葺きの建物になり国宝に指定されています。 治承四年(1180年)に戦火による火災で焼失したが間もなく再建されたと伝わります。 初層内部に四天柱を設け東に薬師如来・南に釈迦如来・西に阿弥陀如来・北に弥勒如来を各千体描き仏や菩薩が集う浄土の風景を描いています。 明治初期の神仏分離令以降現在の内陣東側須弥壇にはかって興福寺の子院であった世尊院の、彩色された八臂弁財天坐像とその諸尊(十五童子)を遷して安置しています。

(Translated by Google) I visited the museum with my wife and her friend after seeing it on YouTube. The admission fee was only 500 yen per person. Advance reservations were required by phone, and the director was on hand for 1.5 hours, providing a thorough explanation in a machine-gun-like manner about the materials on display and the private materials collected by his father that are not available for photography. I'm really glad we went. I hope this museum continues to exist forever. I think they could raise a lot of money through crowdfunding or something similar. I'm very grateful to the director for giving us this valuable experience despite his busy schedule. (Original) YouTubeをきっかけに妻と妻の友人と伺いました。入館料はなんと1人500円。電話での事前予約制で館長がつきっきりで1.5時間、公開している資料や、館長のお父様が収集された写真撮影不可の非公開資料までマシンガントークで丁寧な解説をしてくれました。本当に行ってよかったです。この博物館がいつまでも続いてくれれば嬉しいです。クラウドファンディング等をすればかなり支援金が集まるのではないかと思います。館長さんが予定もあり、お忙しいなか貴重な経験をさせていただき、本当にありがとうございました。

(Translated by Google) I've been curious about this place for a while and finally decided to visit. Reservations are required in advance by phone. On display are collections collected by the current director's father from all over the world. We enjoyed viewing the exhibits with easy-to-understand and unique explanations from the unique curator. (Original) 前々から気になっており、遂に訪問。事前に電話で予約が必要です。 現館長さんのお父様が世界各国で集められたコレクションが陳列しています。 個性的な館長さんの分かりやすくユニークな解説で展示品を楽しませていただきました。

(Translated by Google) Please contact us in advance before proceeding. I have a home on the premises, so I'll call you home when I arrive. The curator will guide you carefully. It would be a good idea to think about it for about 1 to 2 hours. I think you should go there at least once as there are some very valuable items there. (Original) 現在、前もって連絡してからいきましょう。 敷地内に自宅があるので着いたら自宅の方へ呼びに行きます 館長か丁寧に案内してくれます 1時間から2時間くらい考えとくと良いでしょう かなり貴重な代物があるので一度は行ってもと思います。

(Translated by Google) It was a museum with wonderful collections from all over the world. Advance notice is required. (Original) 世界各国の素晴らしいコレクションが集まった博物館でした。事前連絡が必要です。

(Translated by Google) It's a chaotic space, but after watching it, I feel like a new world has opened up to me. The director's guidance was thorough and very interesting. (Original) カオスとも言うべき空間が広がっていますが、観た後は新世界が開いた気分です。 館長さんの案内も丁寧で、非常に面白かったです。

(Translated by Google) This is Kyoretsu An amazing museum? is The director is a warm person and his explanations are excellent, so please feel free to ask for help. The exhibits are, of course, exhibits of the way of life of our predecessors. (Original) キョーレツです 凄すぎる博物館？です 館長さんは温かい方で説明が素晴らしいのでぜひお願いをして下さい 展示物もさることながら先代の生き様の展示物です

(Translated by Google) I finally visited a museum that I had been curious about but couldn't go to. The curator himself explained the collection and we had a very interesting tour. Rediscover Nara's subculture! I enjoyed the treasured Mansho Cave like a maniac. (Original) 気になりつつ行けなかった博物館をついに訪問。館長自らコレクションを説明してもらい、とても興味深く見学しました。奈良のサブカル再発見！秘蔵の森羅万象窟がマニアックで楽しめました～

Large site with all new temples and exhibition how they rebuild the site.

Staff try to explain each item to me in English. I’m so appreciative that he let me know the new knowledge about this palace. It’s so amazing.

Neat little museum with explanations on what the Heijo excavation site is. Really glad that a fair amount was translated. The exhibitions themselves were well put together. Worth a visit.

Really quaint museum but really fascinating

Good information. Learned a lot

The building method which was adopted at that time is introduced. I am looking forward to Heijo-kyo's resurgence.

Peace environment ☺️

Massive gate leading to the site of the palace itself. Located at the south end of the imperial palace, it is the main entry into the palatial grounds. In the past, grand ceremonies were held in front of the gate on New Year's Day and for the arrival and departure of diplomatic envoys. The current Suzakumon was meticulously restored in 1998, featuring a 25m frontage and standing 20m tall.

