Historical Monument Spots in Nara Area

  • Naramachi Koshi no Ie Residence
    rating-image
    4.5
    207 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Gangoujichou 44
    A museum which recreates the appearance of a merchant’s house in old Nara-machi, a style of living which existed from the end of the Edo through the Meiji periods. The building is also known as the “Eel Bed”) thanks to its narrow entrance and lengthwise design, which resembles an eel trap. Visitors can experience how life was lived in such houses and learn about the lives of townspeople during this time period.

    Its a free attraction, and fascinating to see how homes were once constructed--the literature was very helpful. We were actually walking between Harushika Brewery and Gango-Ji Temple in Naramachi...

  • Ukimido
    rating-image
    4.0
    122 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Takabatakechou Kakiuchi 1170
    Ukimido is a beautiful hexagonal pavilion with thatched cypress roofing, floating at one edge of the Sagi-ike Pond in Nara Park. The pavilion was originally built in 1916 however, due to deterioration it was restored and rebuilt over a period of three years from 1991, bringing it back to its former glory. A bridge reaches out to the pavilion from the bank of Sagi-ike Pond, making it possible for visitors to walk across to Ukimido. The surrounding cherry blossom, autumn leaves, and crape myrtle are very pretty too and the place has become a well known sightseeing spot. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic views of the pavilion lit up at night.

    Ukimido is a hexagonal wooden gazebo floating over the Sagiike Pond in the Nara Park near Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Its geometric shape reflects beautifully in the water below, and the building itself...

  • Great South Gate
    rating-image
    4.5
    105 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 406-1 in the Todaiji Temple
    This is the main gate of Tōdai-ji in Nara City and has been designated as a National Treasure. The original gate was destroyed by a typhoon in 962, and the present gate was rebuilt in the Kamakura period. It is Japan’s largest temple gate reaching a height of 25.46 meters. There are 18 giant pillars up to the roof, and in the lower section of the gate, the back of the roof structure has no ceiling—so it is famous as the architectural structure which houses the Great Buddha.

    The Todai ji Gate was simply massive and the temple itself is even more impressive. Ive never seen a gate this large before and it was incredible to look at. I was here when it was rainy, so it was...

  • Sch Hojinnaragakuen Seminar house shiganaoyakyukyo
    rating-image
    4.0
    37 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Takabatakechou 1237-2

    入口と出口が違うので脱いだ靴を袋に入れて持ち歩きます。2階の窓に腰掛けて庭をボーッと眺める。茶室の掃き出し窓に腰掛けて中庭をボーッと眺める。サンルームでボーッと座って台所が機能的だわ〜って感心する。ダイニングルームの天井の豪華な事❣️酷暑の最中に訪問したけど、此方は窓から風が吹き抜けて天国の様でした。

  • Former Kawai residence
    rating-image
    4.0
    25 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Kashiharashi Imaichou 1-7-8
    Built in the mid-18th century, the Kawai residence continues to operate even today as a sake brewery under the Johonjiya brand name. Two stories tall with white mortar walls, the impressive building is designated an Important Cultural Property; touring the second floor requires an advance reservation.

    《今井町並み散歩(5月13-21日)》期間中の5月21日訪問しました。店内では《出世男》純米 無濾過生酒を[300ml 600円税込][1杯 200円税込]で販売されており 1杯だけ楽しみました(添付 写真参照)。なお 店舗の奥にある《酒造展示室》は 通常勝手に見学出来ず お店の方に了解を得るスタイルですが 《今井町並み散歩》期間中は 自由に見学出来るスタイルになっていました。

  • Former Kometani Residence
    rating-image
    4.0
    23 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Kashiharashi Imaichou 1-10-11
    The former residence of the Kometani family, which once operated a metal ware business for generations under the company name “Komechu.” The current building is believed to have been built in the mid-18th century. A townhome with a gabled roof covered with wooden tiles, the expansive dirt floors are strongly reminiscent of a farmer’s home.

