50 Sights in Nara, Japan (with Map and Images)

Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan. Though it was originally founded in the year 738 CE, Tōdai-ji was not opened until the year 752 CE. The temple has undergone several reconstructions since then, with the most significant reconstruction taking place in 1709. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu (大仏). The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara.

Wikipedia: Tōdai-ji (EN), Website

Empress Jingū was a legendary Japanese empress who ruled as a regent following her husband's death in 200 AD. Both the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki record events that took place during Jingū's alleged lifetime. Legends say that after seeking revenge on the people who murdered her husband, she then turned her attention to a "promised land". Jingū is thus considered to be a controversial monarch by historians in terms of her alleged invasion of the Korean Peninsula. This was in turn possibly used as justification for imperial expansion during the Meiji period. The records state that Jingū gave birth to a baby boy whom she named Homutawake three years after he was conceived by her late husband.

Wikipedia: Gosashi tomb (EN)

Fukudera (福寺) was a temple located in Nanjing-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Fukudera Pond existed on the site until it was reclaimed in 1970 (Showa 45). Although it first appears in literature after the Muromachi period, it is identified with Fukudera Temple, a phantom temple whose whereabouts are unknown in materials from the Edo period, and the possibility of this has been increased by the discovery of tiles that can be traced back to the Nara period in recent years at the site of Fukudera Pond. This section also describes the "Cloth Temple" that is identified with it.

Wikipedia: 福寺 (JA)

Amano-Iwatate Jinja (天石立神社, Ama-no-Iwa-tate-jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Iwatoya in Yagyū-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It does not have a main shrine in the mountains at an altitude of 330 meters, at the northern foot of a small mountain called Mt. Toiwa, and it takes the form of worshipping the huge rock that sits directly. It is a small shrine in the ceremony that is described as "Tenno Ishidate Shrine" in the "Enki Shikikami Name Book", and the former shrine is a village shrine.

Wikipedia: 天石立神社 (JA)

Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography Nara City opened in Nara, Japan, in 1992. Located near Shin-Yakushi-ji and designed by Kishō Kurokawa, the Museum was formerly known as the Nara City Museum of Photography (奈良市写真美術館). The collection includes the complete oeuvre of Irie Taikichi, some 80,000 works; a set of 1,025 Meiji and Taishō glass plates by Kudō Risaburō (工藤利三郎) that are a Registered Tangible Cultural Property; and photographs by Tsuda Yōho (津田洋甫).

Wikipedia: Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography Nara City (EN)

Shin-Yakushi-ji (新薬師寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Kegon sect in Nara, Japan. It was founded in 747 by Empress Kōmyō. Initially a large complete Shichidō garan temple, it suffered from fire damage and deteriorated during the Heian period. The temple was revived during the Kamakura period. Only one building, the present main hall or Hon-dō (本堂), has survived from the 8th century. All other structures date to the Kamakura period.

Wikipedia: Shin-Yakushi-ji (EN)

The Saki Gourd Mountain Tomb (佐紀瓢箪山古墳) is a mid-early Kofun period anterior and posterior burial mound located in Sakiemondo, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the Saki Shield Row burial mounds and is often referred to simply as the Gourd-Mountain Kofun, but this name is used here to distinguish it from the Gourd-Mountain Kofun found all over Japan. This burial mound is designated as a national historic site.

Wikipedia: 佐紀瓢箪山古墳 (JA)

Kasuga Shrine (Kasuga Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Hokkeji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Originally, it was enshrined as the guardian shrine of Kairyuoji Temple, but during the Kanen, the two seats on the left and right were enshrined together and came to be revered as a clan god. Unatari Shrine is called Nishinomiya, and our company is called East Palace, and is deeply worshipped as the clan god of Hokkeji Town.

Wikipedia: 春日神社 (奈良市法華寺町) (JA)

The former residence of Iaijiang Taiji is a historical site and cultural facility located in Watergate Town, Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. Photographer enters Jiang Taiji's former residence. Darkrooms far away like photographers, study rooms conceived by works, courtyards for cultivating ten thousand-leaf plants, etc. are all open to the public. The words "Entering Jiangtaiji" on the house number come from the boss Haiyun.