Suzakumon Gate (朱雀門) is a significant historical landmark located in Nara, Japan, serving as a reconstructed symbol of the city’s ancient heritage. Originally built during the Nara period (710–794), it was the grand southern entrance to Heijo Palace (平城宮), the imperial residence when Nara was Japan’s capital. The gate stood as an emblem of the nation’s political and cultural power, forming a vital part of the symmetrical layout of the capital city, inspired by Chinese Tang dynasty designs. The present Suzakumon Gate is a meticulous reconstruction completed in 1998, based on historical records, archaeological findings, and traditional building techniques. The two-story structure is painted in striking vermilion, with green tiles adorning its roof and intricate wooden carvings. Its vibrant colors and imposing size make it a striking sight, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Japan. Suzakumon Gate is part of the Heijo Palace Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, including the Daigokuden (Imperial Audience Hall), which has also been reconstructed to reflect the splendor of Nara’s imperial past. Seasonal events, such as reenactments and festivals, bring the site to life, celebrating its historical significance. Standing as a testament to Nara’s role as the cradle of Japanese civilization, Suzakumon Gate is both a cultural treasure and a vivid reminder of the city’s architectural and historical legacy.

Went for the fireworks in the winter (end of January) Be warned a lot of locals gave me the wrong directions to get to this gate , follow google maps for the best route. The gate lights up at night and is beautiful though I wouldn’t have stayed too long if it weren’t for the fireworks. Really beautiful nonetheless.

The gate was a really pretty architecture. The complex also came with some information centres with different decorations and functions - could take several hours here.

Didn't get to actually go in as it was closed by 18:00, but got some sweet photos of the shrine at night along with the surrounding streets. Stumbled across a 5 storey pagoda that is very famous on the way down which was a nice surprise too.

Avoid it. Appears to be a tourist trap

I didn’t see the fireworks but still a great site to add to my itinerary.

We arrived at Tōdai-ji’s Nandaimon Gate around 6:30 AM, and it was wonderfully quiet with no crowds at all. The massive wooden gate looked even more impressive in the soft morning light. It felt peaceful and calm — a perfect time to enjoy the historic atmosphere. A few kind local ladies were already sweeping up deer droppings, keeping the area clean. The deer were calm and not pushy at all. It was nice to take photos without people in the background, and we could really appreciate the size and beauty of the gate. Highly recommended to come early if you want a quiet and relaxing experience before the tourists arrive.

We didn't even get in, the queue was so so long, there were so many people!!! Probably because it was 13am on a holiday (mountain day) week but it wasn't very inviting. I'm sure the whole temple is amazing and a great experience but not when there are so many tourists. And its hard to say when there are none - its Nara The wait would be about an hour just to buy tickets

Our trip was really nice and we pet lots of animals. We tried to find food but we didn't find any. The entry for the statue is 800Yen for adult and 400 Yen for children but you have to pay in Cash. We had no cash so we didn't get to see it. The ATMs were a long walk away. We didn't need tickets to enter the park with the deer.

Peaceful, charming, and full of history! Nara is an incredible place to visit, just a short trip from Kyoto. The highlight for me was definitely the friendly deer roaming freely around Nara Park – they bow to you and are so gentle! Todai-ji Temple is awe-inspiring, especially the giant Buddha statue inside. The whole town has a calm and relaxing atmosphere with beautiful nature and well-preserved historical sites. It’s perfect for a day trip. Don’t forget to try some local snacks and buy deer cookies to feed the deer. A unique and unforgettable experience!

The Great South Gate is the main gate of Tōdai-ji. The original, erected during the Nara period, was destroyed by a typhoon during the Heian period. The present structure, which dates to the Kamakura period, was built using what is known as the “Daibutsu style.” A type of construction based upon Sung Chinese models, it was newly introduced to Japan by Chōgen, the monk responsible for restoring Tōdai-ji, at the end of the twelfth century. The ridgepole was raised in 1199 and the structure was completed in 1203 along with the statues of the guardian dieties, the Two Ni-ō housed in the gate. The gate with its double hip-and-gable roof is five bays wide and two bays deep. Originally there were three pairs of doors. The eighteen giant pillars that support the roof measure 19.058 meters and the entire structure rises 25.46 meters above the stone plinth on which it rests. The Great South Gate is the largest temple entrance gate in Japan, suitable in scale to the Great Buddha Hall. The two muscular guardians in the Great South Gate, commonly known as the “Ni-ō (Two Kings) of Tōdai-ji,” are monumental works said to have been sculpted in just sixty-nine days under the direction of the sculptors Unkei and Kaikei. Both statues measure just over 8.4 meters in height.

Very grand temple with so many deers around. We enjoy feeding the deers who always hungry and asked for more biscuits. Don't forget to buy the biscuits from souvenir stores outside and buy a lot so you can feed more deers. Hide your biscuits if you don't want them to bite and push you around! :)

Huge, monumental gate, splendid. Truly grandiose. Gare leading to the Tōdai-ji temple. Huge crowds of tourists.

