Nara: The Timeless Heart of Japan

• Helloこんにちは
  [kon-ni-chi-wa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sa-yo-u-na-ra]
• Yesはい
  [ha-i]
• Noいいえ
  [i-i-e]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [do-u-zo]
• Thank youありがとうございます
  [a-ri-ga-to-u-go-za-i-ma-su]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [su-mi-ma-se-n]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [o-ge-n-ki-de-su-ka]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [ge-n-ki-de-su.a-na-ta-wa]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [e-i-go-o-ha-na-se-ma-su-ka]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wa-ka-ri-ma-se-n]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [me-n-yu-u-o-mi-se-te-ku-da-sa-i]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [ni-ku-wa-ta-be-ma-se-n]
• Cheers!乾杯!
  [ka-n-pai]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [o-kai-kei-o-o-ne-ga-i-shi-ma-su]

• Help!助けて!
  [ta-su-ke-te]
• Go away!行って!
  [i-t-te]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで!
  [ke-i-sa-t-o-yo-n-de]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで!
  [i-sha-o-yo-n-de]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [mi-chi-ni-ma-ya-t-te-i-ma-su]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [gu-a-i-ga-wa-ru-i-de-su]

• I'd like to buy......を買いたいです
  [o-ka-i-ta-i-de-su]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [mi-te-ru-da-ke-de-su]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [i-ku-ra-de-su-ka]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [so-re-wa-ta-ka-su-gi-ma-su]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げられますか？
  [ne-da-n-o-sa-ge-ra-re-ma-su-ka]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [i-ma-na-n-ji-de-su-ka]
• It's one o'clock1時です
  [i-chi-ji-de-su]
• Half past (10)10時半過ぎ
  [ju-u-ji-ha-n-su-gi]
• Morning朝
  [a-sa]
• Afternoon午後
  [go-go]
• Evening夕方
  [yu-u-ga-ta]
• Yesterday昨日
  [ki-no-u]
• Today今日
  [kyo-u]
• Tomorrow明日
  [a-shi-ta]
• 1一
  [i-chi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [sa-n]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [ro-ku]
• 7七
  [na-na]
• 8八
  [ha-chi]
• 9九
  [kyu-u]
• 10十
  [ju-u]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa-do-ko-de-su-ka]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [ju-u-sho-wa-na-n-de-su-ka]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてくれますか？
  [chi-zu-de-mi-se-te-ku-re-ma-su-ka]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [tsu-gi-no-(ba-su)-wa-i-tsu-de-su-ka]
• A ticket (to ....)切符（...へ）
  [ki-ppu(...e)]

In 710 AD, Nara, then known as Heijō-kyō, was established as the first permanent capital of Japan. This marked the beginning of the Nara period, a time of significant cultural and political development in Japanese history. The city was meticulously planned and modeled after the Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an, exemplifying the influence of Chinese culture on Japan.

Tōdai-ji, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples, was constructed in Nara in 752 AD. The temple is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha Vairocana in the world. The construction of Tōdai-ji played a crucial role in consolidating Buddhism as a state religion in Japan, under the auspices of Emperor Shōmu.

The Nara Period, spanning from 710 to 794 AD, was a time of significant cultural, artistic, and religious development in Japan. During this period, the city of Nara flourished as a center of Buddhist culture and the arts. The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's oldest historical records, were compiled during this era, providing invaluable insights into Japan's ancient history and mythology.

During the Nara period, Japan experienced a profound influence from Chinese culture, especially from the Tang Dynasty. This influence is evident in the city's layout, architectural styles, and the adoption of the Chinese writing system. The city of Nara became a hub for the exchange of ideas, technology, and culture between Japan and other parts of Asia.

Kōfuku-ji, another prominent temple in Nara, was founded in 669 AD and became the family temple of the influential Fujiwara clan. The temple complex exemplifies the political power and cultural influence wielded by the Fujiwara family during the Nara period. Kōfuku-ji played a significant role in the political and religious life of the time.

The Shōsō-in, the treasure house of Tōdai-ji Temple, is an important repository of historical artifacts from the Nara period. Built in the 8th century, it houses a vast collection of items, including textiles, ceramics, and documents, which provide a unique glimpse into the cultural and economic life of the period. The Shōsō-in is renowned for its well-preserved artifacts, many of which were gifts from foreign dignitaries.

In 794 AD, the capital of Japan was moved from Nara to Heian-kyō (modern-day Kyoto) by Emperor Kanmu. This marked the end of the Nara period and the beginning of the Heian period. The relocation was motivated by political and strategic reasons, as well as the desire to escape the growing influence of powerful Buddhist temples in Nara. Despite the move, Nara remained an important cultural and religious center.

Nara is easily accessible from major cities in Japan. The nearest international airports are Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka Itami Airport (ITM). From Kansai International Airport, you can take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Tennoji Station and then transfer to the JR Yamatoji Line to Nara Station, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Osaka Itami Airport, you can take a limousine bus to Nara, which takes approximately an hour. Alternatively, Nara is a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto via the JR Nara Line or Kintetsu Limited Express Line.

Nara has an efficient public transportation system. The JR and Kintetsu railways are the primary modes of transport for reaching Nara from other cities. Within Nara, local buses operated by Nara Kotsu connect major tourist sites. For more flexibility, consider renting a bicycle or using taxis, which are readily available but can be expensive. Walking is also a pleasant way to explore Nara, especially around Nara Park.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Nara, but it's advisable to carry some cash, particularly for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available at convenience stores and banks, but not all ATMs accept foreign cards, so look for international ATMs, such as those at 7-Eleven and Post Offices.

Nara is generally very safe for tourists. Petty crime is rare, but it's always wise to keep an eye on personal belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. Use common sense safety practices such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and not leaving valuables unattended.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Most emergency services have English-speaking operators. Nara has several hospitals with emergency rooms, including Nara Medical University Hospital. It's recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Bow slightly when entering temples and remove shoes when necessary. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't speak loudly or make phone calls on public transport. Greetings: Do bow as a sign of respect when greeting locals. A slight bow is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new experiences. Don't walk and eat simultaneously, as it is considered impolite. Always say 'Itadakimasu' before eating and 'Gochisousama' after finishing your meal.

To experience Nara like a local, visit the morning markets such as Nara Kotsu Center Market. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their city. Take part in traditional tea ceremonies offered at various temples. Visit the less crowded temples like Toshodai-ji and Yakushi-ji for a more serene experience. For a unique activity, try making traditional Nara-style calligraphy or pottery.