Nara

Nara Prefecture is an inland prefecture in central Kinki region, located inland on the Kii Peninsula, with Nara City as its capital. The Nara Basin in the northwest densely clusters national treasure-class temples including Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, registered as the World Heritage "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara." Mountain ranges including Ikoma and Kongo surround the basin's periphery, directly connecting to Osaka and Kyoto by rail, functioning as a commuter zone. Meanwhile, the southern Yoshino mountains spread with untouched primeval forests and mountain ascetic sacred sites, attracting visitors to cherry blossom spot Yoshino-yama and World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area were selected as Japan's first World Heritage site as the world's oldest wooden architecture. Hot springs dot the prefecture, offering seasonal nature, traditional crafts, and local gourmet. The scenery of Nara Park living with deer attracts domestic and international travelers, with the major appeal of day-trip accessibility from Kansai International Airport and Osaka.