Wikipedia: 入江泰吉旧居 (JA)

Yakushi-ji (薬師寺) is one of the most famous imperial and ancient Buddhist temples in Japan, and was once one of the Seven Great Temples of Nanto, located in Nara. The temple is the headquarters of the Hossō school of Japanese Buddhism. Yakushi-ji is one of the sites that are collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name of "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara."

Wikipedia: Yakushi-ji (EN)

Nara Christian Church is a Japanese Anglican Church located in Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. In the 5th year of Showa, western-style buildings that did not conform to the landscape of Nara Park were not recognized, so they were built as pure Japanese churches. Designed and constructed by Kitaro Oki, a church believer and palace carpenter. There are railings inside the church.

Wikipedia: 奈良基督教会 (JA)

Heijō Palace was the imperial residence in the Japanese capital city Heijō-kyō, during most of the Nara period. The palace, which served as the imperial residence and the administrative centre of for most of the Nara period from 710 to 794 AD, was located at the north-central location of the city in accordance with the Chinese models used for the design of the capital.

Wikipedia: Heijō Palace (EN)

The Suzakumon was the main gate built in the center of the south end of the imperial palaces in the Japanese ancient capitals of Fujiwara-kyō (Kashihara), Heijō-kyō (Nara), and later Heian-kyō (Kyoto). The placement followed the ancient Chinese palace model requirements at the time, where Suzaku , the Vermilion Bird was the Guardian of the South.

Wikipedia: Suzakumon (EN)

Kairyūō-ji (海龍王寺) is a Shingon sect temple located in Hokkeji Kitamachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. There is no mountain number. The main statue is the eleven-sided Kannon. It is also called Sumidera Temple because it was built in the northeast corner of Empress Komei's Empress Palace (the site of Fujiwara Fuhi's residence).

Wikipedia: 海龍王寺 (JA)

Mizukagamiten Shrine (水鏡天神社, Mizukagamitenjinsha) is a Shinto shrine located in Gojo-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The former shrine is a village shrine. Also known as Mizukami Shrine, it is the clan deity of the nearby Nakagakiuchi, Degaki, and Nishigakiuchi. It used to be the guardian shrine of Toshodaiji Temple.

Wikipedia: 水鏡天神社 (JA)

Yashima Mausoleum (八島陵, Yashima no Misagi) is the mausoleum of Prince Sawara located in Yashima Town, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is also written as Yashima Mausoleum, and since the prince was honored as Emperor Sumichi, it is also called the Mausoleum of Emperor Sumichi. It was ruled during the Bunkyu period.

Wikipedia: 八島陵 (JA)

Nogami Kofun (野神古墳, Nogami Kofun) is a burial mound located in Nanjing-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is presumed to be a front and rear circular burial mound. One of the burial mounds that make up the Daianji burial mounds. It is designated as a Nara City Designated Historic Site.

Wikipedia: 野神古墳 (JA)

The Himegamisha Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is built in 1981 by the people of this neighborhood on the tomb called Hime-zuka that is estimated to be a burial place of Princess Tōchi, an Empress-consort of Emperor Kōbun. It is a sessha of the Kagami Shrine.

Wikipedia: Himegamisha Shrine, Nara (EN)

Tomio Maruyama Kofun (富雄丸山古墳, Tomio Maruyama Kofun) is a burial mound located in Maruyama, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is a circular burial mound. It is not designated as a historic site. The excavated items are designated as important cultural properties of the country.

Wikipedia: 富雄丸山古墳 (JA)

Jurin-in (十輪院) is a temple of the Shingon sect Daigo sect located in Jurin-in-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain number is Mt. Ubao. The main statue is a stone Jizo Bodhisattva. It is located in a corner of Nara Town where the townscape of the Edo and Meiji periods remains.

