(By Tsem Rinpoche and Pastor Adeline)

Kyoto and Nara were once two of ancient Japan’s capital cities that flourished as the county’s cultural and political centres. Japan’s capital city was relocated to Tokyo in the 18^th century, and has remained so until today. The two prefectures of Kyoto and Nara are parts of the Kansai region, located at the south-central part of Honshu Island, together with other densely populated urban centres such as Kobe and Osaka. Though Tokyo may today be considered Japan’s main cultural and economic hub, Kansai is home to a counter-culture rooted in rich history and distinctive characteristics that have developed since the Edo Period (1603-1868).

Recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, the Kyoto and Nara regions are inevitably considered unmissable destinations to experience Japan’s traditional culture. Much of Japanese history was played out in Kyoto and Nara, a stronghold of traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto houses 17 UNESCO World Heritages Sites with over 1,600 Buddhist temples, more than 400 Shinto shrines, and is known to be one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Nara, on the other hand, is a much smaller city that contains 8 UNESCO World Heritages Sites and was Japan’s first capital city. Nara is also one of the most rewarding destinations for travellers in Japan.

Both Kyoto and Nara have elaborate gardens, temples, and shrines that boast a lot of cultural heritage including various Buddhist statues. Kyoto also includes an entertainment district (hana-machi), where beautiful maiko girls (apprentice geiko, slightly different from geisha) walk through rows of old houses and act as hostesses. Kyoto’s traditional culture has endured until today and continues to develop, in fields such as arts and crafts, performing arts, etc. Both Kyoto and Nara embody nature, beauty, and tradition, making them wonderful destinations for visitors to experience.

If you are planning to visit, below is some useful information to make your visit to Kyoto and Nara memorable and enjoyable.

Population

Based on the latest United Nations estimates, Japan’s current population is 126,047,196 as of Wednesday, June 28, 2017. This is equivalent to 1.68% of the world’s total population. Kyoto itself in inhabited by 1,473,110 people, while Nara is occupied by 359,666 people.

Weather

Weather patterns and average temperatures vary enormously across Japan, resulting in inconsistent timing to best visit the vast country. Honshu’s climate is mainly influenced by the surrounding mountains and warm seas that bring plenty of rain and snow to the region.

However, the most pleasant time to visit Japan, despite frequent showers, is during spring, a time when even the weather reports show the steady progress of the famed sakura blossom. In Kyoto, the sakura flowers blossom in spring and the leaves turn red in late autumn, undoubtedly the best times to visit the city. In fact, all four seasons decorate the city gracefully in one way or another. As for Nara, the best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November). The rainy season occurs from mid-June to late July, however you can still visit during this time as it doesn’t rain every day.

Visa Application

1. To enter Japan as a visitor, you can apply for the “temporary visitor visa” (generally called “tourist visa”) directly at your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate.
2. Citizens from countries that are eligible for visa exemption may enter Japan with their passport without prior application, unless intending to stay for a long period of time, or to work.
3. The period of stay granted upon entering the country is 15 days for citizens of Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand, while a period of 90 days is granted for citizens of other countries and regions. Please click here for a list of countries and entry conditions.
4. The visa processing period is approximately 5 working days from the day after submission of application.
5. Visas usually hold validity for three months.
6. A single-entry visa will cost 3,000 yen (approximately USD27), while a double-entry or multiple-entry visa will cost 6,000 yen (approximately USD54). A transit visa will cost 700 yen (approximately USD7). All fees are collected in the respective currency of the country in which the Japanese Embassy or Consulate is located.
7. Visa application fees may vary depending on the purpose of your visit and nationality.
8. Visitors should hold passports with at least six months of validity after planned departure from Japan.

Mt. Fuji with fall colours in Japan

DO’S and DONT’S

The city’s tourism organisation, the Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau, in collaboration with TripAdvisor have released an infographic outlining an etiquette manual for tourists visiting Kyoto called “AKIMAHEN”, which means “DO NOT” in the local Kyoto dialect. The manual lists 18 customs from Kyoto and information on how to avoid cultural “faux pas”, or mistakes in cultural etiquette. Below is a video featuring AKIMAHEN which visitors should watch before departing to Kyoto. An online guide is also available here.

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/AkimahenOfKyoto.mp4

The General Manners in Japan

DO’s

• Slurp when eating Japanese-style noodles such as soba, udon, and ramen.
• Finish all your food to show that you enjoyed your meal.
• Use toothpicks (youji) with your dominant hand and cover your mouth with the other hand when food gets stuck in between your teeth.
• Do remove your shoes before entering houses, temples, and other buildings such as restaurants and bathhouses where shoes are not allowed inside. Do check and see if you are supposed to take off your shoes and wear the slippers provided inside.
• Do keep your voice down and do not disrupt other people’s conversations in public places especially on trains, buses, and in temples.
• Do stand in a straight line when waiting for the train.
• Please smoke in designated areas only. Smoking is prohibited in many public locations and so is tossing of cigarette butts.
• While the Japanese respect foreign cultures, kissing and hugging is not a common form of public expression in Japan. You may interact with the Japanese according to your own culture.
• Do use “sumimasen” (sorry) and “arigato” (thank you) in situations when a sorry or thank you is appropriate. The Japanese say “sumimasen” even when they actually mean “arigato” to show concern over another’s consideration.
• Do use “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” at the end of a conversation when asking for a favour or expressing your wish for an ongoing relationship with the other person.

DONT’S

• Pack food from restaurants, especially high-class Japanese restaurants, as Japan is a very humid country and food sanitation is difficult. Doggy bags are generally not used.
• Do not spit or litter on the streets.
• Do not unwrap gifts in front of the giving party as it is rude. An exception to this is when the party giving the gift asks you specifically to unwrap the gift.
• Do not speak on mobile phones when using public transportation.

Travel Tips

Most visitors tend to fly in and out of Tokyo when visiting Japan, and use a Japan Rail Pass to travel between major cities across the country. If your itinerary is confined to Tokyo and Kansai, the following ways will be useful for you to streamline your transportation expenses.

A week-long national rail pass cost 29,110 yen. To reduce this cost, you can combine the standard fare for the 2.5-hour train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto together with the 3-day Kansai Thru (Surutto Kansai) pass that covers all destinations from Kyoto to Nara to Osaka at only a little over 18,000 yen (13,260 yen for the Shinkansen bullet train and 5,200 yen for the Thru pass). You can save an additional few thousand Yen if you catch a ride on an overnight bus between Tokyo and Kyoto, saving you accommodation costs for that night.

