What you need to know about Nara in Japan

Nara was the capital of Japan many centuries ago. It is one of those ignored cities of Japan that are still worth visiting. Due to its smaller size and its proximity to Kyoto, most tourist won’t visit it.

Nara was the cultural historical capital of Japan. Not only due to its creations of culture in the past, but also to the number of buildings considered National Treasures by the Japanese government. If you want to walk within a traditional Japanese borough, then you should visit Nara. And by traditional, here it is meant with historical building that are many centuries old.

All major touristic sites are within walking distance from downtown. The conventional tourist course (starting at Kintetsu Nara Station to K?fuku-ji, Nara National Museum, Todai ji, Kasuga Taisha or back to the Kintetsu Nara Station) is about only 5 miles long. It is usually a quite pleasant way for most tourists.

If you only have one day to spend, focus just on the Nara Park. It is not that interesting for Japanese tourists, but Western tourists will appreciate it. With some more time, though, there’s much more to see.

Most of Nara’s touristic sights, like its temples, shrines or mercenary deer are concentrated within the Nara Park.

Todai ji is the home to the Daibutsu, the biggest Buddha statue in Japan. It is even one of the biggest in the world. More exactly the Daibutsu-den, that houses it, is known to be the biggest wooden building in the world.

Nara National Museum has one of the world’s largest collections about Buddhist art and it has changing exhibitions.

Kasuga Taisha is worth a visit for the beautiful approach, through the Kasuga Primeval Forest.

And there is more, much more, since Nara is a mainly a touristic city, it has developed many cultural offers in this direction.

The Mount Wakakusa Fire Festival, for example, is a splendid time to visit the city. Amazing fireworks, surrounded by a festivity. Huge wooden temples are built and burnt just for this occasion.

Nara is also known for its writing brushed, the handmade Narafude. They are very rare and expensive, but unique for Japanese calligraphy.

Let’s go to Osaka

Osaka is the second city of Japan. Not only it is the second city in its size, 17 million inhabitants, but also regarding its importance to the Japanese economy.

Tokyo is the official capital, but Osaka has something special, that sets it apart from all the rest of the country. Osaka has developed itself as an alternative culture capital.

Osaka is an ancient city to Japan and it was once its capital more than 1,000 years ago. Its importance derives partly from that time and partly from its own achievements in culture, art and industry. Osaka is a hub for the country regarding all aspects.

The best way of visiting the real Osaka is buying a subway ticket with unlimited travels. The subways covers the whole city and with an unlimited pass, you can just let yourself go.

As in many Japanese cities, there is a castle. The best views over Osaka are from this castle. The Osaka Castle has been converted into a museum, you can see original samurai’s swords in it that have seen combat and detailed weaponry used across the centuries by Japanese warriors.

The Osaka Science Museum is also a unique place to visit. You can spend days and days within it and won’t have seen everything. From miniatures to whole planes, in this museum, you’ll find anything that has been invented or improved by Japanese engineers and technicians along the years. It has a planetarium and a 3d cinema. It is a appropriate visit for young and old. Both children with a grasp of science and grown-ups will find entertaining activities in it.

Due to its old age, Osaka also has one of the oldest Shinto shrines. It has a known history of more than 1,800 years. It is embedded in a park and even if you don’t practice the Shinto faith, you are welcome at this place and you will be able to appreciate the inner piece that this sites transmits.

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum is not so big or famous as the both alternatives above, but it has its charm. It will show you how it was invented, how it can be developed and you will have the chance of even letting them manufacture your favorite noodle according to your specifications.