Simple, not sure you need to pay to get in thought even if the info I found online said you had to pay a fee at the hotel. The entrance wasn't garded and was unlocked. The abondoned building beside it was more interesting. Also there are no English translation, so do your research before going there.

The Pyramid of Nara. It's actually a tomb made of stones. It's often overlooked but you might want to have a peek :)

(Translated by Google) 2010.05.03 A mysterious tower that looks like a step pyramid. According to Wikipedia, it has a side of 32m and a height of 10m, so it is not a huge pyramid. There are seven steps, each with a stone Buddha and a tiled roof to protect it. It looked like a three-dimensional mandala in Esoteric Buddhism, and I thought it was a religious concept similar to Borobudur. However, it was built in 767, just before Kukai was born, so perhaps the worldview was passed down through a different route? Interesting. (Original) 2010.05.03 階段ピラミッドのような外観を持つ不思議な塔。Wikipediaによると一辺が32m高さ10mとあるので、ピラミッドのような巨大なものではない。段は7段あり、それぞれ石仏が配されて、石仏を守る瓦屋根が設けられている。 密教でいう立体曼荼羅のような印象で、ボロブドゥールに近いような宗教観かと思いながら見学した。ただ建てられたのは767年と空海が生まれる少し前なので、別のルートで伝わってきた世界観か⁈　おもしろい。

(Translated by Google) This is a historical site that I didn't even notice when I came to Nara 10 years ago. I couldn't find the entrance so I tried to go in from the side of the Jizo statue, but it was surrounded by a fence and I couldn't get in. (Original) 10年前に奈良へ来た時にはまったく気付かなかった史跡。 入口が分からずお地蔵様の横から行ってみましたが柵に囲まれ中には入れませんでした。

(Translated by Google) Born and raised in Nara I love Nara but A wonderful space that can be said to be one of the top 10 in the ranking of people who love choosing, are attractive, and want to keep it a secret and keep it to themselves! (That person is saying this on his own) We are now an information society Perhaps people who visit Nara with an interest in Nara are more drawn to the charm of this space than Nara locals! It's dark under the lighthouse (lol) God and Buddha may actually be shining a light on a very deep lesson of love in those momentary encounters with people who come for sightseeing, without any conversation. Hints for awareness and enlightenment will rain down from the sky. In this place, such energy is concentrated and amplified, clearly creating and guiding us to a staircase to the unknown maximum universe. In this charming space Dear family, couple, lover, friend, Anyway, I want you to visit with your loved ones! If you have permission from the administrator, I would like you to visit with dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.! ! Admission fee: 300 yen Super cheap! It can be said that it is almost reserved! I was able to reserve it for myself for about an hour and was satisfied. The luxury of having a wonderful space all to yourself with someone who loves it That's the price! ? Too amazing! ! What a head tower I didn't know I knew but I thought it didn't matter. I would like local people to come and try it out too. He will give you a great map that will change the floors of Kuhon. (Original) 奈良産まれ奈良育ち 奈良大好き が 選ぶ大好き・魅力的・秘密にして独り占めしたいと思うランキングBEST10にランキングする1つと言える素敵な空間！（その独りが勝手に言ってますが） 今は情報社会なので もしかしたら奈良人より奈良に関心を持ち訪れてくださった方々の方がこの空間の魅力に引き寄せられているのかもしれません！ 灯台下暗しですね（笑） 観光に来てくださる人との会話も何もないただ一瞬の出会いには実はすごく深い愛の学びを神様仏様が照らしてくださってるのかもしれませんね 気づき・悟りへのヒントを大空から降り注いでくださる この場所にはそんなエネルギーが集中し増幅させ私達を未知なる極大なる宇宙への階段を明確に創り導いてる この魅力に溢れる空間には 愛する家族・夫婦・恋人・友人、、 とにかく大切な方と訪れてほしい！ 管理人さんの許可があるのならワンちゃんニャンちゃんうさちゃんなどなどとも訪れて欲しいくらいです！！ 入館料300円 超激安! それもほぼ貸切と言えます！ 私は勝手に貸切で1時間程満足させて頂きましたよ 素敵な空間を愛する人との独り占めの贅沢 それがこのお値段！？ 凄すぎる！！ 頭塔なんて 知らなかった 知ってたけどどうでもいいしって思ってた そんな地元の方々にもぜひ行ってみてもらいたい 九品の階が変わる偉大なる地図をプレゼントしてくださるでしょうから、、

(Translated by Google) Many of the stone Buddha statues are unclear in shape, but they are wonderful and give a sense of history. To enter, you need to call out to Art Salon Miyazaki, which is a little way off the bus route, pay a contribution (300 yen), and they will open the door for you. (Original) 石仏は形のはっきりしないものも多いですが、歴史を感じさせるすばらしいものでした。入り方はバス通りから少し入ったアートサロン宮崎さんに声を掛けて協力金（300円）を払い、鍵を開けてもらい入ります。

