Nara is a cultural gem, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and famous for being the first permanent Japanese capital.

It was traditional in early Japanese history for the nation's capital to be moved to a new site each time a new emperor ascended to the throne, but in 710 Nara was chosen as the site for the first permanent Japanese capital. As it happened after only 74 years the capital was moved to Nagaoka and thereafter to Kyoto where it remained for more than 1,000 years.

During this time however Nara witnessed the birth of Japan's arts, crafts and literature, with Nara establishing close ties with China – even its rectangular grid-pattern influenced by that country. These important 74 years saw the first historical account of Japan created along with several other firsts – the first mythological chronicle, poetry anthology (with an amazing 4,173 poems) and others. Buddhism thrived and Nara grew in importance with new temples, shrines, pagodas and palaces being built.

Nara Park (Nara Koen) is located in central Nara and was established in 1880. It is the location of many of Nara's main attractions and the Nara National Museum, a museum specialzed in Buddhist art. There are many deer that are able to wander at will in the park. After so much time it’s a wonder that Nara’s historic buildings survived, but they have and provide a glimpse into the Japan of old. Todai-ji Temple is the largest wooden structure in the world and enshrines Japan's largest Buddha; Yakushi-ji Temple has images of the Buddha.