Exploring the Historical Charm of Nara with Family

Whispers of the Past

Today, Nara unveiled itself as a treasure trove of ancient wonders. From the serene grounds of age-old temples to the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans, every corner held a story waiting to be discovered. It was a day of quiet contemplation, a gentle immersion into the spiritual heart of Japan, shared with my beloved family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kamaiki. Fuelled up with delicious Japanese fare, we set off to explore the temples that dot the landscape of Nara.


Discover the authentic flavors of udon noodles at Kamaiki in Nara, where tradition meets culinary excellence.

Our first stop was Horyu-ji, a temple that exudes a sense of timelessness. Founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, it's one of the oldest wooden structures in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has witnessed centuries of history unfold.


Discover Horyu-ji, Japan's ancient Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing stunning architecture and rich spiritual history.

Walking through the temple grounds, I was struck by the sheer scale and intricate detail of the buildings. The five-story pagoda, the main hall (Kondo), and the central gate (Chumon) stood as testaments to the architectural prowess of the Asuka period. Aoife was particularly fascinated by the two oldest statues of Kongo Rikishi, muscular deities guarding the central gate. It's incredible to think that these structures have survived for over 1400 years, enduring fires and natural disasters.

Liam, ever the curious one, was intrigued by the story of Prince Shotoku, who is credited with promoting Buddhism in Japan. It's fascinating how one individual can have such a profound impact on the cultural and religious landscape of a nation. Horyu-ji is more than just a collection of buildings; it's a symbol of the enduring power of faith and the rich cultural heritage of Japan.

The best journey in life is the journey back to yourself.

Leaving Horyu-ji, we made our way to Yakushi-ji, another of Nara's Seven Great Temples. This temple was commissioned in the late 7th century by Emperor Tenmu for the recovery of his sick wife. The symmetrical layout of Yakushi-ji is quite striking, with the main hall and lecture hall standing on a central axis, flanked by two pagodas. The East Pagoda, dating back to 730, is the only original structure to have survived the fires that have plagued the temple over the years.


Discover the tranquil beauty and historical significance of Yakushi-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Nara, Japan.

The main hall houses the Yakushi Triad, a masterpiece of Japanese Buddhist art. The bronze sculptures of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), Nikko Bosatsu, and Gakko Bosatsu exude a sense of serenity and compassion. Aoife, with her librarian's eye for detail, pointed out the intricate details of the sculptures, the delicate folds of their robes, and the peaceful expressions on their faces.

Yakushi-ji is also the head temple of the Hosso Sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple complex includes the Genjo-sanzoin Garan, dedicated to the Chinese monk Genjo-sanzo, who traveled to India and Central Asia in the 7th century. Although the complex wasn't open to the public today, I made a mental note to visit it during a special opening period.

For lunch, we enjoyed a delightful meal at Kinatei, savoring the flavors of local Nara cuisine.


Experience the best of vegetarian dining at Kinatei in Nara, where organic ingredients meet flavorful creativity for every health-conscious traveler.

Refueled, we continued our temple pilgrimage to Toshodai-ji. Founded in 759 by the Tang dynasty Chinese monk Jianzhen (Ganjin in Japanese), Toshodai-ji is a temple dedicated to Buddhist education and training. Ganjin's story is remarkable; he made five failed attempts to cross the sea to Japan before finally succeeding on his sixth try.


Explore the serene Toshodai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple steeped in history and stunning architecture, perfect for spiritual reflection.

The Golden Hall (Kondo) at Toshodai-ji is a prime example of classical Buddhist architecture. It's a single-story structure with a hipped tiled roof, considered the archetype of the classical style. Inside, we were awestruck by the statues, national treasures that offer a glimpse into the artistry of the Nara period. The lecture hall (Kodo) was originally an administrative building in the Nara Imperial Palace before being moved to Toshodai-ji. It's the only surviving building of the former palace, a tangible link to Japan's imperial past.

One of the highlights of Toshodai-ji is the statue of Ganjin, displayed to the public only a few days a year. Fortunately, a replica is on permanent display, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate details of this important historical figure. As we walked through the temple grounds, we found Ganjin's grave, surrounded by lush greenery, a peaceful spot for contemplation.

After immersing ourselves in the spiritual and historical ambiance of the temples, we decided to explore the local crafts scene. We headed to Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten - Nara Flagship Store, a beloved general store offering a wide array of exquisite clothing, handicrafts, and novelty items.


Discover unique handicrafts, clothing, and local treasures at Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, Nara's charming flagship general store.

This store is more than just a shopping destination; it's a celebration of Japanese craftsmanship and local artistry. Aoife and I were particularly drawn to the textiles, admiring the intricate patterns and the quality of the materials. Liam, on the other hand, was fascinated by the unique handicrafts, searching for the perfect souvenir to bring back to Dublin. We spent a good hour browsing the store, soaking in the atmosphere and appreciating the dedication of the local artisans. I managed to find a beautiful vintage map of Nara, a perfect addition to my collection.

As the day drew to a close, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Awa Naramachi, savoring the flavors of Nara one last time.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Awa Naramachi in Nara - where tradition meets taste.

Reflecting on our experiences, I realized that Nara is more than just a city; it's a living museum, a place where history, culture, and spirituality intertwine. It's a place that nourishes the soul and awakens the senses.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Naramachi Historic District, visiting the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Lattice House) and the Naramachi Shiryo-kan Museum. And perhaps end the day with a drink at the blue note Naramachi. I'm eager to delve deeper into the local culture and discover more hidden gems in this enchanting city.

Nara has a special way of seeping into your soul, leaving you with a sense of peace and wonder. It's a place I know we'll cherish for years to come.