Wikipedia: 十輪院 (JA)

Tamukeyama Hachiman Shrine is a Shinto shrine near Tōdai-ji, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is a Hachiman shrine, dedicated to the kami Hachiman. It was established in 749. Kami enshrined here include Emperor Ojin, Emperor Nintoku, Empress Jingū and Emperor Chūai in addition to Hachiman.

Wikipedia: Tamukeyama Hachiman Shrine (EN)

Akai-an (閼伽井庵) is a temple of the Pure Land sect located in Takabatake-cho, Nara. It is also called Akanbo. The area around the temple was once called Ikai Town, and was annexed to Takahata Village in 1883 (Meiji 16), but it still remains the common name of the town in Takahata Town.

Wikipedia: 閼伽井庵 (JA)

Enshō-ji is a Buddhist temple complex in Nara founded by Queen Bunchi, daughter of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, in 1656. Together with Chūgū-ji and Hokke-ji, it is considered one of the Three Yamato Monzeki (大和三門跡), or imperial temples, belonging to the Myōshin-ji school of Rinzai Zen.

Wikipedia: Enshō-ji (Nara) (EN)

Mount Wakakusa , also known as Mount Mikasa, is a 342-metre-high (1,122 ft) hill located to the east of Nara Park in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain's name literally means "young grass". The mountain is closed from December 12th to March 17th and cannot be accessed.

Wikipedia: Mount Wakakusa (EN)

Tōshōdai-ji (唐招提寺) is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade. It is considered the archetype of "classical style".

Wikipedia: Tōshōdai-ji (EN)

Isui-en is a 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. It is divided into two sections, which were originally two separate gardens, and each features a pagoda.

Wikipedia: Isui-en (EN)

Kasuga-taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the shrine of the Fujiwara family, established in 768 CE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine.

Wikipedia: Kasuga-taisha (EN), Website

Uwanabe Ancient Tomb is located in front of Hokkeji Town, Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. It is one of the ancient tombs that constitute the Zuoji Dunlie Ancient Tombs (Uwanabe Ancient Tombs). It is located at the easternmost end of the ancient tombs and is the largest huge ancient tomb.

Wikipedia: ウワナベ古墳 (JA)

Renchoji Temple (蓮長寺) is a Nichiren Buddhist temple located in Aburasaka-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. Nichiren Sect Historic Site. The mountain number is Mt. Koei. The former main mountain is Daihonzan Honkokuji Temple (Rokujōmon-ryū), and Ryūgenkai (Ryugenkai).

Wikipedia: 蓮長寺 (奈良市) (JA)

Shinian Temple is a Buddhist temple of Pure Land Sect located in Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. The mountain name is Ninja Mountain, and its official name is Jinpero Shinian Temple, Ninja Mountain Love Dyeing Courtyard. Garden emperor's wish place. This deity is Amitabha Buddha.

Wikipedia: 十念寺 (奈良市) (JA)

Sakiryōyama Kofun (佐紀陵山古墳, Sakimisagiyamakofun) is a burial mound located in Yamaryō-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is a front and rear circular burial mound. One of the burial mounds that make up the Saki Shield Row burial mounds.

Wikipedia: 佐紀陵山古墳 (JA)

Kofukuin (興福院) is a nunnery of the Jodo sect located in Hōren-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain number is called Hōrenzan. The main son is Amida Buddha, and the founder (founder) is also called Waki Kiyomaro and Fujiwara no Hyakukawa.

Wikipedia: 興福院 (JA)

Fukuuin is a Shingon Ritsu sect temple located in Takabatake-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain number is Mt. Kasuga. The main statue is the Void Searching Kannon. It is known as Enkiri-ji Temple because of its history as "Kakekomi Temple".

Wikipedia: 不空院 (JA)

Ichiwa Kofun (市庭古墳, Ichiwa Kofun) is a burial mound located in Tsukamoto, Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is a front and rear circular burial mound. One of the burial mounds that make up the Saki Shield Row burial mounds.

