Guest House Nara Komachi

The Big Buddha

by nickinosaka

Todaiji is my favourite temple in all of Japan (so far) because of the enormous and striking Buddha that is the centrepiece of the temple. There are bigger things in the world, even bigger Buddhas, but this one carries a presence greater than mass and volume alone. Take your time here to inspect the details of the statues, and as you circle around be sure to look for the support pillar with the hole in it. Apparently, if you manage to wiggle through the hole you'll achieve enlightenment in this spin of the dharma wheel. I'm still waiting, but I'm only in my 30s. The hole is bigger than it looks--I'm 6 ft./183cm tall and weigh 180lbs./80 kg and I fit through without much wriggling.

Kasuga Taisha

by mikegr

A pretty walk along a wooded path lined with stone lanterns (pictured on my Nara homepage (watch out for hungry deer waiting in ambush!)) leads to Kasuga Taisha - a very pleasant shrine.

The stone lanterns and the impressive bronze temple lanters are apparently lit at dusk on Febrary the 3rd and August the 15th and 16th each year.

Walk, wander, strawl and be a...

by Pavlik_NL

Walk, wander, strawl and be a pedestrian that uses his/her eyes perfect. Nara is old and will bring you some great amazements. The largest surprise (also literally) will be the huge 'Daibatsu' (Buddha) inside a equally enormous templehall of 'Todaiji'. The statue looks even bigger then the one in Kamakura, but that is because it's inside which plays a trick on the eye.

Nara - Japan's first capital

by chucklesinjapan

"Historic Nara"

Nara's probably my favorite place in the Kansai region. It's so relaxed, and I come here occasionally to escape the cacophony of urban life. Nara still has some of the trappings of modernity, such as shopping malls and McDonald's, but once you make it to the parks, you are taken in by the Buddhist archictecture and the tranquility of the woods which lead you to the surrounding hillside.

Here you can visit the city's historic temples, such as: Todai-ji (pictured), Kofuku-ji, Horyu-ji, Chogu-ji, and Yaukushi-ji. There are other places of interests, too, such as the Kasuga Primieval Forest and the Kasuga Shrine. All of these give you a glimpse into what life was like when the Fujiwara family of Nara shaped early Japan.

Oriental Healing Experience

by yamatoji

"Oriental Healing Experience"

Treated utilizing meridian diagnosis to ascertain the imbalances of the body. Healer a licensed acupuncturist used acupressure, tuina, cupping, gua sha and other non-needling modalities to create a unique healing experience that encompass the spiritual, emotional, and physical well being. Payment was pretty low.