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Most people planning their holiday trip to Japan tend to include the big and famous cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka on their itinerary. They assume these places to cover their fascination of experiencing old and modern culture and lifestyle in Japan. However, majority of the visitors overlook the charm and beauty of old cities like forgotten capital of Japan, Nara.
Tokyo is indeed a fascination of youths who visit Japan to experience the modern-age technologies and view a number of skyscrapers. There are several little shops sprawling in and out the narrow lanes. Tech savvies can find all sorts of hi-tech toys, manga and anime characters at the Akihabara. On the other hand, Kyoto is very much considered the remnant of old days. With several magnificent temples, cosy restaurants and kimono shops, Kyoto also attracts a large number of visitors.
Historical Importance of Nara
In contrast, Nara is an old city and was the capital of Japan between 710 and 784. This city was the first permanent capital of Japan and famous as the centre of Buddhist activities with several monasteries and Chinese-influenced architecture. Nara has lent its name from Nara period. With lots of historical and cultural attractions, Nara is one of the must visit places in Japan.
Narrow and Stretched Out Streets Selling Sweets and Traditional Artefacts
Outside the Nara train station, there are many old-style sweet shops tempting you with varieties of sweets made of rice flour and filled with sweet red bean and tea leaves. Although younger generation has started to eat out more Western-style sweets like cakes and pastries, traditional sweets are still the hot favourite of people in Nara prefecture.
The narrow streets in Nara offer varieties of objects to traditional art-loving visitors. One can find hand-crafted objects, kimonos, attractive hair pins, traditional Momiji dolls, colourful umbrellas fabricated with special kind of paper and several other artefacts at the shops in Nara. These are ideal gifts and souvenirs to bring home or present to the friends in Japan.
Deer Park in Nara
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Away from the narrow and stretched out streets, Nara is full of greeneries and deer. There is a deer park in Nara where you can get to see different breed of deer roaming all across the park. Vendors outside the park sell deer-biscuits and shika senbei to feed the deer. According to the legend, the god Takemikazuchi entered the Nara on a white deer that started being recognised as “heavenly” animal since that day.
Todai-ji Temple
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| Image Courtesy : bit.ly/198GGUf |
Visitors can take a walk through the park to reach to the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji Temple, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. This temple houses the world’s largest Buddha statue.
Restaurants in Nara
The streets lit up during the evening time. The classic-style restaurants and eateries open for the business after the sunset. These restaurants serve healthy and delicious traditional Japanese dishes. You can take a walk through the quaint wooden houses after the meal.
So, if you are planning an itinerary to the Japan, do not forget to experience the old world charm of Nara.
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