Travel around Nara and be frenetic in coming back

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In a country wherein technological advancements have been afloat for the longest time, it isn’t that difficult for Japanese cities to have coped with the forward move in enriching the country’s modernization ventures and keeping the roots of the country intact.

Despite the fact that Japan is known for robots, tall edifices housing numerous brands in computers and the like, Japanese people have preserved hundreds of temples and shrines which all still stand proud and brave amidst continuous changes.

Not only the have well-kept these vintage places, but have used it to promote tourism and welcome those who crave for this signature Japan spots. Aside from mega cities of Kyoto and Osaka, there lies a small city within a larger prefecture that embodied what a city can be when the old and the new is amalgamated well.

Folks, meet Nara, a compact city in Japan known for its UNESCO Heritage Sites, interesting vacation spots and welcoming warm inhabitants.

Location

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Nara is within the Nara prefecture, specifically on its northern end. North of Nara is the border where the Kyoto prefecture directly lies. From its northern end to its southern tip, the country is measured to be 22.22 kilometers wide and 13.81 miles from east to west. On its’ eastern wing lies the Mie Prefecture.

The peak of Kaigahira-Yama is considered as the highest peak at 822 miles for its altitude and Ikeda-cho district as the lowest land point at 56.4 meters.

Climate

Nara is classified to have a moderate sea climate which meant that warm and hotter summers are to be expected. Sub-zero temperatures are rather uncommon because of the presence of the sea. Summers is said to be humid at its finest, and is normally heavy because of condensed particles from the nearby body of water.

Winter ranges of temperature are playing at 3 to 5 degrees with summer reading as high as 35 degrees hotter. Snowfall, while an annual weather occurrence, is typically short as compared to its nearby cities. Snowfall has been observed to last not more than 10 days since 1990.

Rainfall is quite common in summers with a whopping 3000 to 5000 millimeters of rainfall being recorded annually. Spring and fall temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities and traveling, normally temperate and comfortable.

Transportation

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Two main railways that provide transportation from Kyoto to Nara and within both of the cities are Japan Railways (JR) and Kinetsu Railways (KR). Japan Railways have trips from Kyoto to Nara on a 45-minute mark and is covered by the always trusted Japan Rail Pass. Kinetsu Trains have a twice-hourly limited express that will take you 35-minutes if traveling from Kyoto.

If taking the local bus lines, bear in mind the convenience that the Nara Bus Pass would do for you and your travel. This pass would definitely be of aid to you if you wish to use the Nara Kotse buses which roam around the whole city and will give you an unlimited 1-day pass. It generally would cover your Nara-Yakushiji vice versa travels and for an added fee can bring you as far as Horyuji and Asuka areas.

Main international passages for aerial transportation would be through the Osaka International Airport and Kansai International Airport.

What to See

Daibutsu-den Hall

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Daibutsu-den Hall is known to be the largest wooden building on the planet. Built in 1709, this towering piece of architectural houses the Daibutsu or the Giant Buddha and has long been one of the attractions that Nara is offering.

The Buddha ‘living’ inside this huge edifice is that of Vairocana Buddha sculpted out of bronze and identified as one of the largest of its kind. People crowd this place because of the sense of enlightenment that you can vividly feel once you circled the whole area.

Tōdai-ji

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A place where one can wander free of charge, Toda-ji is also dubbed as one highly prioritized stops whenever in Nara. Various crafts of old and modern architecture can be seen in this complex, such as the enormous facade being guarded by two Nio guardians (both sculptures), perfectly carved wooden images dotting the whole of Todai-ji and huge temple enclosures which will definitely leave you in a trance.

Nara National Museum

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Satisfy your Buddha cravings by visiting the Nara National Museum as this is where the most priced and coveted Buddha sculptures are on display. Built in 1894, different artists have connived to put up this museum, which rather explicated Japanese’s urgent following in iconography.

You would also be entertained by boxed and well-maintained calligraphies, paintings and other works of art by different walks of life. Special exhibitions and events are commonly being held at the museum for a worth-it fee.

Isui-en & Neiraku Art Museum

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As seen on movies, Japanese are obsessed with well-manicured gardens with all the drama surrounding it, and the Isui-en and Neiraku Art Museum is the perfect place to witness that.

For a fee, you can relax and soothe your Earthly body and senses with their local tea, sitting in the infamous tatami mat setting overlooking the serene garden.

Tōdai-ji Museum

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Not far away from Daibutsu and other areas of interest, be immersed into knowing the rich Japanese heritage through their poignant displays of Bodhisattva treasures.

Nara City Museum of Photography

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If you feel like being random on your museum hopping, make sure to inquire first before setting the trail onto the Nara City Museum of Photography.

No specific exhibitions will be given to you; the element of surprise is just exhilarating that hordes of art savvy travelers paraded the place before leaving Nara.

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Images 
(1) www.remotelands.com
(2) www.planetware.com
(3) www.psy.ritsumei.ac.jp
(4) tarts-and-pies.blogspot.com
(5) www.ne.jp
(6) www.panoramio.com
(7) traverseworld.com
(8) venividizoom.com
(9) www.morfae.com