(Translated by Google) The head pagoda was originally called an earthen pagoda. According to legend, it was an earthen pagoda built by monk Shitada of Todaiji Temple in 767 to enshrine the Buddha's relics. Often said to be the pyramid of Japan, it is a relatively unpopular but interesting attraction in Nara. This attraction is not currently open (please refer to the official website). You can only see it from the east side of the bus stop. To get here, you can take bus No. 1, which is quite convenient. (Original) 頭塔原稱土塔，相傳是東大寺僧侶實忠於 767 年修築的土製佛塔，供奉佛舍利的佛塔。常常被人說是日本的金字塔，是奈良比較冷門但有意思的景點。 這個景點目前並未開放（以官網為準），要看只能從東側公車站旁遠眺。要來到這裡可以搭1路公車，也算方便。

The prison was used until 2017. We can se and feel the real lifestyle there. In 2024, they will be open as prison hotel. Sounds very interesting!

A beautiful prison, Now closed and left to decay, A new life as a hotel. The walls, once strong and stern, Now crumble and fade away, A new chapter to be born. The bars, once cold and grim, Now rust and gather dust, A new purpose to be found. A beautiful prison, Now closed and left behind, A new life awaits.

Nice

(Translated by Google) Good thing I stayed! I like brick buildings and have traveled all over the place to see them. Prisons are good in size, but in Nagasaki there is only the main gate, and in Maebashi, although it remains beautifully, it is still in use, so except for the correctional exhibition, you can only see inside if you are sentenced to prison. Fortunately, this building remained as it was used as a rehabilitation facility for a long time. The highlight is the main gate and the long brick wall. The brick walls were rounded at the corners, just like Maebashi Prison. I'm curious what will happen to the inside when the hotel opens next year, but it looks like the main building will be used without being demolished. The main gate is a great spot to take great photos, but please don't occupy it. (Original) よくぞ残った！ 煉瓦建造物が好きで、各地を見て廻っています。監獄は規模の大きさが良いのですが、長崎は正門だけになっていたり、前橋は見事に残っているけど現役なので矯正展以外では実刑食らうしか中まで見れません。 こちらは長く更生施設として使われていたのが幸いして残りました。見どころは正門と長く続く煉瓦塀です。煉瓦塀は前橋刑務所と同じく角はアールが付けられていました。 来年のホテル開業で中はどうなってしまうのか気になりますが、主要な建物は解体せずに使う様です。 正門は映える写真が撮れるスポットなのですが、占有はやめましょう。

(Translated by Google) A piece of modern Japanese architecture. A beautiful prison. It's currently being renovated (apparently to become a hotel), so only the exterior can be seen. I was surprised to find a prison so close to residential areas. After getting off the bus, I walked up the slope, and on the way back I walked back towards Nara Station. Some people came by car to take photos, but I hope they will be considerate of the neighbors. (Original) 近代日本建築の一つ。美しい監獄です。 今はリノベーション（ホテルになるそうです。）中で外観しか見られません。 こんな住宅が近い土地に監獄があったのかと驚きました。 行はバスで下車後坂道を歩き、帰りは歩いて奈良駅方面に帰りました。 車出来て写真を撮っている人もいましたが近隣住民の方の事も配慮して頂けたらと思います。

(Translated by Google) The long, high brick walls make this building both strange and beautiful. It is currently under renovation, so there is a sheet covering the main gate, so we were unable to see it, but I think it is a very valuable building. I'm looking forward to it opening. (Original) 長く続くレンガの高い塀が異様でもあり、美しくもある建造物 現在改装中のため、シートがされているので正門をみることはできませんでしたが建造物としてとても、価値のあるものだと思います 開業が楽しみです

(Translated by Google) It stood there, as if sleeping, in a quiet place. I wonder if there was construction going on when I visited. I could hear the construction noise 🎶. ꉂ🤗 There's nothing there, though... The atmosphere was nice. You might be able to take some great photos of cars and motorcycles. If you do go, it's near a residential area, so 🤗💗 Try not to make too much noise. (:D)┓Pekorincho (Original) 静かな場所に眠るように立たずんでいました。 僕が訪れた時は、工事してたのかな。 工事の音が🎶してました。 ꉂ🤗 何も無いですけど。。雰囲気は良かったです。 車やバイクのイイ写メがとれるかもね。 もし、行かれる際は 住宅街の傍なので🤗💗 あまり騒がない様に。(:D)┓ﾍﾟｺﾘﾝﾁｮ

Fun place to learn about the history of Buddism. There's discount for students or even free entrance with Mahoroba pass

Allegedly open on Wednesdays and Fridays, but when I came on Wednesday, it was closed. (July 2019)

Beauty Architecture!!!