The above is ideal when using Kansai International Airport (KIX) for either your inbound or outbound international flights, but not in the case if you need to ride back to Tokyo. The following are three airports with easy access to Kyoto:

1. Osaka International Airport (Itami; ITM):
   • The closest airport to Kyoto
   • A 50-minute ride away using the convenient airport limousine bus
   • On the whole the airport serves domestic flights (many airlines will provide free flights to fly you here from Narita if you fly with that airline internationally)
2. Kansai International Airport (KIX):
   • The main international access point to Kyoto
   • Approximately a 90-minute ride from Kyoto by direct express train
3. Central Japan International Airport (Centrair; NGO):
   • About 90-minutes away from Kyoto by airport express and shinkansen

For non-Japanese speakers, do visit HyperDia for up-to-date transportation prices and connections. This may probably be the most helpful website you will need on your trip throughout Japan.

Top 10 Must Visit Places in Kyoto

1. Kinkaku-Ji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion Temple)

Kinkaku-ji is one of the most popular and best places to visit in Japan. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Zen temple is located in northern Kyoto, and has two upper walls of the 3-storied pavilion covered with gold foil that shimmers in front of the kyoko-chi (mirror pond). If you arrive at dawn, just as the sun gently caresses its pure gold leaf covered facade, you get to see the gorgeous image of this pavilion floating on the water. Above its shingle roof sits an exquisite bronze phoenix.

Kinkaku-ji includes the impressive structure built overlooking a large pond that was rebuilt in 1955. It is the only building left from Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s (September 25, 1358-May 31, 1408) former retirement complex. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was the 3rd shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate which governed Japan from 1338 to 1573. Its first floor was built during the Heian Period (794 to 1185) in shinden style – white plaster walls and wooden beams, while its upper floors were built in bukke samurai style. The second floor contains various Buddhist images, and Kinkaku-ji also houses the Buddha’s relics.

Though the interior is closed to the public, it is possible for visitors to make out statues of the Buddha and Yoshimitsu on the first floor. Nevertheless, the gardens are delightful and visitors get to admire the pavilion from different angles.

Address: Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku
Operating Hours: Daily from 9am-5pm
Admission:
Adults: 400 yen
Children under 15: 300 yen
Phone: +81-75-461-0013

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hotel Chrysantheme Kyoto (0.8 km from Kinkakuji Temple)
   Address: 51 Yanagicho, Hiranokamihaccho, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8353, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: ＋81-75-462-1540
   Website: http://www.chrysantheme.co.jp/english/
2. Kyohatago Mugen (2.6 km from Kinkakuji Temple)
   Address: 548-1 Kitakodaimoncho Kuromondori Kaminagachojamachi Sagaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8252, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-366-3206
   Website: http://kyoto-machiya-ryokan.com/
3. Ryokan Yamazaki (2.8 km from Kinkakuji Temple)
   Address: 11 Umegahata Takahanacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8261, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-881-2303
   Website: http://www.ryokan-yamazaki.com/

2. Ginkaku-Ji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion Temple)

Ginkaku-ji was converted into a Zen temple in 1490. Located along Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama), Ginkaku-ji was formerly Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s retirement villa modelled after Kinkaku-ji. It is a must see sight for local and international visitors while in Kyoto as it is one of the most beautiful temples in the city. Similar to the Kinkaku-ji, the interior of the pavilion is not open to the public.

The Ginkaku-ji complex consists of the Silver Pavilion, six other temple buildings, a unique dry sand garden, and a beautiful moss garden. The pavilion is 2-storied, constructed in two different architectural styles, and houses a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The Silver Pavilion is believed to have been built in order to contrast the Golden Pavilion, but it has never been covered in silver. Another explanation for the name is that the building has a silvery appearance when moon light reflects on the building’s dark exterior that used to be covered in black lacquer.

For a memorable experience, walk along a circular route around the complex grounds to view the gardens and buildings. If you climb the trail at the back of the garden, you will be rewarded with a fantastic viewpoint of the rest of the city and the entire temple compound.

It is recommended to visit right after the complex opens or just before it closes, ideally on a Monday around 10am and 4pm. If you visit during weekend or holidays, it will be packed with visitors, making it almost impossible to enjoy the place.

Address: 2 Ginkaku-ji-cho, Sakyo-ku
Operating hours:
8:30am-5pm March-November
9am-4:30pm December-February
Admission:
Adults: 500 yen
Children under 15: 300 yen
Phone: +81-75-771-5725

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hiiragiya (3.5 km from Ginkaku-ji Temple)
   Address: 277 Nakahakusancho Huyacho Anekoji-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8094, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-221-1136
   Website: https://www.hiiragiya.co.jp/en/
2. Tawaraya Ryokan (3.5 km from Ginkaku-ji Temple)
   Address: 278 Nakahakusancho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8094, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-211-5566
   Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Hotel_Review-g298564-d310306-Reviews-Tawaraya_Ryokan-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html
3. Hotel Sugicho (3.5 km from Ginkaku-ji Temple)
   Address: 172 Moriyamacho, Oike-agaru, Tominokoji, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0953, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-241-0106
   Website: http://www.kyoto-ryokan.jp

3. Gion District (祇園)

Gion is one of Kyoto’s most iconic tourist attractions, and is preserved in the style of the Edo period. It is the place where geishas are trained, and geisha makeovers are also available for visitors today as well. The geisha in Kyoto are known by the local term geiko which essentially means “a woman of art” and they do not refer to themselves as geisha which means “artist” or “person of the arts”. In the past Gion underwent a restoration project that moved all overhead utilities underground as part of the ongoing efforts to preserve Gion’s original beauty. It is a fantastic district if you want to experience Kyoto’s history and culture as it is filled with historical temples and traditional architecture.

Gion is even more enchanting after dark with guests filling old wooden teahouses, and geiko and maiko (apprentice geiko) entertaining visitors. Apart from geisha, Gion has a collection of famous streets defined by old wooden teahouses and buildings, and exclusive Japanese restaurants. The yearly July Gion Matsuri also attracts millions of visitors due to its procession of festival floats and traditional musical performances.

Accommodation Nearby

1. Matsui Honkan Ryokan (1 km from Gion)
   Address: 405 Izutsuyacho Nakagyo-ku | (Yanagino Banba Rokkaku Sagaru), Kyoto 604-8113, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-221-3535
   Website: http://www.matsui-inn.com/en/
2. Kinparo (1 km from Gion)
   Address: 467 Setoyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8122, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-221-7237
   Website: http://www.newkinpa.on.arena.ne.jp/english/
3. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei (1.7 km from Gion)
   Address: 361 Rokkaku-cho, Rokkaku-sagaru, Shinmachidori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8212, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-257-1131
   Website: https://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/kyoto-shinmachi/

4. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple (清水寺, Pure Water Temple)

Kiyomizu-Dera was first built in 798, while the present buildings were reconstructed in 1633. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and one of the best Buddhist temples to visit in Southern Higashiyama. The Kiyomizu-Dera is affiliated with the Hosso school of Buddhism which originates in Nara, and is another UNESCO Heritage Site in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-Dera’s biggest attraction is the Hondo (Main Hall) that has a huge veranda made entirely out of wood, supported by pillars, juts out over the hillside. Kiyomizu-dera is situated on a mountain in Gion and is almost one with nature as it is half-shrouded by sakura trees that turn pink with sakura blossoms during spring time. During the Edo period, people actually believed that their wishes would be granted if they jumped from the 13m high cliff and survived. Over 200 people jumped and more than 85% survived according to records. The practice is now prohibited by law for obvious reasons. The valley below offers a spectacular view due to the vivid colours of Japan’s distinct four seasons that can be seen clearly from the temple.

