Introducing all 8 of Nara's World Heritage Sites, "Cultural Properties of Ancient Nara"!
2021-09-16 Management office
Nara is home to the "Ancient Monuments of Nara", a group of eight cultural properties, each of which is a World Heritage Site, consisting of facilities, historic sites, and natural monuments. We will introduce all of the historical heritage that Nara has preserved, so please visit them when you come to Nara for sightseeing. Six of the buildings are national treasures and their sites are designated as historic sites, and two are designated as special historic sites or special natural monuments, making a total of eight in all.
Author of this article
Management office
Table of Contents
- 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.
Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, located in Nara Park, was built by Emperor Shomu during the Nara Period.
The most famous statue at Todaiji Temple is the large Daibutsu-sama, or Great Buddha of Nara, which stands 14.7 meters tall and is said to be the largest sitting Daibutsu in Japan.
With many national treasures such as the Nandaimon Gate, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Bell Tower, it has become a regular stop on school excursions as a sightseeing spot with many attractions.
the Great Buddha, after all
The pillars of the Daibutsuden, where the Great Buddha is housed, have a hole in them the same size as the hole in the Buddha's nose, which is said to bring blessings of good health. Only children and slender women are allowed to pass through the hole, so it requires courage to challenge it.
There is also a corner where only the palm of the Great Buddha is placed on the ground, allowing visitors to experience the size of the statue. Since the temple is located in Nara Park, there are many wild deer in the area, which is also a famous attraction at Todaiji Temple.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Todaiji Temple
Address: 406-1 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8211
Phone number: 0742-22-5511
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
I give the calculation: adults (middle school students and above) 600 yen / elementary school students 300 yen
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: Located in Nara Park, you can meet the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, a World Heritage Site.
URL：http://www.todaiji.or.jp/
Xingfu Temple
Although the hours of the National Treasure Hall, Tokondo, and Chukondo are limited, they can be visited freely, so this is a must-see spot when you visit Nara Park or Todaiji Temple.
It is said that Fujiwara no Fuhito moved it to this location in the early Nara Period. Although the temple was once destroyed by fire in the Nanto Incident, it has now been beautifully restored. The National Treasure Museum, which requires a fee, offers many national treasures such as the treasures of Kofukuji Temple and the head of the Buddha from the former Yamada Temple. The five-story pagoda, also known as Nara's symbolic tower, can be seen from a distance.
Dongjintang (with material)
Inside Kohfukuji is a building called Tokondo, which was constructed by Emperor Shomu to pray for the recovery of Emperor Gensho from illness. Inside the building is the National Treasure, a seated wooden statue of Monju Bosatsu (Manjusri), which has been hidden away as a hidden treasure until now. Kohfukuji Temple is also famous for its firelit Noh plays and Setsubun demon chasing.
"Facility Information "
Name: Kofukuji Temple
Address: 48 Todaiji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8213, Japan
Phone number: 0742-22-7755
Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
I'd like to pay: National Treasure Museum 500yen for adults / 400yen for high school and middle school students / 150yen for elementary school students
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: Located in Nara Park, the temple has many attractions such as the five-story pagoda and the National Treasure Museum.
URL：https://www.kohfukuji.com/
Kasuga Taisha
Kasuga-taisha is the headquarters of approximately 1,000 Kasuga shrines throughout Japan.
It was built to protect the Heijo-kyo Capital, and deer are kept within the shrine grounds as divine messengers.
The shrine is famous for its bright vermilion shrine pavilions, but it is also famous for its wisteria flowers in full bloom. The shrine is also famous for its wisteria flowers. In addition, the forest of nagi trees in Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a national natural monument.
Bright vermilion matches the sky
The vermilion-colored shrine pavilions and the blue sky are well displayed in this spot. Many deer are also kept here, creating a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful scenery.
The shrine is also very familiar to the locals, who can casually participate in the "morning prayers" that are held every morning.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8212
Phone number: 0742-22-7788
Hours of operation: 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Budget: Adults 500 yen / University and high school students 300 yen / Junior high and elementary school students 200 yen
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: Located in Nara Park, this shrine is the headquarter of Kasuga Shrine. It is recommended to visit the shrine together with the Kasuga Taisha Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden.
URL：https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/
Primeval Forest of Kasugayama
The Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest is considered the sacred area of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and hunting and logging are prohibited in this area. It has retained its primitive nature and is one of the cultural assets of the ancient capital of Nara.
Since the felling of trees has been prohibited since 841, it is possible to see the rare ecology of this primeval forest. It is also a national special natural monument and is famous as a primeval forest that is easily accessible from the city.
Yingnin Waterfall
Because of its pristine nature, the waterfall is also a famous power spot. It is a popular spot for many tourists because it is just a short walk from the city and allows visitors to soak up the full range of negative ions.
In the Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest, many of the Kasuga-taisha Shrine's branch shrines remain, reminding us that this area is a sacred place.
The pristine forests are home to rare species of trees and ecology, and are easily accessible.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Kasuga-yama Primeval Forest
Address: Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8212
Phone number: 0742-27-8677
Budget: Adults 500 yen / Children 300 yen
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: A pristine forest untouched for more than 1,000 years. It is the sanctuary of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and many of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine's branch shrines remain.