(Translated by Google) A gate that is usually not open. A must-read for anyone interested in Buddhist art. There are open days twice a week, but permission is required over the intercom. There is a release date once a year, but you have to search to find out when. Designed by Sada Sekino, a disciple of Kingo Tatsuno The work on the window frames and the structure of the library are wonderful. By the way, I've been there twice, and even on the twice-a-week open days, there are only some reference rooms available, and the staff is unfriendly. *Interior photos are from the internet (Original) 普段は開かずの門。 仏教美術に関心のある方には必要がある。週二回開放日があるが、インターホンで許可がいる。年1回の公開日があるが、何時なのかは検索要。 設計は辰野金吾の弟子、関野貞 窓枠の細工や図書館の構造は素晴らしい。 因みに僕は二回入ったが週二回の公開日も一部資料室のみで無愛想な職員が対応する。 ＊内部写真はネットより

(Translated by Google) It was established in 1980. (Original) 昭和55年に設立されました。

(Translated by Google) I have no idea when I'll be able to go inside, but I'd like to go inside someday. The weeping cherry blossoms were beautiful. By chance, a concert (for a fee) was being held inside, and I was able to enter the premises for the first time. (Original) いったいいつ来れば入れるのかさっぱりわからないがいつか中に入ってみたい。 枝垂れ桜が綺麗でした。 たまたま中でコンサート（有料）を開催していて、敷地内に初めて入ることができました。

(Translated by Google) I was really lucky! Apparently, you can only see the inside for two days when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. This year it's March 30th and March 31st, but next year they'll decide when the cherry blossoms bloom, so if the timing is right. You will be able to take a tour. Photography is not allowed inside the building, but the windows with detailed Islamic patterns are cute. The entire building is symmetrical and has the image of Byodo-in Temple, with design ideas here and there, making it a truly beautiful and wonderful building. Normally I could only see it from behind the fence, so I was very happy, and the kind volunteers gave me explanations and stories, and it was a moving moment. It was also lit up in the fall. (Original) 本当にラッキーでした！ 桜の咲いている時期の二日間だけ、中が見学できるそうで、、、 今年は3/30 ,3/31ですが、来年は、桜の開花に合わせて、決める決めるそうなので、タイミングが合えば。見学できることになります。 建物内は撮影禁止ですが、細かなイスラム模様の窓は可愛いです。 建物全体はシンメトリーで、平等院のイメージ、あちこちにデザインの工夫がされてて、本当に美しく素敵な建物です。 ふだんは、フェンス越しからしか眺められなかったので、大変嬉しくて、親切なボランティアさん達が、説明やお話をしてくださって、感動のひととき でした。 秋にはライトアップもしてました。

This facility provides a comprehensive overview of the reconstruction work on the buildings of the Daiichiji-Daigokuden-in. Actual materials, tools and building methods are on display, and in addition to this, you can also enjoy a model of the reconstructed Daiichiji-Daigokuden-in, an informational video and a hands-on exhibit.

(Translated by Google) Late August 2025 I came here in the evening to watch the swallows roosting. This is the reed field that stretches to the west of our museum. We were worried about the heavy rain, but it stopped just as the sun set. About 50-60 spectators gathered! "Swallow Show in the Reed Field Sky at Sunset" 60,000 birds! Amazing...!! On this day, we were able to watch for about 15 minutes after sunset! It almost seemed like all the parents and fledged young from each region of the Nara Basin were gathering together! I hope that the natural reed fields will be preserved forever. [Postscript] Where do swallows go during the day? In mid-July, while walking along the Yamanobe no Michi (northern part), we saw groups of 40-70 swallows on power lines in three areas! I imagine that the swallows that grew up in each area probably return to their familiar areas, gather around the power lines, and eat there. (Original) 2025.8.下旬 夕方「ツバメのねぐら入り」を見るためやって来ました。当館の西側に広がるヨシ原です。 強い雨が降ってきて心配したのですが日没頃には丁度止みました。見物客は50〜60人程集まって来ました！ “日没の　ヨシ原の空　ツバメショー” 6万羽とか 素晴らしい…!! この日は日没から15分間程見れました！ 奈良盆地の各地区で巣立った子とか親が皆集まって来るのではと思えるくらい!? 自然のヨシ原はいつまでも残してほしいものです。 【後記】 ツバメは昼間何処へ行くのでしょう？ 7月中旬 山の辺の道(北部)を歩いた時、電線に40〜70羽の集団が3地区で観られました！ おそらく各地区で育ったツバメは、夫々土地勘のある地区へ戻り電線に集まり、そこで食事するのではと想像します？

(Translated by Google) You can take a free tour of the First Daigokuden restoration project, which is currently underway, to learn about the restoration methods used to restore the structures and watch a video introducing them. (Original) 現在工事中の第一大極殿の復元事業に関した構造物の復元方法や映像紹介などを無料で見学できます。

