Nara Park and Todai-ji

Nara was Japan's first permanent capital in the eighth century, and its great park is a UNESCO treasure where over a thousand wild but tame deer, considered messengers of the gods, roam freely among ancient temples and shrines. Its centrepiece is Todai-ji, whose vast wooden hall, one of the largest in the world, houses a colossal fifteen-metre bronze Great Buddha, one of the largest in Japan.

The main sights

• The Great Buddha - the colossal bronze Buddha in Todai-ji's vast hall.
• The free-roaming deer - the tame deer that bow for crackers.
• Kasuga Taisha - the shrine of hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns.
• The park and temples - the great park and its ancient monuments.

When to go

Year-round; an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, loveliest in spring blossom and autumn colour. Go early to enjoy the park and Great Buddha before the crowds and coach tours arrive.

Practical notes

The deer are wild despite being tame, and can nip, headbutt or mob visitors for the crackers sold in the park, so take care, especially with children. It is a popular day trip, busy by midday. The park is large, so allow time to walk between the scattered temples.

Nearby

Kyoto and Osaka are a short train ride; the temple of Horyu-ji is nearby.