About 1,300 years ago, Heijyo-kyo was based on Choan, the capital of To in China, and its central building was Heijo Palace. With Suzaku-oji street in the center, the city was designed in a grid pattern. Suzaku-mon (the main gate) was reconstructed in its original vivid colors. In 2010, a 1300-year anniversary event is scheduled.

The East Pagoda (a National Treasure) of Yakushiji Temple was once admired by Fenorossa as "Frozen Music." Yakushi-Sanzonzo (the Yakushi Triad) in the Kondo (the main hall) is said to be the pinnacle of Japanese Buddhist art. Kichijo-Tennyo statue (a National Treasure) and other treasures may help you imagine the gorgeous ancient Yakushiji Temple in its heyday. In the chapel of Genjosanzoin-garan, there are large wall paintings by artist Ikuo Hirayama, who took 30 years to complete them. These also should not be missed.

Toshodaiji Temple was founded by Ganjin, a Chinese priest who trained priests and taught Buddhism in Japan. It was the first temple established for that purpose. With the rich Tenpyo culture and beautiful, peculiar architectural structures, it is admired as a "Cathedral of Symphony." The Kondo, or Golden Hall (a National Treasure*) is the largest example of Tempyo architecture in existence. The Kodo, or lecture Hall (a National Treasure), was relocated from the Nara Imperial Palace, Heijyo-kyo. Other remarkable buildings and treasures will help you get a feel for the majestic Tenpyo culture.

Founded by Prince Shotoku, this temple is divided into three parts: the world's oldest wooden structured Kondo (main hall), the Saiin (Western Precinct) that includes the Five-story Pagoda, and the Yumedono, or Hall of Visions (Eastern Precinct.) All are National Treasures. The main hall exhibits Buddhist statues, ancient smiling Shaka-sanzon (a National Treasure), the Yakushi Nyorai (Healing Buddha, a National Treasure) Shitenno-zo (Four Deva Kings, a National Treasure), and others. The scale and number of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties make Horyuji Temple an attractive place to visit. The Garan Cathedral, Great Treasure Hall (including Kudarakan'non, the Paekche Deity) statue hall, and the east-west treasury halls are must-sees. As a Buddhist building in the Horyuji area, Horyuji Temple was recognized as the first world heritage in all of Japan.

Passing through the massive Deva gate of the temple with its almost 70 eaves, you will find a climb of 399 stone steps that leads to the entrance of Hondo Hall. In the spring, the peonies are in full bloom all the way to the Kan'non, making it breathtakingly elegant, which is why it is also called the "Temple of Flowers." The 10-meter tall statue, a Kan'non with eleven heads, is the largest wooden sculpture in Japan. Standing on a stone, the Kan'non holds a lotus flower vase in its right hand and a monk's stick in its left hand, giving it a unique appearance.

Cherry blossoms: From the end of March to the beginning of April
Peonies: From the middle of April to the beginning of May
Rhododendrons: From the middle of April to the beginning of May
Hydrangeas: From the middle of June to the middle of July
Changing leaves: From the middle of November to the beginning of December

Hiking to the temple on a stunningly scenic path of 450 stone steps from the vermilion-lacquered Taiko-bashi bridge, you will find Muro-ji Temple. Unlike Mt. Koya, it welcomes women and is, therefore, known as the "Female Koya." The other Shingon Temples, especially Mt. Koya, were traditionally only open to men. The sculpture, Kan'non or Goddess of Mercy with Eleven Faces (a National Treasure), in Kondo (a National Treasure) has the look of a lovely girl with a halo, wearing light-colored garments. The Five-Story Pagoda is the smallest outdoor pagoda in Japan. Like Hase-dera Temple, Muro-ji Temple is also famous for its beautiful flowers.

Rhododendrons: From the middle of April to the beginning of May
Changing leaves: November

In of the pastoral and serene mountain paths, there are unique, strange natural stone objects, such as the humorous a monkey-stone and a turtle-stone, as well as an ogre's toilet and cutting board. Among these mysterious objects is the biggest ancient tomb, Ishibutai Kofun, the largest of the old cave tombs made of piled stones in Japan. The biggest stone is estimated to weigh 77 tons. It is believed to be Soga no Umako's tomb, and shows us how much power he once had. When you enter the restored stone coffin, you will be amazed by the size of it.

This shrine was built based on descriptions from the Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), at the site of the Kashihara-gu where Japan's first emperor, Jinmu, is said to have ascended to the throne. Nestled in deep greenery, the outside and inside halls of worship and the main hall are in one line that creates a splendid atmosphere. The white sand beautifully contrasts with the building. Shinrin Yuen Park, where 150,000 trees of 500 kinds are planted, is located on the east side of the shrine, where will also find the Fukada Pond reflecting the beauty of the four seasons.

Azaleas: From the end of April to the end of May
Lotuses: June
Chrysanthemums: From the middle of October to the end of November