(Translated by Google) The most important thing in restoring Heijo Palace, It will give you complete information about Heijo Palace from every corner. This information center appropriately discloses and displays them. It is truly a blessing to see the Heijo Palace ruins come back to life in our time. (Original) 平城宮を復原するにあたって一番肝心なこと、 それは隅から隅まで平城宮の完全な情報を得ることだろう。 この情報館はそれらを適切に開示、展示してくれている。 我々の時代に生き返る平城宮跡は本当に幸せものだ。

(Translated by Google) Swallows have arrived at their roost. Due to the rain, the swallows were flying low and it was very impressive. (Original) つばめのねぐら入り。雨でつばめの飛ぶ高度が低く迫力ありでした。

(Translated by Google) Taegeukden, which stands in the park, was completed in 2010. In 2022, Taegeumun (south gate) will be completed, and from now on, Heijo Palace will be restored, surrounded by the West Tower, East Tower, Taegeukden Hall, and the corridors. Since there are no original plans or paintings left of Taegeukden, it seems that it was reconstructed based on the masonry surrounding the building discovered during excavations, the ancestor stones from the ruins of Kyoningu Shrine, and documents from Horyuji Temple, Yakushiji Todo Hall, etc. . The highlight of this information center is the master carpenter's skills. Although it is a small exhibition hall, you can get a glimpse of the skills of ``miya carpenters'' who are essential for repairing buildings that are designated as national treasures or important cultural heritage sites. The reason why temples and shrines in Nara and Kyoto were able to withstand earthquakes even though they were made of wood is because these techniques have been passed down. With that in mind, if you have a son or daughter, bring them along. ``Dad, I'm going to become a first-class architect and work as a shrine carpenter.'' There were no parents and children like that today, but... (Original) 公園に立つ太極殿は2010年に完成。2022年には太極門(南門)が完成、これから西楼、東楼、そして太極殿と回廊等で囲まれ平城宮が復元されて行くのでしょう✨ 太極殿は当時の設計図も絵画も残っていない為、発掘調査で解った建物の周囲の石積や恭仁宮跡の祖石などから、又法隆寺や薬師寺東堂等の文献を参考に復元したらしい。 この情報館の見所に棟梁の技術がある。小さい展示場ながら国宝、重文の建物の修理修繕に欠かせない「宮大工」の技術を少し見る事が出来る。 奈良、京都の寺社が木造ながら震災にも耐えたのはこうした技術が受け継がれているからである。 そんなことを思えば、息子、娘がいたら連れて来るが良い。 「父ちゃん、俺(私)一級建築士になって、宮大工するよ」今日はそんな親子はいなかったけど…

(Translated by Google) Visited 2024/1. You can see how the first Daigokuden-in was restored. It was very interesting to see the trial and error process that various engineers went through. There is a replica of the part I made as a trial, which is located at the top of the building and cannot be seen clearly. There is a corner where you can watch videos, which are short and easy to understand, so I recommend watching them if you have time. I highly recommend listening to the guide's stories as they are entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing the First Daigokuden. There is also a toilet. (Original) 2024/1訪問。どの様にして、第一次大極殿院を復元したのかがわかります。様々な技術者が試行錯誤をしていた過程がとても興味深い。試しに作ったもの、建物の上の方にあって良く見えない部分のレプリカがあります。動画を見るコーナーあり、これが分かりやすく短く纏まっていますので、お時間あればお奨めです。ガイドさんの話はここでも楽しいのでお奨めです。 第一次大極殿を見るのが楽しみになります。 また、トイレあります。

(Translated by Google) It is said that the hall was completed around 1852 after receiving donations from Jodo sect followers. There was no writing about the goshuin inside the hall, but if you ask someone who was there, they will write it for you. thank you very much. (Original) 指図堂は浄土宗徒の喜捨を受けて、嘉永5年（1852）頃に御堂が完成したそうです。御堂の中では御朱印の事は書かれていませんでしたが、居られた方に伺うと書いていただけるとのこと。ありがとうございました。

(Translated by Google) You can enter the temple after taking off your shoes. They will give you a very friendly guide. There is also the closest taxi stop to the Great Buddha Hall. (Original) 靴を脱いで拝観できます。 とても親切な案内をしてくださいます。 大仏殿へ行くときの最も近い タクシーの降り場もあります