Just below the Hondo is the Otowa-no-taki waterfall where visitors can drink the water that is believed to bestow health and longevity. Apart from the Hondo, around the precincts, are other halls and shrines. Another popular spot is the Jishu-jinja, which is a shrine up the steps above the Hondo. There is also a belief that visitors who wish for success in their love life can walk a trail roughly 18 meters with their eyes closed. If they walk between a pair of stones they will be successful. However, if they miss walking between the stones, their desire for love will not be fulfilled.

Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku
Operating Hours:
6am-6pm (until 6:30pm on weekends and holidays from mid-April through July and every day in August and September)
6pm-9pm during Hanatoro around mid-March, from late March to mid-April and from mid-November to early December
Admission: 400 yen
Phone: +81-75-551-1234

Accommodation Nearby

1. Super Hotel Kyoto Shijokawaramachi (1.9 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
   Address: 538-1 Shinkyogokudori, Chukyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8042, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-255-9000
   Website: http://www.superhoteljapan.com/en/s-hotels/shijyogawara/
2. The B Kyoto Sanjo (1.9 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
   Address: 2-49-1, Sanjoohashi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0001, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-762-1300
   Website: http://kyotosanjo.theb-hotels.com/en/
3. Kyoto Traveler’s Inn (1.9 km from Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
   Address: 91 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8344, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-771-0225
   Website: http://www.k-travelersinn.com/english/

5. Ryoan-Ji (龍安寺, Peaceful Dragon Temple)

Ryoan-Ji is a UNESCO Heritage Site that is well known for its mysterious rock garden, one of the best rock gardens in Japan that defies attempts at explanation. Daimyo Hosokawa Katsumoto (1561-1628) built the temple in 1450, however it remains a mystery as to who designed and made the rock garden as well as its purpose and the intention behind it. This temple is the most famous hiraniwa (flat garden) that reveals the stunning simplicity and harmony of Zen meditation’s principles.

There are fifteen carefully placed rocks that seem to drift in a sea of raked white gravel enclosed by an earthen wall. Visitors have an unimpeded view from the viewing platform right above the garden itself. However, no matter which angle you view it from, you can never see all fifteen stones. Apart from this, visitors can tour the extensive grounds of Ryoan-ji that includes larger trees and moss gardens and the particularly striking Kyoyo-chi pond (best seen in autumn).

Address: 13 Ryoanji-Goryo-no-Sita-cho, Ukyo-ku
Operating Hours:
8am-5pm March-November
8:30am-4:30pm December-February
Admission:
Adults: 500 yen
Children under 15: 300 yen
Phone: +81-75-463-2216

Accommodation Nearby

1. Kaden (5.0 km from Ryoanji Temple)
   Address: 191 Chigiriyacho, Higashinotoin Higashiiru, Rokkakudori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8133, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-212-7000
   Website: http://kyotokaden.jp/en/index.html
2. Luck You Kyoto (5.1 km from Ryoanji Temple)
   Address: 590-16 Kakimotocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8357, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-366-3211
   Website: http://luckyou-kyoto.com
3. Hoshinoya Kyoto (5.1 km from Ryoanji Temple)
   Address: 11-2 Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616-0007, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-50-3786-1144
   Website: http://hoshinoyakyoto.jp/en/

6. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林の小径)

The soaring stalks of bamboo at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are one of Kyoto’s top sights. Pictures of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, along with the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine’s torii tunnels, and Kinkaku-ji are often seen together in materials promoting trips to Kyoto. Entering this lush and extensive bamboo grove is like entering another world with endless stalks that seem to continue in every direction.

The bamboo in Arashiyama grow thick and strong, giving shade to cool down in the summer, while bringing warmth during the winter, as beams of sunshine descend through the trees. The grove runs from outside Tenryu-ji’s north gate to just below the Okochi Sanso villa, and its footpath is 500m long. Standing in the middle of this sprawling bamboo grove gives you an incredible feeling, and is quite different than any other forest you will ever visit.

Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku
Operating Hours: 24 hours daily
Phone: +81-75-861-0012

Accommodation Nearby

1. Gosho Nishi Kyoto Heian Hotel (7.9 km from Bamboo Forest Street)
   Address: Karasuma Kamichojamachi agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0912, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-432-6181
   Website: http://kyoto-heian-hotel.com/english/
2. Azumaya Ryokan (7.9 km from Bamboo Forest Street)
   Address: Shichijo-agaru Horikawa-dori Shimogyo-ku | Nishi Honganjimae, Kyoto 600-8399, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-371-2364
   Website: https://www.adumaya-kyoto.com
3. Ryokan Shimizu (8.1 km from Bamboo Forest Street)
   Address: 646 Kagiya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8317, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-371-5538
   Website: http://www.kyoto-shimizu.net/eng/index.html

7. Fushimi Inari-Taisha (伏見稲荷大社)

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha is the 1,300-year-old central shrine (taisha) for 40,000 shrines across Japan dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and sake (Japanese rice wine) and was built by the Hata family in the 8th century. It stretches 230 metres (750 feet) up a hill with hundreds of bright red torii (gates) behind it, forming one of the most memorable and impressive sights in the whole of Kyoto.

The taisha consists of five shrines that stretch across the wooded slopes of Inari-san with a pathway that wanders 4km up the hill and is lined with dozens of atmospheric sub-shrines. As you walk up the hillside, you will come across hundreds of stone fox statues along the way. Foxes are considered the messenger animals of Inari. Keys are often depicted hanging from the mouths of the foxes, and are actually keys for rice granaries. Traditionally, the Japanese see foxes as sacred animals, capable of ‘possessing’ humans through their favoured point of entry – under the fingernails.

Within Japanese culture, deities began to be worshipped to ensure prosperity in business, as the role of agriculture decreased. This shrine holds incredible spiritual and personal significance to the locals and attracts millions when they come to pay their respects during the Japanese New Year. In the area you will also find vendors selling the sweet tsujiura senbei, a type of local cookie that is believed to be an early predecessor of the American-style fortune cookie.