Wikipedia: 市庭古墳 (JA)

Ruogong Society in Chunri is a shrine located in Nakatsuji-CHO, Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. There are covered houses in the small ancestral halls built in spring. There are stone lanterns in front of Tianbao 12 years (1841) and Jiayong 2 years (1849).

Wikipedia: 春日若宮社 (奈良市中辻町) (JA)

Enmanji (圓満寺) is a temple located in Yamamachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The main statue is blue-faced Kongo. Northern Yamato Eighty-Eight Sacred Sites No. 69. The temple office is also used as the Shimoyama Town Community Center.

Wikipedia: 円満寺 (奈良市) (JA)

Shiozuka Kofun (塩塚古墳, Shiozuka Kofun) is a front-rear burial mound located in the towns of Utahime and Saki, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the Saki Shield Row burial mounds and is designated as a national historic site.

Wikipedia: 塩塚古墳 (JA)

Zuoji Shizushan Ancient Tomb is an ancient grave located in front of the Imperial Mausoleum in Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. The shape is the front and back round grave. One of the ancient tombs that constitute the ancient tombs of Zuoji Shield.

Wikipedia: 佐紀石塚山古墳 (JA)

Hand Hero Shrine is a shrine located in Hashimoto-CHO, Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. The end of the spring society outside the country. Located on the east end of Tsukiji on the north side of Santiaotong, the rear wall is Kofukuji Guild Hall.

Wikipedia: 手力雄神社 (奈良市) (JA)

Tenjinsha (天神社, Tenjinsha) is a Shinto shrine located in Takabatake-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is also called Naramachi Tenjinja. It is a Tenjinja shrine in Kitatemma, and the precincts are about 1,000 square meters.

Wikipedia: 天神社 (奈良市高畑町) (JA)

Konabe Kofun (Konabe Kofun) is a burial mound located in Hokkeji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is a front and rear circular burial mound. One of the burial mounds that make up the Saki Shield Row burial mounds.

Wikipedia: コナベ古墳 (JA)

Shimada Shrine (嶋田神社, Shimada Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Yashima-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. A small shrine in the ceremony, the former shrine is a village shrine and a shrine of the Shinto Shrine.

Wikipedia: 嶋田神社 (JA)

The Nara Town Museum is a private museum located in Nishishinya-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, in a corner of Nara Town, a district lined with townhouses built from the early modern period to the modern era of Nara City.

Wikipedia: 奈良町資料館 (JA)

Jōfuku-ji (Jōfuku-ji) is a Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect located in Kozenin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain number is Kōmyōzan, the temple number is Kōzen-in, and the bo number is Kenjōbo.

Wikipedia: 浄福寺 (奈良市) (JA)

Mizuki Kofun (水木古墳, Mizuki Kofun) is a burial mound located in Ōyagyū-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is a circular burial mound. It is designated as a Nara City Designated Historic Site.

Wikipedia: 水木古墳 (JA)

Hishiage Kofun is a burial mound located in Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The shape is a front and rear circular burial mound. One of the burial mounds that make up the Saki Shield Row burial mounds.

Wikipedia: ヒシアゲ古墳 (JA)

Jibeizui Ancient Tomb is a round grave or a front back round grave on the campus of Nara University of Education in Takahata Town, Naraichi, Nara Prefecture. According to legend, it is the tomb of Yoshibi Makuji.

Wikipedia: 吉備塚古墳 (JA)

Yasaka Shrine (八阪神社, Yasaka-jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Oshiage-cho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is also called Oshiage Town Gionsha, and the plaque of the worship hall is written "Gionsha".

Wikipedia: 八阪神社 (奈良市) (JA)

Yakekasuga Shrine (宅春日神社, Yakekasuga Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Hakubiji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It sits at the northwestern foot of Mount Takamaru, south of the Noto River.

Wikipedia: 宅春日神社 (JA)

Obitoke-ji Temple is a Kegon sect temple located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain number is Koyasuyama. The main statue is Jizo Bodhisattva. It is known as a temple of prayer for safe birth.

Wikipedia: 帯解寺 (JA)