Isuien Garden has a playful landscape design. Stroll around the two ponds. Traverse across the crane and turtle shaped islands using the delightful stepping stones and bridges. Discover tea houses, a watermill and stone ornaments. The rolling hills are a perfect backdrop to the picturesque gardens. Isuien also includes the Neiraku Museum, founded by the Nakamura family in 1969. Art objects from China, Korea and Japan are displayed inside this compact museum. Some pieces are 4000 years old.
Within the Todaiji Complex is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Todaiji Temple, originally constructed in 752. Its Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is the largest wooden structure in the world. It houses an exceptional 15 metre high bronze Buddha statue, plated with gold. The sheer scale and beauty of the statues in the Daibutsuden are compelling.
Nigatsudo Hall means Hall of the Second Month and on the second month of the lunar calendar, a fire ceremony takes place here. The hall is built on tall pillars and has great views of Nara from its stage. Lanterns and bells add to the wondrous atmosphere of this stunning structure.
Kasuga Taisha dates back 1300 years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vermillion Shinto shrine is nestled in the natural landscape of Nara Park. 3000 stone and bronze lanterns donated by worshippers are dotted around the temple. Step into a dark room illuminated by uniquely designed lanterns. In the grounds is a 1000 year old cedar tree that has grown into the building.