Address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku
Operating hours: Dawn to dusk
Admission: Free
Phone: +81-75-561-1551

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hotel Kanra Kyoto (3.2 km from Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine)
   Address: 190 Kitamachi Karasuma-dori Rokujo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8176, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-344-3815
   Website: https://www.hotelkanra.jp/en/
2. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Honganji (3.3 km from Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine)
   Address: 228 Butsuguyacho Aburanokoji Hanayacho Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8347, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-343-3500
   Website: http://www.kyoto-ryokan-sakura.com/sakura/en/
3. Vessel Hotel Campana Kyotogojo (3.4 km from Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine)
   Address: 498 Shimomanjujicho, Todoindori gojo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8180, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-353-1000
   Website: https://www.vessel-hotel.jp/campana/kyoto/

8. Kyoto International Manga Museum (京都国際マンガミュージアム)

The Kyoto International Manga Museum the world’s first museum dedicated solely to Japanese comics. It is located in downtown Kyoto and is a must-visit destination for manga lovers. The museum is a joint project between Seika University and Kyoto City. The premises used to house an old elementary school that has now been remodelled to accommodate the enormous, all-encompassing manga collections, and provides lots of space for weekend art workshops that teach manga techniques, as well as for international conferences.

The museum is one of the largest in Japan that houses a collection of over 300,000 items and features a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions and events. Among the museum’s unique features is a Wall of Manga that is 200m long. It also houses 50,000 volumes of the last 50 years’ worth of manga, and includes rare or old series that are difficult to find commercially that visitors can read freely. Most of the manga in this museum can even be taken outside, if you would rather read on the lawn. For English readers, you will also find some English-language manga displayed in the international section.

Address: Karasuma-dori, Oike agaru, Nakagyo-ku
Operating Hours: 10am-6pm
Closing Days: Wednesdays and during New Year’s holidays
Admission: 500 yen
Phone: +81-75-254-7414

Accommodation Nearby

1. Kamogawakan (1.1 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum)
   Address: 104 Nakajimacho Sanjodori Kawaramachi, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8004, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-221-4007
   Website: http://www.kamogawa-kan.co.jp/english.html
2. Mifuku (1.2 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum)
   Address: 140 Wakamatsu-cho, Ponto-cho Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0000, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-221-5696
   Website: http://www.yado-web.com/kinki/kyoto/egb21/egb21.html
3. Sawaya Honten (1.7 km from Kyoto International Manga Museum)
   Address: 25, Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8397, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-761-4141
   Website: http://www.kyotokyoto.jp/accommodations/detail_syukuhaku.php?scd=24

9. Nishiki Ichiba (錦市場, Nishiki Market)

Nishiki Ichiba is the perfect choice for travellers wanting to try the authentic tastes of local Kyoto on a small budget, and is actually Kyoto’s largest traditional food market. Situated between Kawaramachi Street and Karasuma Street in downtown Kyoto, this market is a feast for the senses. It is historically known for its preservation of tradition, and is renowned for its almost infinite choice of delicious foods and goods.

The market is a narrow, yet bustling five-block long shopping street filled with more than 100 shops and restaurants. This lively retail market is known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” as it specialises in everything related to food, from fresh produce and seafood to kitchenware. It is also from this market that seasonal foods and some of Kyoto’s specialities such as Japanese pickles, dried seafood, sweets and sushi emerged. Some of the shops give out free samples of their specialities readily, or even sell their special dishes on skewers that are meant to be eaten then and there. Ready-made foods are also sold in a few small restaurants and food stands.

Usually the stalls specialise in one kind of food and are often attached to a store specialising in the same dish. With a history of several centuries, many stalls in the market have been operated by the same families for generations. The market started as a fish wholesale district, and the first shops opened in around 1310. At a later period in time, it changed from a wholesale market to more retail orientated businesses when a larger variety of shops began to move to the area. Today, Nishiki Ichiba remains Kyoto’s most important market and is often packed with locals and tourists alike.

Address: Nishikikoji-dori, Nakagyo-ku (between Teramachi and Takakura)
Operating hours: Daily from 9am-5pm, varies for individual stalls
Closing Days: Some stalls may close on Wednesdays and/or Sundays

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hotel Sunroute Kyoto (0.9 km from Nishiki Market)
   Address: 406 Nanbacho, Matsubara-sagaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8027, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-371-3711
   Website: http://www.sunroute.jp/english/hotelinfo/kinki/kyoto/index.html
2. Shiraume (1.0 km from Nishiki Market)
   Address: Shirakawa-hotori, Shinbashi-dori, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-561-1459
   Website: http://www.shiraume-kyoto.jp/en/
3. Hotel San Crane
   Address: 264 Daigocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8106, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-361-0650
   Website: http://www.sancrane.com

10. Nijo-jo (二条城, Nijo Castle)

Nijo-jo is located in central Kyoto and was built by the Order of Tokugawa Ieyasu (founder of the Edo period) in 1626. The Order of Tokugawa Ieyasu was the last military government of feudal Japan. This castle is one of the most awe-inspiring sights of the city, and is where the Shoguns (military warlords) wielded their power over the emperors throughout the Edo period, as demonstrated through the castle itself.

The castle is characterised by low but grand and imposing structures surrounded by gorgeous gardens, different from the more famous Himeji-jo in Himeji which soars skyward in a manner similar to European castles.

The complex includes the Ninomaru Palace, known for its “nightingale floors” designed to squeak to alert residents of the presence of intruders. The almost rococo decorative panels and carvings in their flamboyance reflect the magnitude of power and attitudes of the occupying warlords. The interior is mostly preserved in its original form, and you can walk around barefoot on the tatami mats that line the floor, letting history come alive. The Seiryu-en garden that surrounds the castle buildings is a wonderful garden that is worth a leisurely stroll through. Over the years the castle went through periods of physical change, such as expansion and ruin, and as governments rose and fell, the use of the castle similarly changed, leading to various building structures and a multitude of walls, moats, and elegant gardens.

This castle is on everyone’s “must-see” list, therefore it is best to visit just after the complex opens in order to beat the crowds. It is often packed full with Japanese school children out on school excursions, and hordes of tourists arrive on buses throughout its opening times.

Address: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nijo-dori, Horikawa Nishi iru, Nakagyo-ku
Operating hours: 8:45am-5pm, last entry at 4pm
Closing Days: Tuesdays in December, January, July, August, and December 26-January 4
Admission:
Adults: 600 yen
Junior and high school students: 350 yen
Elementary school students: 200 yen
Phone: +81-75-841-0096

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select (1.7 km from Nijo Castle)
   Address: 363 Naramonocho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8004, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-221-2211
   Website: http://www.grandbach.com/kyoto/en/
2. Kyoto Itoya Hotel (1.7 km from Nijo Castle)
   Address: 712 Yakushimaecho, Karasumadori, Matsubara Agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8416, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-365-1221
   Website: http://www.itoyahotel.com/eng/
3. Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto
   Address: 410-3 Shimomaruyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8006, Kyoto Prefecture
   Phone: +81-75-241-2000
   Website: http://granms.jp/en/

Note: Agoda would probably be the best accommodation search site with discounts up to 80% off and more properties to choose from than any other website. You can also search the internet for accommodation that would suit your needs as a traveller.