(Translated by Google) I visited for a tea ceremony. I was interested in Kengouan, so I was glad to be able to go inside. It had been renovated while preserving the old materials. The other Japanese-style rooms and toilets were new and comfortable. The main ceremony was held in the Japanese-style room normally used for copying sutras, and the secondary ceremony was held in Kengouan. The gardens are beautiful, and there are few people around the Shizudo Hall, so it's a great place with views of the Great Buddha Hall and Mt. Wakakusa. (Original) 茶会で伺いました。 遣迎庵(けんごうあん)に興味があったので中に入れて嬉しいです。古い資材を残しつつリフォームされていました。 他の和室やトイレは新しく快適な作りでした。 ふだん写経に使われている和室で本席、遣迎庵で副席が催されました。 お庭も美しく指図堂周辺は人が少なく大仏殿、若草山が見えとても良い所です。

(Translated by Google) Sashizudo is a building within the grounds of Todaiji Temple in Nara City, located southwest of Shosoin. It is called "Sashizudo" because when Todaiji Temple was rebuilt, blueprints and instructions for the construction were issued here. The current building was rebuilt during the Edo period, and has a tranquil appearance with a gabled roof and cypress bark roof. Inside the hall is a seated statue (an Important Cultural Property) of Priest Chogen, who oversaw the reconstruction of the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple, and visitors can commemorate his achievements in the reconstruction. It is usually closed to the public, but during special openings it is a valuable place where you can experience its historical value. (Original) 指図堂（さしずどう）は、奈良市の東大寺境内にある建物で、正倉院の南西に位置します。東大寺再建の際、建立に関する設計図や指示がここで出されたことから「指図堂」と呼ばれるようになりました。現在の建物は江戸時代に再建されたもので、入母屋造、檜皮葺の静かな佇まいを見せます。堂内には、東大寺大仏再建を指揮した重源上人の坐像（重要文化財）が安置されており、再興に尽力した功績を偲ぶことができます。通常は非公開ですが、特別公開時にはその歴史的価値に触れることができる貴重な場所です。

(Translated by Google) I was given a goshuin seal during a tour of Nanto's Seven Great Temples. (Original) 南都七大寺巡拝にて上がらせて戴き御朱印お受けしました。

(Translated by Google) We were allowed to go inside the temple and get close to the Buddha. It seems to have been rebuilt beautifully this year, and I was able to walk through the back and see the garden. Buddha was very beautiful. The garden also seems to be modeled after Mt. Wakakusa. (Original) お堂の中まで、仏様の近くまで入らせてもらいました。今年綺麗に建て直ししたらしく奥まで通していただいてお庭まで見せていただきました。仏様、とても綺麗でした．お庭も、若草山を模してるらしきです。

(Translated by Google) I went to experience Shabutsu! Todaiji Temple was very crowded, but when I went to the Shizudo Hall, there were no people at all, so it was nice to have a calm atmosphere! I don't know much about copying sutras, but they lent me a brush pen and a paint set, so I was able to experience it empty-handed! (Original) 写仏を体験に行きました！東大寺はめちゃくちゃ混んでましたが指図堂の方に行くと人も全然いなくて落ち着いた雰囲気で良かったです！写経の方は分かりませんが、写仏は筆ペンと絵の具セットを貸し出してくださったので手ぶらで体験できました！

Gango-ji Zenshitsu, or the Zen House of Gango-ji, is a historic structure located within Gango-ji Temple in Nara, Japan. Gango-ji itself is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, originally founded as Asuka-dera in the 6th century before being relocated to Nara. The Zenshitsu, or Zen House, is a lesser-known part of the temple complex, traditionally used for monastic practices. It reflects Japan’s deep Zen Buddhist traditions, emphasizing simplicity and meditation. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Gango-ji preserves ancient architectural styles, including wooden structures with tiled roofs. The Zen House remains a place of quiet reflection and cultural heritage.

(Translated by Google) The Zen room at Gangoji Temple has been designated as a national treasure. The Zen room is the western part of the monk's cell at Gangoji Temple that was remodeled during the Kamakura period, and is said to have been a place for the monks to live and train. It is said that in the past, it was divided into cells and was used as a dormitory for learned monks. Normally you are not allowed to see the inside, but I have been to see it twice since it was open to the public. (Original) 元興寺の禅室は国宝に指定されています。禅室は元興寺の僧房の西側部分を鎌倉時代に改造したもので、僧達の生活と修行の場であったそうです。かつては一房ずつに仕切られ、学僧達が寄宿していたということです。 普段は内部に拝観は出来ませんが、2度ほど公開されていて拝観したことがあります。

(Translated by Google) Gangoji Zen room. Round tiles, which are made by dividing a truncated cone-shaped tile into two vertically, are lined up all over the roof. It comes in a variety of colors and is beautiful. (Original) 元興寺禅室。截頭（せっとう）円錐という形の瓦を縦方向に二分割して作った丸瓦が、屋根いっぱいに並べてられています。いろいろな色があって美しいですね。

(Translated by Google) There was a memorial service so I couldn't see the main hall, I couldn't see the memorial service, and I wasn't allowed to take pictures of the separate buildings. Photography is often prohibited, but the receptionist's response is also disappointing. (Original) 法要があって本堂が見られないし法要も見られなかったし別棟の建物も写真撮影禁止 撮影禁止はよくあるけど受付の対応も残念

