Nara Park
Overview
Highlights around Nara Park
Nandaimon Gate
On the approach to Todaiji stands Nandaimon Gate, the largest temple gate in Japan. The gate is a National Treasure, along with the two fierce Nio Guardian statues it houses.
Nara National Museum
Established in 1889, the Nara National Museum is an art museum which primarily displays Buddhist art. This includes Buddhist artefacts - mostly Japanese - such as paintings, scrolls, statues and other religious objects.
Nara Park
A large public park spread over 502 hectares, and one of the oldest in Japan. A well known area of Nara thanks for beautiful gardens featuring plum and cherry trees, as well as over 1,200 wild deer.
Todaiji
Dating back to 738, Todaiji was once the most powerful temple in Japan. The main hall - Daibutsuden - was until recently the world’s largest wooden building, and houses a 15 metre tall bronze statue of Buddha - one of the largest in Japan.
Todaiji Museum
Small modern museum with changing exhibits from the temple’s large collection of Buddhist art and statues, along with other cultural artefacts.