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  • May 12, 2017

    Enryaku-ji

    Located around 20km to the northeast of central Kyoto, EnrYAku-ji is nestled within the forests of Mount Hieizan and is one of Japan’s most important temples. Headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddh...
  • April 30, 2019

    Explore Obuse

    Once an important Edo Period (1603-1868) trading town, Obuse is a small historic town accessible using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line. Now known for its chestnut confectionaries, sake and mi...
  • May 11, 2017

    Todai-ji

    ’Todai-ji’ or the ‘Great Eastern Temple’ is Japan’s largest Buddhist temple and Nara’s most popular attraction. Founded in 738, construction of the immense temple was not completed until 752 from whi...
  • May 10, 2017

    Nara Park

    As much as any temple, Nara Park is a focal point for life in the historic city. Established in 1880, the expansive public area covers around 660 hectares and includes many of Nara’s most notable att...
  • May 9, 2017

    Kasuga Taisha

    ‘Kasuga Taisha’ or ‘Kasuga Grand Shrine’ is the most important Shinto complex in Nara. Located at the heart of Nara Park, Kasuga was founded in the same period as the city itself, dedicated to the pr...
  • May 7, 2017

    Kofuku-ji inc. National Treasure Museum

    Once one of the ‘Nanto Shichi Daiji’ or ‘Seven Great Temples’ of Nara, Kofuku-ji dates back to the 7th century when it was the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan. The temple complex is compr...
  • July 20, 2014

    Narai-juku

    Narai-juku is a historic post town - known as 'juku' or 'shukubamachi' - that once serviced a 70km trade route through the Kiso Valley, part of the greater 500km 'Nakasendo Road' that connected Kyoto...
  • July 20, 2014

    Magome-juku

    Magone-juku is a historic post town - known as 'juku' or 'shukubamachi' -  that once serviced a 70km trade route through the Kiso Valley, part of the greater 500km 'Nakasendo Road' that connecte...
  • July 25, 2018

    Tsumago-juku

    Tsumago-juku is a historic post town - known as 'juku' or 'shukubamachi' -  that once serviced a 70km trade route through the Kiso Valley, part of the greater 500km ‘Nakasendo Road’ that connect...