NARA TRIP (ONE DAY) FROM OSAKA

~ Multiple Yamatoji rapid trains per hour operate between Osaka Station and JR Nara Station (45 minutes, 780 yen one way)

~ Japan rail pass fully covers the trip

Nara was capital of Japan prior to Kyoto, has many beautiful sites; including the largest Buddha statue in Japan and a shrine with over 3000 stone lanterns.

1. Many deers everywhere Once getting off the train, can head to main park area 150yen to get a packet of deer cookies

2. Kofukuji Temple

Five story pagoda and a three story pagoda Kofukuji treasure museum exhibits part of the temples great art collection (must see for Buddhist art lovers)

& has 3 faced, six armed Ashura Statue Open hour and cost: 9am-5pm, free entrance to Kofukuji temple, 600yen to National Treasure Museum Note: Takes around 30mins to an hour to see everything

3. Kasuga-Taisha Shrine Shrine dedicated to god Takemikazuchi, who rode into Nara on a white deer Has over 3000 stone lanterns Shrines offering hall can be viewed free of charge, but inner area needs entrance fee which provides a closer

view of the shrines inner building Many auxiliary shrines in the woods around Kasuga Taisha

Takes around 20 minutes to walk through the whole temple Open hours and cost: 6am-6pm, free admission (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)

4. Todaiji Temple Todaijis main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall)

is the worlds largest wooden building Massive building houses Japans largest bronze statue of

Buddha (15 meters tall) Pillar with hole in its base that is the same size as the

Daibutsus nostril (it is said those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life)

Nandaimon gate, a large wooden gate watched over by two fierce loking statues

Todaiji museum, has large collection of

religious art and cultural treasures, including large Buddhist statues

Apparently this large Buddha statue is only 2/3 the size of the original statue which was gone after the temple was burnt down

Open hours and cost: 7.30am-5.30am, 500yen (Buddha Hall), 500yen (Museum), 800yen (Buddha Hall and Museum)

NARA TRIP (ONE DAY) FROM OSAKA~ Multiple Yamatoji rapid trains per hour operate between Osaka Station and JR Nara Station (45 minutes, 780 yen one way)~ Japan rail pass fully covers the trip