Nara

Nara is just an hour away by train from Kyoto and is a must-see in Kansai. With most of its attractions concentrated within the Nara Park, including the Todaiji Temple that houses a huge Buddha statue in the Big Buddha Hall. It is highly recommended that those visiting Kyoto make a short detour to Nara as a side trip. Nara was Japan’s former capital city before the capital moved to Kyoto in the 8th century. There are a number of sites of great historical significance scattered around Nara, many of which are World Heritage Sites.

Nara is in the most central area in Japan, only 35km south of Kyoto and some 28km north of Osaka. The railroad system in Nara is extremely complicated, providing more options for travel from Kyoto station than is necessary. The two companies connection Kyoto and Nara with regular train lines are:

1. JR Nara Line Y690:
   Pick this is the option if you hold a JR Rail Pass. The Miyakoji Kaisoku Express will get you to Nara from Kyoto in 45 minutes. These trains leave every 30 minutes from Kyoto Station and JR Nara Station and cost about 710 yen. You can also use the local Futsu line, which will get you from Kyoto station to Nara station in about 70 minutes.
2. Kintetsu Nara Line Y1110:
   The private Kintetsu line is by far the fastest way to travel to and from Nara to Kyoto. The JR Rail pass is not applicable on this line and it takes only 35 minutes for the journey. This line operates from a different but equally central train station. The express train leaves twice every hour and costs about 620 yen. The Kintetsu Nara station is actually closer to Nara Park, so taking this train from Kyoto to Nara has a major advantage.

Top 10 Must Visit Places in Nara

1. Todai-ji (東大寺, Eastern Great Temple)

Todai-ji is one of the main attractions in Nara. Built in the 8th century, the temple has a far-reaching history that has prompted it to be recognised as a World Heritage Site. Within its Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall), is the famous Daibutsu, The Great Buddha, originally cast in 746. It is one of the three largest and most well-known statues in Japan. The Daibutsu is 16 metres high, and is made from 437 tonnes of bronze and 130kg of gold.

The Great Buddha Hall, where the statue is located, is also stunning. One of the pillars there has a hole in it which is the same size as the Buddha statue’s nostril. It is believed that crawling through this hole will bring you happiness and legend says that one will receive enlightenment in the next life by doing so. Make sure to keep your eyes open to find this hole in a supporting pillar!

Address: 406-1 Zoshichou, Nara City
Opening Hours:
8am-4:30pm (November-February)
8am-5pm (March)
7:30am-5:30pm (April-September)
7:30am-5pm (October)
Admission:
Adults: 500 yen
Children below 12: 300 yen
Last entry at 30 minutes before closing
Phone: +81-742-22-5511

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hotel New Wakasa (0.5 km from Todai-ji Temple)
   Address: 1 Higashimachi, Kita-Handa, Nara-shi 630-8274, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-23-5858
   Website: http://wakasa-bettei.com/lg_en/
2. Kikusuiro (0.9 km from Todai-ji Temple)
   Address: 1130 Takahatacho, Nara 630-8301, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-23-2002
   Website: http://www.kikusuiro.com
3. Daibutsukan (1 km from Todai-ji Temple)
   Address: 250 Takahatacho, Nara 630-8301, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-23-5111
   Website: http://www.daibutu.com/english/

2. Horyu-ji (法隆寺, Temple of the Flourishing Law)

Horyu-ji is the oldest temple in Japan as well as the oldest wooden temple in the world. It was founded by Prince Shotoku in 607 who is considered to be a great patron of Japanese Buddhism. Before the capital moved to Kyoto at the end of the 8th century, Horyu-ji was one of the seven great temples that flourished in the capital. This list of seven great temples includes: Todai-ji, Daian-ji, Yakushi-ji, Saidai-ji, Gango-ji, Horyu-ji, and Kofuku-ji. Horyu-ji’s five-storey pagoda is exceptionally popular and admission is free.

Both the main hall and the five-storey pagoda were originally built around 600 CE but rebuilt around 700 CE after a fire. The other 26 buildings within the complex were built before 800 CE. The main hall, pagoda and the 26 buildings are all undisputedly the oldest wooden buildings in the world. As the pagoda was built first, it deserves the title for being the absolute oldest wooden building in the world. They are all undoubtedly part of a World Heritage Site.

Horyu-ji is also known to house the country’s rarest and most important treasures including priceless relics from the Asuka (538-710) and Nara (710-794) periods, the Kudara Kannon and the Dream-changing Kannon.

Address: 1-1 Horyuji Sannai, Ikaruga, Ikoma
Opening Hours:
8am-5pm (February 22-November 3)
8am-4:30pm (November 4-February 21)
Admission: 1000 yen
Phone: +81-745-75-2555

Accommodation Nearby

1. Kakimotoya (5.4 km from Horyuji Temple)
   Address: 5-8 Shigisan Higashi, Ikoma-gun, Sango-cho 636-0831, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-745-72-8000
   Website: http://www.kakimotoya-english.com
2. Gyokuzoin (5.9 km from Horyuji Temple)
   Address: 2280 Shigisan, Ikoma-gun, Heguri-cho 636-0923, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-745-72-2881
   Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Hotel_Review-g1121312-d1368330-Reviews-Gyokuzo_in-Heguri_cho_Ikoma_gun_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html
3. Grand Sunpia Nara (6.3 km from Horyuji Temple)
   Address: 92-15 Takadacho, Yamatokoriyama 639-1132, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-743-51-1120
   Website: https://travel.rakuten.com/hotel/Japan-Nara_Prefecture-Yamatokoriyama-Grand_Sunpia_Nara/145493/

3. Nara Koen (奈良公園, Nara Park)

Nara Koen is large park located in central Nara established in 1880. It is the location many of Nara’s main attractions such as Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Taisha and the Nara National Museum. The park is home to hundreds of deer that roam free within its vicinity. As deer were considered to be messengers of the gods in Shintoism, they have become a symbol of the city and are designated as a natural treasure.

Shinto (“the way of the gods”) is Japan’s major religion alongside Buddhism and is an indigenous religion. It is as old as Japan itself. The deer at Nara are surprisingly tame unless you attempt to feed them which is when they can be aggressive. Nevertheless, there are shika-senbei (rice crackers) being sold at 150 yen around the park and some deer have learned to approach visitors and ask to be fed.

This park has picturesque scenery during all four seasons, making it an excellent place to visit during any time of the year.

