Nara which used to be the first permanent capital of Japan was established in 710 (then called Heijo). Nara is about an hour from Kyoto and Osaka and easily accessible by train.

Due to its past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. One of Nara's landmark is the Todaiji Temple ("Great Eastern Temple"). It is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temple. Todaiji was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower its influence on government affairs. Not only is Todaiji housing Japan's largest Buddha statue (Daibutsu), but it is also the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.
Talking about size...try to fit the whole Buddha on a picture...and don't forget to stamp your booklet with the temple's special stamp. (Watch the Japanese tourist, they will lead you to it.)

The Todai-ji si more than just the Daibutsu den. You enter the temple complex through the big entrance gate. The two statues guarding the entrance gate are very impressive, but the Daibutsu-den is even more breathtaking. For some reason I espected a lying Buddha. If you look at the figures you can't help being impressed, one of the biggest Buddhas in the world, 437 tonnes of bronze and 130 kg of gold. In the back of the building there is a wooden pole with a hole in it, said to be as big as the nostril of the bronze Buddha. Everybody who can fit through this hole is ensured of enlightment. I wouldn't try it, it really is very small. Beside the Daibutsu there are two more buildings and a big bell. Nigatsu-do is small compared to the former building but has a really nice view over Nara. Close by is the Sangatsu-do, a small building filled with absolutly beautiful statues. You have to pay an extra 500 yen to enter but is sooo worth it. It is just one small room about 16 statues and a bench for the tourist so you can sit down and enjoy it at your own pace. An absolute must.

It's the largest wooden building in the world (710-794). It was built during the reign of Emperor Shomu. In the 8th C there were a lot of diseases, so the emperor built this temple to heal and save people. At the entrance you can see deers roaming freely (deers are considered as god's messengers). Inside you can see the biggest Buddha in Japan (16m), besides to other huge statues.

A huge, beautiful temple in Nara. You can see a lot of deers around the Temple area. You can buy treats for them and feed them. The Temple holds within itself an enourmous statue of the Buddha. It's 16 metres high.

One of the most beautiful temple in Nara. A must see... Accessorily, the biggest wood-made building in the world.