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Just a short walk from Nishiki Market, Kyoto's Samurai & Ninja Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Japan's legendary samurai and mysterious ninja. The museum features guided exp...

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...

Once an important Edo Period (1603-1868) trading town, Obuse is a small historic town accessible using the Nagano Dentetsu (Nagaden) train line. Now known for its chestnut confectionaries, sake and m...

’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...

Magome-juku is a historic post town—known as "juku" or "shukubamachi"—that once serviced the 500km "Nakasendo Road" that connected Kyoto and Edo (now called Tokyo). As one of five official hi...

Tsumago-juku is a historic post town, known as "juku" or "shukubamachi," situated on the 500km long "Nakasendo Trail" that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo). As one of five official highway...