Address: Noboriojicho, Nara-shi
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Admission: Free

Accommodation Nearby

1. Hotel Sunroute Nara (0.8 km from Nara Park)
   Address: 1110 Takabatakecho, Nara 630-8301, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-22-5151
   Website: http://www.sunroute.jp/english/hotelinfo/kinki/nara/index.html
2. Tsukihitei (1.2 km from Nara Park)
   Address: 158 Kasuganocho, Nara 630-8212, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-26-2021
   Website: http://www.gambo-ad.com/english/hotel/index.php?ar=13&id=78
3. Hotel Asyl Nara (1.6 km from Nara Park
   Address: 1-58 Aburasakacho, Nara 630-8247, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-22-2577
   Website:https://www.worldheritage.co.jp/asyl/en/

4. Kasuga Taisha (春日大社, Kasuga Grand Shrine)

Kasuga Taisha is a World Heritage Site built around the 8th century by the Fujiwara family and served as their tutelary shrine established to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. The Fujiwara were exceptionally influential during most of the Nara and Heian periods. Kasuga Taisha has been rebuilt periodically, every 20 years, for many centuries. However, the periodic rebuilding was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period.

Considered one of the model shrines of Nara, Kasuga Taisha is adorned with hundreds of lanterns offered by worshippers that gives a touch of subtle elegance to the shrine. The lanterns are only lit during the bi-annual Lantern Festivals that occur in early February and mid-August respectively.

Visitors can explore beyond the shrine’s offering hall for free and pay an admission fee to go into the inner area that provides a closer view of the shrine’s inner buildings. In inner most area lies the main sanctuary that contains multiple shrine buildings. These buildings display the distinctive Kasuga style of shrine architecture that is characterised by a slanting roof extending over the front of the building.

Address: 160 Kasugano-cho
Opening Hours:
6am-6pm (April-September)
6:30am-5pm (October-March)
Inner area: 8:30am-4pm (closes occasionally)
Admission: Free (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)
Phone: +81-742-22-7788

Accommodation Nearby

1. Kotonoyado Musashino (0.4 km from Kasuga Grand Shrine)
   Address: 90 Kasuganocho, Nara 630-8212, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-22-2739
   Website: http://www.yado-web.com/kinki/nara/nara04/nara04.html
2. Nara Hotel (1.3 km from Kasuga Grand Shrine)
   Address: 1096 Takabatake-cho, Nara 630-8301, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-26-3300
   Website: http://www.narahotel.co.jp/eng/
3. Asukasou (1.5 km from Kasuga Grand Shrine)
   Address: 1113-3 Takabatakecho, Nara 630-8301, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-26-2538
   Website: http://www.asukasou.com/english/index.html

5. Kofuku-ji (興福寺, Kofukuji Temple)

Kofuku-ji was once the Fujiwara’s family temple that was transferred from Kyoto in 710. Situated just a short walk from Nara’s centre in the Nara Park, is one of the city’s “Big Three” must-see temples along Todai-ji and Horyu-ji. Being one of the most beautiful and historic temples, Kofuku-ji is naturally listed as a World Heritage Site.

Established at the same time as Nara itself in 710, Kofuku-ji used to consist of over 150 buildings at the height of Fujiwara’s power. Today, a few of these buildings of great historic value still remain, including the famous three-storey and five-storey pagodas first built in 730 and recently rebuilt in 1426. The five-storey pagoda is 50m high and is Japan’s second tallest, seven meters shorter than the five-storey pagoda at Kyoto’s Toji Temple. The Kofuku-ji’s pagoda is both a landmark and symbol of Nara.

Within the Kofuku-ji compound is the National Treasure Museum, the Eastern Golden Hall, and the Northern and Southern Octagonal Halls. The National Treasure Museum was recently renovated and exhibits part of the temple’s great Buddhist art collection, while the Eastern Golden Hall features a large wooden Yakushi Buddha (Medicine Buddha) statue. Both Northern and Southern Octagonal Halls date back over a thousand years, and also house some of the temple’s precious artefacts. The reconstruction of these two buildings were completed in 1210 and 1789 respectively, and are open to the public only for a few days in a year.

Kofuku-ji’s main building was the Central Golden Hall, which was unfortunately destroyed in 1717 due to fire. A smaller scale replacement hall was built in the 1800s and has recently undergone a restoration project, to mirror its former glory. Reconstruction works are currently ongoing and are scheduled to be completed in the year 2018.

Address: 48 Noborioji-cho
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm, the grounds are open around the clock
Admission: 600 yen for the National Treasure Museum; 300 yen for the Eastern Golden Hall (800 yen combined ticket)
Phone: +81-742-22-5370

Accommodation Nearby

1. Sarusawaike Yoshidaya (0.1 km from Kofuku-ji Temple)
   Address: 246 Takabatakecho, Nara 630-8301, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-23-2225
   Website: https://travel.rakuten.com/hotel/Japan-Nara_Prefecture-Nara-Sarusawaike_Yoshidaya/50455/
2. Yado Yoshino (0.2 km from Kofuku-ji Temple)
   Address: 19 Imamikado-cho, Nara 630-8374, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-22-3727
   Website: http://www.yado-yoshino.com
3. Ryokan Matsumae (0.3 km from Kofuku-ji Temple)
   Address: 28-1 Higashi Terabayashicho, Nara 630-8362, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-22-3686
   Website: http://www.matsumae.co.jp/index2.html

6. Heijo-kyu (平城宮, Heijo Palace or Nara Imperial Palace)

Heijo-kyu was the central part of Nara when it was Japan’s capital. The original building was unfortunately destroyed and its reconstructed building now operates as a historical information centre for visitors to catch a glimpse of what the area was like over 1,000 years ago as the centre of politics, culture and religion. Its architecture was inspired by Chang-an, the ancient capital of the Chinese Tang dynasty.

Heijo-kyu is also a World Heritage Site that still displays Nara’s glory to a certain degree. It thrived as the first large-scale international city of Japan. Heijo-kyu is considered a part of national cultural heritage, and is also designated as one of Japan’s Special Historic Sites. The Agency for Cultural Affairs implemented the “Basic Scheme for the Preservation and Development of the Heijo Palace Site as a Special Historic Site” in 1978 making Heijo-kyu the place where the ancient culture of Japan is passed onto future generations.