Yuanxing Temple
With a history of 1,300 years, Asukadera Temple, the oldest authentic temple in Japan, was relocated to Genkoji Temple.
The temple was so large that the present-day Naramachi was its precincts. The five-story wooden small pagoda built in the Nara period (710-794), which is a national treasure, is an active resource for learning about the architecture of the Nara period. It also houses a standing statue of Prince Shotoku and materials on the beliefs of common people, allowing visitors to learn about the history of common people since the Middle Ages.
The best time to visit is when the flowers are at their best.
In summer, 1,000 white and purple bellflowers are in full bloom; in early summer, hydrangeas; and in spring, someiyoshino, Nara yaezakura, and peony flowers can be enjoyed.
It has become a hidden tourist attraction for those who love flowers, and is a must-see when you visit and leave.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Gangoji Temple
Address: 11 Naka-in-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8392, Japan
Phone number: 0742-23-1377
Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
I give the calculation: adults 550 yen / middle and high school students 300 yen / elementary school students 100 yen
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: The temple is so large that the present-day Naramachi used to be its precincts. 1300 years old, it is the oldest authentic temple in Japan.
URL：https://gangoji-tera.or.jp/
Yakushiji Temple
This temple was built by Emperor Temmu for the healing of the Empress' illness.
It is the main temple of the Hosso sect of Buddhism. At that time, it was so beautiful and eye-catching in its opulence that it was also known as the Ryugu-zukuri style. Even today, its beauty remains unchanged, and it is a World Heritage site.
It was built for the purpose of healing illnesses, so prayers for good health can also be offered.
Another highlight is the lotus.
It is also famous for the blooming of approximately 250 pots of lotus flowers from early summer to summer.
Yakushiji Temple has two towers, and the west tower is 140 cm taller than the other. This is because the pagoda was built with the assumption that the wood would shrink over time, and according to calculations, it would be the same height after 200 years of construction. If you look at it with this in mind, you will see the deeply thought-out architecture in a different light.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Yakushiji Temple
Address: 457 Nishinokyo-machi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8563
Phone number: 0742-33-6001
Business hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Budget: Adults 1,100 yen/Junior high and high school students 700 yen
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: The temple is the main headquarters of the Hosso sect of Buddhism and one of the cultural assets of the ancient capital of Nara, a World Heritage Site.
URL：https://yakushiji.or.jp/
Tang Zhaoti Temple
Designated as a Special Historic Site and a Special Natural Monument of the Ancient Capital of Nara, Toshodaiji Temple is the head temple of the Ritsu sect of Buddhism.
The Tang Dynasty monk Ganjin spent the last years of his life here, and there are many cultural assets in the form of architecture. The temple buildings include Kondo (main hall), Kodo (lecture hall), Gakurao (schoolhouse), and Gakuro (drum tower). Tenpyo sculptures are also kept here and can be seen. There are also many monuments to be found in the garden, including a monument to the haiku poet Basho, a monument to the poet Kitahara Hakushu, a monument to the poet Aizu Yaichi, and a monument to the haiku poet Matsuse Aoichi. The garden is covered with moss, and looking at the fluffy moss is very soothing.
A spot with clay walls and greenery
The temple is also famous for its lotus flowers, but the historic earthen walls that surround the temple are also tasteful and go well with the surrounding greenery. Visitors can appreciate the historic national treasures and Buddhist statues while feeling the temple's unique and tranquil atmosphere.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Toshodaiji Temple
Address: 13-46 Gojo-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8032
Phone number: 0742-33-7900
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Budget: Adults 1,000 yen / Junior and senior high school students 400 yen / Elementary school students 200 yen
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: This is the head temple of the Ritsu sect of Buddhism, and the beautiful moss in the garden along with the group of national treasure Buddhist statues is a must-see sightseeing spot.
URL：https://www.toshodaiji.jp/
Heijo Palace Ruins
It is the site of the palace that was the center of the Heijo-kyo Capital, which was moved from Fujiwara-kyo in 710.
With the opening of the Suzakumon Plaza complex in 2018, the park has become the Heijo Palace Site Historical Park. Not only the Heijo Palace Site, but also facilities to learn about the Heijo Palace, parks, and restaurants have been built, making it a new spot where visitors can spend a long and fulfilling time.
The park is also peaceful and recommended!
It is a lively facility with hands-on programs held from time to time. The park is a peaceful place with lots of nature and birds and insects flying around.
Walking trails and volunteer guides are also available for visitors to enjoy the Heijo Palace Site more.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Heijo Palace Site
Address: 3-5-1 Nijo-oji-minami, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8012, Japan
Phone number: 0742-36-8780
Hours of operation: 9:00 - 16:30
Closed: Monday
Budget: Free
No smoking and smoking: No smoking in the entire building
Space and Facilities: This is the site of the palace that was the center of the Heijo-kyo Capital. With the opening of the Suzakumon Plaza, it has become the Heijo Palace Site Historical Park.
URL：https://www.heijo-park.go.jp/
summary
The World Heritage Site "Ancient Monuments of Nara" is made up of eight properties, all of which should be viewed in detail with plenty of time to spare.
There are many souvenir shops along the approach to the temple and many deer in Nara Park, so it would be a shame to leave after just a quick look.
Please take your time to explore Nara.
Recommended articles
Keyword search
Category overview
Search by Area
Select Language
Select Currency
