Takamadoyama Hotel

Packing Tips

by kiwigal_1

If you plan on doing a lot of train travel when you are in Japan then I suggest that you decline from bringing large, heavy suitcases. Most train stations in Japan have huge staircases (often no lift) so lugging a big suitcase is not an easy task. I suggest a good backpack would be a good choice. Rainy Season is around June/July and rain weather gear is essential. I just use an umbrella but there have been times that I have got completely soaked!! I can't buy shoes in Japan so I have had to think carefully before I came about what kind of footwear to buy. Note: Easy to slip on and off shoes are best and if you are going to work in a public building you will need 'indoor' shoes to wear. The Japanese always take their outdoor shoes off before entering their house or work. Most things you will need can be purcahsed here. I don't recommend going to a hospital in Japan unless you really need to. In most cases the pharmacist will be able to help you if you tell them what is wrong and what kind of medicine you are looking for (a phrase book will have this in it). Nara Prefecture and nearby Wakayama Prefecture are great places for camping in. It is a little hard to find good camping spots in Japan as it is not a common pastime for the Japanese but if you would like to go camping then bring along your tent and sleeping bag and have a go!

World's largest wooden building

by muratkorman

Todaiji, which means Great Eastern Temple, is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples as well as being a landmark of Nara. It was founded by Emperor Shoumu to enshrine the Great Image of Buddha (Vairocana Buddha) and as the general head temple of all provincial temples in Japan in 752. Todaiji was so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 so as to lower its influence on government affairs. Fire destroyed the edifice twice and eventhough the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size, it is world's largest wooden building housing Japan's largest Buddha statue Daibutsu. Admission fee to Todaiji is 500 JPY. Opening hours are as follows : 8:00-16:30 (Nov to Feb), 8:00-17:00 (Mar), 7:30-17:30 (Apr to Sep), 7:30-17:00 (Oct).

crawl through & stay young forever!!!

by nathasha

inside the todai-ji temple there is this tree and there is a hole through it. u see all these people lining up just to crawl through it. the thing is, if u r able to do that, u will stay healthy and young forever, they say!!! be careful though, seems like the line between staying healthy forever and getting injured forever is very thin!!! the tunnel is most suitable for children or child-sized people :))

Rich Culture in the Countryside

by Rabbityama

Nara is known as the first official capital of Japan, established in 710 AD. After the capital was moved to Nagaoka and then to Kyoto, Nara retained its significance, but over the years, the city has quieted down.

For visitors, this is actually a great thing! The city maintains historical significance and many worthwhile sites that have not been swallowed by skyscrapers. Nara is a rather small and charming town with enough sites to keep you busy but much more manageable than Kyoto which has an overwhelming number of places to visit.

NARA

by naruto

"Temples, Shrines and Deer"

Nara is a must-visit for any visitor to the Kanto area. It is a short and convenient day trip from Osaka or Kyoto and is DEFINITELY well worth your time.

Nara not only has great historical and religious significance, it is saturated in Japanese arts and culture. It is home to many world-famous temples and shrines.

Nara is also famous for its deer population, which roam freely in Nara Park and are very tame. The deer is considered a National Treasure and very sacred.

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