Address: Saki-cho, Nara-shi
Opening Hours: 9am-4:30pm
Closing Days: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a national holiday), December 29 to January 3
Admission: Free
Phone: +81-742-30-6753

Accommodation Nearby

1. Nara Royal Hotel (1.2 km from Heijokyu Ruins)
   Address: 254-1 Hokkejicho, Nara 630-8001, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-34-1131
   Website: http://www.nara-royal.co.jp/lang/index.html
2. Toyoko Inn Nara Shin Omiya Ekimae (1.7 km from Heijokyu Ruins)
   Address: 4-3-2 Shibatsujicho, Nara 630-8114, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-36-1045
   Website: http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00183/
3. Hotel Nikko Nara (2.6 km from Heijokyu Ruins)
   Address: 8-1 Sanjo Hommachi, Nara 630-8122, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-35-8831
   Website: https://www.okura-nikko.com/japan/nara/hotel-nikko-nara/

7. Yoshino-yama (吉野山, Mount Yoshino)

Yoshino-yama is a magnificent mountain best known for its sakura blossom. It has 30,000 sakura trees planted around the slopes that gives a spectacular view during mid-April every year. Visitors can easily see 1,000 sakura blossom trees at once that gives rise to the expression hitome senbon, which means “a thousand trees at a glance”.

Besides the spring sakura blossoms, stunning views can also be enjoyed throughout the year here, especially the autumn leaves. Yoshino-yama offers spectacular scenery throughout the year: new green leaves in summer, hydrangeas in June during the rainy season, autumn leaves at the end of October, and white landscapes in winter.

The whole of Mt. Yoshino is registered as World Heritage Site, and includes World Heritage Buildings such as the Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, the Kinpu Shrine, the Kinpusenji Temple and the Yoshimizu Shrine.

Accommodation Nearby

1. Ebisukan (0.2 km from Mt. Yoshinoyama)
   Address: Yoshino-gun, Yoshino-cho 639-3115, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-746-32-3031
   Website: http://www.ebisukan.yoshino.jp
2. Yumoto Hounoya (0.2 km from Mt. Yoshinoyama)
   Address: Nakasenbonkoen, Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-gun, Yoshino-cho 639-3115, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-746-325-121
   Website: https://www.kayak.com/Yoshino-Hotels-Yumoto-Hounoya.799316.ksp
3. Ikkyuan (0.4 km from Mt. Yoshinoyama)
   Address: 240-1 Sakai-machi Muromachi-dori Gojo Sagaru 2 chome, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8162
   Phone: +81-75-342-2123
   Website: https://www.nagomi-kyoto.com/ikkyuan/eng/

8. Yakushi-ji (薬師寺, Healing Buddha Temple)

Yakushi-ji (薬師寺) was constructed by the 40th emperor of Japan, Emperor Tenmu (r. 673-686 CE), in the late 7th century dedicated to the recovery of the sick Empress. Yakushi-ji is a World Heritage Site that has eight buildings within its grounds that form a strictly symmetric layout: on a central axis are the main and lecture halls flanked by two pagodas. Its unique architectural style is another one that was inspired by Chang-an, the ancient capital of China during the Tang dynasty.

Yakushi-ji is one of Nara’s seven great temples and the mother temple of the Hosso school of Buddhism – the oldest Buddhist sect in Japan. Its main hall was rebuilt in the 1970s after being destroyed by fire and houses a Yakushi (Medicine Buddha) trinity which is a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art, as well as among many other art objects.

The temple’s East Pagoda dates from 730 and is the only structure to have survived many fires that have beset the temple over the years. Just like the West Pagoda, it is three-storeys high though it appears to have six stories. The Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) statue housed here is a national treasure from the Hakuho Period (645-710). It is 255cm high and cast in bronze. It was commissioned by Emperor Temmu in 680. The complex is huge with many other attractions worth visiting, so it is recommended to allocate extra time to for this location during your visit.

Construction Notice:

The Yakushi-ji’s East Pagoda is undergoing major renovation works over a time period of almost ten years (until June 2020), during which the pagoda is covered by scaffolding. The other buildings are unaffected and still make a worthwhile visit.

Address: 457 Nishinokyo-cho
Opening Hours: 8:30am-5pm, last entry at 4:30pm
Admission: 1100 yen (800 yen when Genjo-sanzoin Garan is closed)
Closing days: Genjo-sanzoin Garan is closed from mid-January through February, from July to mid-September (except Obon in mid-August) and in December
Phone: +81-742-33-6001

Accommodation Nearby

1. Sun Hotel Nara (3.4 km from Yakushiji Temple)
   Address: 4-21 Sanjohonmachi, Nara 630-8122, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-25-2111
   Website: http://www.sunhotelnara.jp
2. Comfort Hotel NARA (3.5 km from Yakushiji Temple)
   Address: 321 3 Sanjo cho, Nara 630-8244, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-25-3211
   Website: https://travel.rakuten.com/hotel/Japan-Nara_Prefecture-Nara-Comfort_Hotel_Nara/70284/
3. Super Hotel JR Nara Ekimae (3.7 km from Yakushiji Temple)
   Address: 500-1 Sanjocho, Nara 630-8244, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-27-9000
   Website: http://www.superhoteljapan.com/en/s-hotels/nara-lohas/

9. Chugu-ji (中宮寺, Chugu-ji Temple)

Chugu-ji is located next to the Horyu-ji Temple and is a historic nunnery located in the Ikaruga district, south west of Nara. It is a small temple but famous for housing Japan’s two national treasures in the Main Hall, which are a superb Miroku Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Maitreya) statue, and a replica of the Tenjukoku Shucho Mandala that was embroidered after the death of Prince Shotoku by imperial courtiers. Chugu-ji belongs to the Shotoku school temple of Japanese Buddhism.

Chugu-ji was originally the palace of Prince Shotoku’s mother during the Asuka Period (538-710) and converted into a nunnery by Prince Shotoku after his mother’s death. Chugu-ji’s chief priestesses were traditionally imperial princesses. The temple is considered one of the three Yamato monzeki nunneries, that is to say that the temple has a special connection with the imperial family since the chief monk or nun would often be a member of the imperial family.

One of the main attractions of Chugu-ji is the black camphor wood statue of Miroku that sits in the Main Hall. It is regarded as a classic of Asuka Period art that was described as: “one of the three smiling masterpieces of the world along with the Sphinx of Egypt and the Mona Lisa painted by Leonardo da Vinci.” in a temple pamphlet. The Miroku sits with its right hand raised to its face in thought and was believed to have been originally painted but had a lacquer finishing that gives the image its unique resinous black colour.

Address: 1-1-2 Horyuji-kita Ikaruga-cho, Ikaruga-gun
Opening Hours: 9am-4:30pm March 21-September 30; 9am-4pm October 1-March 20
Admission: 500 yen or 400 yen if you have bought a ticket to Horyuji
Phone: +81-745-75-2106

Accommodation Nearby

1. Sun Hotel Yamatokoriyama (3.7 km from Chuguji Temple)
   Address: 635-1 Tsutsuicho, Yamatokoriyama 639-1123, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-743-23-0111
   Website: http://www.sunhotel-yamatokoriyama.com
2. Super Hotel Nara Yamatokoriyama (4.7 km from Chuguji Temple)
   Address: 205-1 Sugimachi, Yamatokoriyama 639-1121, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-743-57-9800
   Website: http://www.superhoteljapan.com/en/s-hotels/nara/
3. Shiroyama (9.0 km from Chuguji Temple)
   Address: 15-12 Monzencho, Ikoma 630-0266, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-743-73-4717
   Website: https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/shiroyama-ryokan.html

10. Nara-machi (奈良町, “Nara Town”)

Registered as a Unesco World Heritage Site, Nara-machi was developed into a merchant district around the 15th century. Prior to that, the whole area used to be occupied almost fully by Gango-ji’s once-spacious grounds. The temple was one of the most important temples in Japan during the Nara Period.

