Nara

Nara Prefecture is a treasure house of history, where "Heijo-kyo," Japan's capital, was once located. The Great Buddha of Todaiji, a World Heritage site, continues to captivate visitors with its overwhelming scale. At Horyuji, you can feel the spirit of the Asuka period in the world's oldest wooden architecture. Nature is also remarkably rich: in spring, tens of thousands of cherry trees on Mt. Yoshino tint the mountain pink, and in autumn the foliage of Nara Park enhances the charm of the ancient capital. The roughly 1,700 wild deer living in the park are cherished as messengers of the gods, and interacting with them is one of the pleasures for visitors. The food culture is not to be missed either. You can savor traditional flavors such as "kakinoha-zushi," wrapped in persimmon leaves, "Miwa somen," enjoyed around Omiwa Shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines, and "Nara-zuke," pickles with an addictive distinctive flavor. In recent years, browsing stylish cafes and general stores in atmospheric "Naramachi" has also become popular. Why not leave the bustle of the city behind and feel Japan's traditional beauty and peace of mind in the slowly flowing time?