As the birthplace of Japanese culture, Nara holds a number of historically valued cultural assets, many of which are found in the preserved beauty of its rich nature. Among these, three of Nara's most valuable inheritances have been recognized as World Heritage Sites: "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara," which includes eight important properties eloquently illustrating ancient history and culture; "Buddhist Monuments in the Horyuji Area," which recognizes the world's oldest wooden architectures of Horyuji Temple and Hoki-ji Temple and "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," which acknowledges sacred sites for Shugendo, a religious practice that originated in Japan. Witnessing the abundance of Japan's ancient treasures is a privilege that only visitors to Nara may enjoy.

Extending 4 kilometers east to west and 2 kilometers north to south, Nara Park is a spacious public park where historic Todaiji Temple <World Heritage>, Kofukuji Temple <World Heritage>, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine <World Heritage> are located. While enjoying the peaceful sight of deer grazing on grass, the first destination is the Daibutsu, or the giant statue of Buddha, at Todaiji Temple. The Daibutsu stands approximately 15 meters high, and its palm is about 3 meters in width. Visitors can experience the size of its nostril comparing it to an opening made in the hall's pillar, which you may try to crawl through. One of the best picture-taking spots in the park is Sarusawa Pond, which beautifully reflects the Goju-no-to (the Five-story Pagoda) of Kofukuji Temple on its surface and offers a great place to capture this memorable moment of your trip.

After leaving the park, you can stroll through Nara-Machi (Town), where narrow, maze-like back alleys create a nostalgic view of old town charm. Traditional machiya houses, characterized by various latticework, line the streets along with old temples. Migawari-zaru, which are found hanging under the eaves of the houses, are monkey-shaped charms that are believed to bear one's misfortune. Souvenir shops that sell local specialties, such as Nara uchiwa (paper fans) and ittobori (one-knife) carvings, dot the alleys.

As an extended tour, you can visit the Ruins of Heijokyu Place <World Heritage>, a historic spot near YAMATO-SAIDAIJI Station, which will be celebrating an anniversary in 2010 commemorating the relocation of the capital to the area, which took place 1,300 years ago. Yakushiji Temple <World Heritage> and Toshodaiji Temple <World Heritage> are two venerable temples in the Nishinokyo area that are also worth visiting.