In the Edo and earlier periods, many buildings of Nara-machi were machiya – a long and narrow townhouse-like building that served as the local shops for merchants and living quarters similar to those in Kyoto. The machiya store fronts were often kept narrow for tax savings, as taxes were calculated based on a machiya’s street access rather than its total size. Though once a sprawling compound, a handful of machiya and temple buildings have been preserved today as museums, cafes and shops.

Nara-machi is particularly atmospheric when most of the visitors have dispersed and the lanterns in restaurants are being lit. The Edo period is really brought back to life as you stroll down these traditional Japanese streets.

Here is a list of Nara-machi’s main attractions:

1. Gango-ji (元興寺, Gango-ji Temple)
   Opening Hours: Daily 9am-5pm, last admission at 4:30pm
   Admission: 500 yen
   
   Gango-ji Temple was one of Nara’s seven great temples, and originates as Asukadera (Japan’s oldest temple) in Asuka that was moved to Nara in 718. Gango-ji today is only a small fraction of what it used to be.
2. Koshi-no-Ie (ならまち格子の家, Nara-machi Lattice House)
   Opening Hours: 9am-5pm
   Closing Days: Mondays and the day following a national holiday (except weekends), December 26 to January 5
   Admission: Free
   
   Koshi-no-Ie Residence was a former merchant home that is preserved and opened to the public.
3. Nara Kogei-kan (なら工藝館, Nara Craft Museum)
   Opening Hours: 10am-6pm, last admission at 5:30pm
   Closing Days: Mondays and the day following a national holiday (except weekends), December 26 to January 5, and between exhibitions
   Admission: Free
   
   This museum serves as an introduction house to famous Nara’s arts and crafts such as kogakumen masks, high-quality writing brushes and inks, etc.
4. Nara-machi Shiryo-kan (奈良町資料館, Nara-machi History Museum)
   Opening Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
   Admission: Free
   
   This museum in the centre of Nara-machi exhibits many artefacts related to the district’s history with explanations in Japanese only.
5. Imanishi-ke Sho-in (今西家書院, Imanishike Shoin Traditional House)
   Opening Hours: 10am-4pm, last admission at 3:30pm
   Closing Days: Mondays, summer holidays and winter holidays
   Admission: 350 yen
   
   This residence is located in the eastern part of Nara-machi and was a former residence of the Kofuku-ji temple official. It has a large interior, a pleasant garden, and a space for enjoying green tea and Japanese desserts.

Accommodation Nearby

1. People’s Inn Hanakomichi (0.9 km from Nara-machi)
   Address: 23 Konishicho, Nara 630-8226, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-26-2646
   Website: http://hanakomichi.co.jp/en/index28.html
2. Toyoko Inn Nara Kintetsu Eki-mae (1.0 km from Nara-machi)
   Address: 16-1 Nishimikadocho, Nara 630-8225, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-85-1045
   Website: https://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00249/index.html
3. Tenpyo Ryokan (2.8 km from Nara-machi)
   Address: 9 Higashimukinakamachi, Nara 630-8215, Nara Prefecture
   Phone: +81-742-22-0551
   Website: https://www.agoda.com/tenpyo-ryokan/hotel/nara-jp.html?cid=-218

Travel Books

Before you go to Japan we highly recommend you read A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony for a better understanding of modern Japanese culture and lifestyle.

Authors: Hector Garcia

Comprehensive and well informed, it covers a wide array of topics in short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerous photographs, providing a lively digest of the society and culture of Japan. Designed to appeal to the generations of Westerners who grew up on Pokemon, manga and video games, A Geek in Japan reinvents the culture guide for readers in the Internet age.

Spotlighting the originality and creativity of the Japanese, debunking myths about them, and answering nagging questions like why they’re so fond of robots, author Hector Garcia has created the perfect book for the growing ranks of Japanophiles in this inspired, insightful and highly informative guide.

How to move around Japan

The best way to get around Japan is by using a Japan Rail Pass, a very convenient and budget-friendly way to travel throughout the country. For train route ideas and city guides, check out the Japan by Rail book.

Authors: Ramsey Zarifeh

Practical information – planning your trip; what to take; getting to Japan from Europe, North America and Australasia

City guides and maps – where to stay (all budgets), where to eat, what to see in 30 towns and cities; historical and cultural background

Kilometer-by-kilometer route guides – covering train journeys from the coast into the mountains, from temple retreat to sprawling metropolis and from sulphurous volcano to windswept desert; 34 route maps

Railway timetables – Bullet trains and all routes in this guidebook

Plus – Customs, etiquette, Japanese phrases and 40 color photos

 
Sources:

• https://www.jnto.go.jp
• https://matcha-jp.com/en/2548
• https://www.tsunagujapan.com/8-must-see-sights-in-nara-the-first-capital-of-japan/
• http://www.cyclekyoto.com/kyoto-to-nara
• https://japancheapo.com/travel/touring-kyoto-nara-kobe-osaka-cheap-thru-pass/
• https://www.travelocafe.com/2013/02/kyoto-japan-top-places-attractions-to-visit-see.html
• https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japan/articles/the-top-10-things-to-do-and-see-in-kyoto/
• https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/japan/kyoto-nara/
• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/kansai/kyoto
• http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/ex/stat/jinko/city/new-e.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefectures_of_Japan
• http://www.japan-guide.com
• http://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html
• https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/basic-info/experience-japanese-culture/the-dos-and-donts-of-manners.html
• http://www.insidekyoto.com
• http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-kyoto/
• http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/about/index_en.html
• http://heijo-kyo.com/en/
• http://www.yoshinoyama-sakura.jp/english/

 
For more interesting information:

• Wonderful Japan – Kyushu
• 16 Unique Places in Japan
• 3 Amazingly Attractive Villages in Japan
• DAIBUTSU – The Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Rudyard Kipling’s Poem of Kamakura Buddha
• Techno-Buddhism in Japan!
• Rapping Monk of Japan!
• 10 Japanese Folklore Creatures
• Animals and Humans: Working together in Japan
• Japanese Admits UFO Exists!!
• Why Drinking With Coworkers Is So Important In Japanese Work Culture

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