1. 🦌 Nara Park (奈良公園)
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Home to over 1,000 sacred Sika deer that roam freely.
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The deer are believed to be messengers of the gods.
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You can feed them special “shika senbei” (deer crackers) sold in the park.
2. 🛕 Todaiji Temple (東大寺)
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Houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) – one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world (15m tall).
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The main hall, Daibutsuden, is one of the largest wooden buildings globally.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. ⛩️ Kasuga Taisha Shrine (春日大社)
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Famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns.
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Beautiful during the Lantern Festivals in February and August.
4. 🏯 Kofuku-ji Temple (興福寺)
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Once a powerful temple of the Fujiwara clan.
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Its five-story pagoda is a symbol of Nara.
🌸 Best Time to Visit:
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Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms in full bloom.
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Autumn (October–November): Brilliant red and yellow leaves in the parks.
🍜 Local Foods to Try:
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Kakinoha sushi – pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
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Miwa somen – thin noodles served cold, especially in summer.
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Deer-themed snacks & souvenirs 🦌
🚆 How to Get There:
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From Kyoto: 45 minutes via JR Nara Line.
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From Osaka: 40 minutes via Kintetsu Nara Line.