(Translated by Google) world heritage. Tiles from the Asuka period still exist and are still in use. The other relics are also quite eye-catching. A temple where you can admire flowers everywhere. (Original) 世界遺産。 飛鳥時代の瓦が現存して使われている。 他の遺物も目を瞠るものばかり。 ここかしこに花を愛でる寺。

(Translated by Google) gangouji In 1244, major renovations were carried out centering on Gokuraku-bo, and it was separated into two buildings: Gangoji Gokuraku-bo Main Hall (Gokuraku-do) and Zen Room (Kasuga Eko-do). Because of this, Gokurakubo seems to have become an independent temple facing east (the former Gangoji Temple faced south). In 1998, Gangoji Temple was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Properties of Ancient Nara". The surrounding cityscape was positioned as a buffer zone, and became a new Nara attraction known as ``Naramachi.'' However, it is surprisingly little known that most of this Naramachi was once the precincts of Gangoji Temple. The temple of ancient Gangoji Temple is estimated to be roughly as shown in this diagram. Unfortunately, very little is known about the remains of the ancient Gangoji temple. All the buildings of Gango-ji Temple, the base of the pagoda, the altar tools found there, and the cornerstones left in various places give us a glimpse of what was once a gigantic temple, but until now the large temple was buried under the Naramachi. , I can't even remember what he looked like. (Original) がんごうじ 寛元２年（1244）には極楽房を中心に大改築が行われ、元興寺極楽坊本堂（極楽堂）と禅室（春日影向堂）の二棟に分離されました。この事から極楽房は東向き（旧元興寺は南向き）の独立的な寺院となったようです。平成10年(1998)、元興寺が「古都奈良の文化財」の一つとして世界文化遺産に登録されると、 周辺の街並みはそのバッファーゾーンとして位置づけられ、「ならまち」として新たな奈良の名所となりました。 しかし、この「ならまち」の大部分がかつて元興寺の境内地であったことは意外と知られていません。古代元興寺の伽藍については、おおよそこの図のように推定されています。残念ながら、古代元興寺の伽藍を知る遺構はほとんどわかっていません。元興寺全室の建物や、塔跡基壇とそこから見つかった鎮壇具、各所に残る礎石がかつての巨大寺院の片鱗をうかがわせますが、大伽藍は今までは「ならまち」の下に埋もれてしまい、その姿を偲ぶべくもありません。

(Translated by Google) 2018.01.02.(Tue) 11:00 Second visit (Nara Ikaruga people) Gangoji Temple was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku San. In the year when Emperor Suiko became regent, Japan It is the oldest temple Since around Sono, various temples have been maintained and are now used as Zen rooms. It is connected to the main hall of Sono Higashi. At first, there was one monk's quarters (living space for monks) in Soco. It's something that happened In other words, the current national treasure Zen room dates back to the Kamakura period. Extensive renovation work took place between 1185 and 1274. This is something that was done. The architectural style of the Zen room is four lengths of columns and four lengths of beams. Single story (one story) gable roof with real tiles. In addition, the building materials in the Zen room include trees that were felled in 582. It's a fact that there are parts, but that's a mistake. If not, it's the oldest wooden building in the world...? However, the roof tiles are from the 7th century Asuka period. There is no doubt that it remains everywhere, and our I was able to see the tiles made by my predecessors. It was a moving thing! Everyone, please don't forget to take a look! Incidentally, the Zen chamber is open to the public on an irregular basis. This is something you definitely want to visit when you come to Sono! (Original) 2018.01.02.(火)11:00 二回目参(奈良斑鳩人) 元興寺の創建年は593年で 聖徳太子サンが 推古天皇の摂政に就任した年のコトで 日本 最古級のお寺です ソノ頃から各伽藍が整備され 現在は禅室と ソノ東の本堂とは 棟続になっていますが ソコには当初 1棟の僧坊(僧侶の居住空間)が 有ったトノ事です と言う事で 現在の国宝禅室は 鎌倉時代の 1185-1274年の間に大規模な改修工事が 行われたモノだトノ事です なお 禅室の建築様式は 桁行四間 梁間四間 一重(1階建 )切妻造りの本瓦葺です また 禅室内の建築部材には 582年伐採の 部材が有ったトノ事ですが ソレが間違い ナイなら 世界最古の木造建築物と・・? しかし屋根瓦には 7世紀飛鳥時代のモノが 間違いなく随所に残り 1300年前に我々の 先人が製造した瓦を 見るコトが出来 感動モノでした！ 皆サンも お忘れナク御覧になって下さい！ 因に 不定期ながら禅室内の公開が有るトノ 事で ソノ際には是非に訪れたいモノです！