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Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute |
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Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute |
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Edited by: Declan Murphy Recommended: Suggested Itineraries Favorite Nara moments... Best ways to get there Nara Photogallery Newsgroups: fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ Bulletin Boards: Fun/Clubs/Nightlife  Accommodation/Discounts
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For a city park, Nara Koen is enormous. The park covers 525 hectares (1297 acres) of woodland and is the largest municipal park in Japan. It became a park in 1888 after 2 years of work, until that time the area had deteriorated until it was little more than a wasteland. Today the park is designated as one of Japan's top scenic spots.
The most pleasant route to Nara Park is along the Sanjo-dori, which takes you past Sarusawa-ike and the Five-Story Pagoda. The pagoda belongs to Kofuku-ji temple, one of Japan's great temples in the eighth century. Located just east of Nara's modern commercial center, the park also includes the grounds of Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Wakakusa hill and the Nara National Museum adjoin the park.
Large numbers of "semi-wild" deer roam the parklands. These are not tame deer, but they are fed so often by so many tourists that wild isn't an appropriate description. The deer are usually associated with a sacred white deer - one of the legends of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine. They are of course protected animals.
The park has wonderful flora including sakura (cherry blossoms), andromeda, and many other flowers. Spring and Autumn are perhaps the best time to visit as the park is at its most colorful, however it will be crowded. Birdwatching is also popular here.
Tours - The Japan Discovery Tours visits Nara Koen
Click here for more information regarding when Discovery visits this destination.
Photographs and contributions
Do you have good photographs or a story to share about Nara? Please share it with us.
Bulletin Boards & Newsgroups
Fun/Clubs/Nightlife
Accommodation/Discounts
fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ
Disclaimer and Request:
Opening hours, prices, booking procedures, schedules etc are subject to changes beyond our control. This site is just a guide, and we advise that you always check and confirm in advance. Suggestions, additions and correction of errors are always welcome. Please contact us.
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www.yamasa.org content is created and maintained by
Declan Murphy and the students and
staff of the
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