As Japan’s first permanent capital before Kyoto, in the 8th century, Nara (pop. around 367,000) and its surrounding prefecture are home to the country's single largest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In what's considered the birthplace of modern Japanese culture, its highlights include the atmospheric old quarter Imaicho; Nara Park with its temples and tame deer; and numerous historical temples and shrines. One of them you should definitely pay a visit to is Todai-ji (pictured here), dating back to the mid-8th centurcity's founding era and which among other things houses a 15-meter-tall (49-foot) gold and bronze statue of the Buddha.Another, Horyu-ji, is home to the world's oldest surviving wooden structure.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Rahul Tiwar's post 6 Enchanting Destinations Not to Miss in Japan. .
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