Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara in Japan

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Nara Prefecture
SORAMITSU : History and Geography of Nara, Japan

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1998
Size of heritage: 617 ha
- Buffer zone: 1,963 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 135,839°
Latitude: 34,676°

Summary

Nara was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784. During this period the framework of national government was consolidated and Nara enjoyed great prosperity, emerging as the fountainhead of Japanese culture. The city's historic monuments – Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and the excavated remains of the great Imperial Palace – provide a vivid picture of life in the Japanese capital in the 8th century, a period of profound political and cultural change.

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Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara: A Glimpse into Japan's Rich Cultural Heritage

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, located in the Nara Prefecture of Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a captivating glimpse into the country's rich cultural history. This site encompasses eight separate locations, including temples, shrines, and archaeological sites, all of which played a significant role in shaping Japan's ancient capital city of Nara.

History

Nara, formerly known as Heijo-kyo, served as the capital of Japan from 710 to 784 AD during the Nara period. This era marked a time of immense cultural and political development, as Japan sought to establish itself as a centralized state. The construction of grand temples and shrines, along with the implementation of Buddhism as the state religion, were key elements of this transformation.

One of the most iconic structures within the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara is the Todai-ji Temple. Built in 752 AD, it is home to the Great Buddha Hall, which houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha in Japan. The temple complex also includes numerous other buildings, such as the Nigatsu-do Hall and the Hokke-do Hall, each showcasing exquisite architectural craftsmanship.

Another notable site is the Kasuga Grand Shrine, established in 768 AD. This Shinto shrine is renowned for its vibrant vermilion-colored buildings and its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, which are lit twice a year during the Lantern Festivals. The shrine's serene forested surroundings add to its mystical ambiance.

Current State

The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara have been meticulously preserved, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of Japan's ancient capital. These sites serve as a testament to the country's architectural prowess and religious devotion.

Todai-ji Temple, in particular, continues to be a significant religious and cultural center. The Great Buddha Hall, reconstructed in the 17th century after multiple fires, remains an awe-inspiring structure. Visitors can witness the colossal bronze Buddha statue, which stands at over 15 meters tall, and explore the temple's vast collection of religious artifacts and art.

Kasuga Grand Shrine, on the other hand, has undergone periodic reconstruction throughout its history. The shrine's buildings are meticulously maintained, ensuring their vibrant colors and intricate details remain intact. The surrounding forest, known as Kasugayama Primeval Forest, is also protected and serves as a sanctuary for various plant and animal species.

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
1122 21, TAKABATAKE CHO, NARA 630 8301, JAPAN.
6308301 Nara
Japan

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: 10:00 - 22:30
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Lunch of Nara Todaiji Temple Daibutsu 奈良東大寺大仏前三山亭食堂のニシン蕎麦:Gourmet Report グルメレポート

Published: April 11, 2015
Length: 27:51 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: mimi33333333

02 三山亭食堂で大仏殿参拝前のにしんそば:二週連続奈良の旅 http://miminome.blogspot.jp/2015/04/02.html 本日のグルメリポート。奈良の大仏参拝に行きま...

Ciervos en el parque de Nara (奈良のしか)

Published: March 01, 2010
Length: 53:58 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Hernan Ogasawara

En el parque de Nara caminando entre los cievos. Muy simpaticos. Le das una galleta y te persiguen por todos lados. Ojo con los tarascones en el oshiri. Jajaja 奈良でしかの間にある...

Model Railway HO-Gauge [Express Train]

Published: April 11, 2011
Length: 44:04 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MasterKenX2

【Recommend】480p 【Photographing】Apr.2011 【Camera】SANYO Xacti CG10 【Location】16, Kasuganocho, Nara city, Nara,JAPAN 【Explanation】The diorama which expressed cityscape...

Model Railway HO-Gauge [Freight Train]

Published: April 10, 2011
Length: 28:50 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: MasterKenX2

【Recommend】480p 【Photographing】Apr.2011 【Camera】SANYO Xacti CG10 【Location】16, Kasuganocho, Nara city, Nara,JAPAN 【Explanation】The diorama which expressed cityscape...