18. Nara (1 of 3)
Kōfuku-ji Temple (興福寺)
Nandaimon Gate (南大門)
Nara (奈良) was the capital of Japan from 710 to 784. It is thought of as the first 'proper' capital of Japan, because previous capitals were only intended to last an emperor's lifetime.
Nara is an important historical site. Jinmu (神武), the mythical founder of Japan, is said to have descended from heaven on a deer and arrived in Nara. The deer in Nara are considered sacred, even when they harrass poor tourists for food.
Nara is considered the cradle of Japanese culture, arts and crafts. It is also the site where Buddhism first flourished.
