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Located around 20km to the northeast of central Kyoto, Enryaku-ji is nestled within the forests of Mount Hieizan and is one of Japan’s most important temples. Headquarters of the Tendai sect of Buddh...

’Todai-ji’ or the ‘Great Eastern Temple’ is Japan’s largest Buddhist temple and Nara’s most popular attraction. Founded in 738, construction of the immense temple was not completed until 752 during w...

As much as any temple, Nara Park is a focal point for life in the historic city. Established in 1880, the expansive public area covers around 660 hectares and includes many of Nara’s most notable att...

‘Kasuga Taisha’ or ‘Kasuga Grand Shrine’ is the most important Shinto complex in Nara. Located at the heart of Nara Park, Kasuga was founded in the same period as the city itself, dedicated to the pr...

Once one of the ‘Nanto Shichi Daiji’ or ‘Seven Great Temples’ of Nara, Kofuku-ji dates back to the 7th century when it was the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan. The temple complex is compr...

Nara National Museum is one of Japan’s preeminent cultural institutions – one that sits alongside Tokyo National Museum and Kyoto National Museum in its esteem and significant collections. Establish...

The fully named ‘Horyu Gakumonji’ or ‘Learning Temple of the Flourishing Law’ is most commonly referred to as ‘Horyu-ji’ and is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. Horyu-ji was founded by...

Any first-time visitor to Osaka who doesn’t make it to Dotonbori at some point during their visit really isn’t following the tourist rulebook. Bright, crass, loud and great fun! Dotonbori might be an...

Shinsaibashi-suji is one of Osaka’s best-known shopping streets, a 600-metre long arcade running from Shinsaibashi Station to the equally famous Dotonbori canal. The seemingly endless shopping arcade...