    《第26回今井町並み散歩(2023年5月13-21日)》期間中の5月21日 訪問しました。[旧米谷家住宅]では 5月20&21日《名工の館 大和の茶道具師》が開催され 茶釜と赤膚焼が展示されている点が 通常と異なります。日程的に可能であれば 《今井町並み散歩》に合わせて訪問すると 通常とは異なる《今井町》が持つ魅力に触れることが出来ます。

  • Takagi Residence (Important Cultural Property)
    rating-image
    3.5
    19 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Kashiharashi Imaichou 1-6-9
    This historic two-story home built in the kirizuma-zukuri style with a traditional tiled roof is located on Chusonbo-dori Street in Imaicho, Kashihara City. The Bakumatsu-era building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. It features exhibits from the Edo period including household utensils and a matchlock musket.

    5月13日-21日開催されていた《今井町並み散歩》の期間中 5月21日訪問しました。以前にも こちらを訪問したことがありましたが 今回の訪問で新しく知ったことは裏庭にある《井戸》から 水を取る《水汲みハケツ》に小さな仕掛けがあり 簡単に誰でも 水が汲めるようになっており(添付 写真参照)、昔の方々の生活の知恵に脱帽です。なお こちらは 《今井町並み》の中 珍しくキチンとした書院を持つ客間がありま...

  • Nigatsu-do
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 406-1 in the Todaiji Temple
    It is a Buddhist hall within the precinct of Todai-ji in Nara City and is designated as a national treasure of Japan. It is famous for the Shuni-e (water-drawing) Ceremony, known as a seasonal tradition held in early spring. Although it is now held in the third month of the solar calendar, it used to be an event held in the second month of the lunar calendar, which brought about the name Nigatsu-do, literally February Hall. The principal images are believed to be two eleven-faced Kannon statues, but they are absolute hidden statues and kept strictly out of public view.
  • Heijo Palace Site First Daigokuden
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Sakichou
    This stands approximately 800 meters due north of Suzakumon (Suzaku Gate), the main entrance to Heijo Palace, with the front being about 44 meters, the sides about 20 meters, and a height of approximately 27 meters. This is Heijo Palace’s largest palace with 44 vermilion-colored columns 70-centimeter in diameter and utilizing approximately 97,000 roof tiles. Ceremonies were held here in the past such as the Emperor of Japan’s enthronement and ceremonies to welcome foreign delegations. It was restored in 2010, the year of the 1,300th anniversary of Nara Heijokyo Capital.
  • Suzaku Gate
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Sakichou
    This gate located inside Nara Place Site Historical Park features a same two-tier iriomoya (gabled and hipped) roof. This reproduction built in 1998 is roughly 25 meters wide and 20 meters. Great care was taken to preserve its traditional wood construction by integrating newer building methods developed in the Japanese middle ages and early modern period based on the assumption that the building has existed since the Nara period. The majesty and authority exuded by this main palace gate is sure to inspire images in those days.
  • Imanishi-ke Shoin
    rating-image
    4.0
    5 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Fukuchinchou 24-3
    The former residence of the Fukuchuin family, who were the family priests of the Kofuku-ji Daijo-in Temple. In 1924, the Imanishi family, the owners of the renowned Harushika Sake Brewery, inherited it. A very rare extant example of shoin-zukuri architecture from the early Muromachi period, the complex is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. There is a tea room inside the building where visitors can enjoy matcha green tea, seasonal sweets, and ice cream made with sake lees.

    静かな町の路地にあります 家族3人で行きましたが、我が家以外誰もおらず落ち着いて見学できました。 今西さんの奈良漬けのファンです。

  • Shosoin Repository
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Zoushichou 129
    Inside this treasure house, built in a high floor log-cabin style, are important items related to Todaiji Temple such as personal possessions of Emperor Shomu, the founder of Todaiji Temple, and implements used in important Buddhist services, etc. These treasures have been kept here in the Shosoin Repository since it was built in the Nara period. Currently it is managed by the Imperial Household Agency and only the external building is open to the public. Some of the treasures housed here are put on display at the Exhibition of Shosoin Treasures held every autumn at the Nara National Museum.
  • Nara Women's University Memorial Hall
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Kitauoyanishimachi
    This memorial hall is located on the campus of Nara Women's University in Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara City. The building was completed in 1909 as the main building of the Nara Women's Higher Normal School, the university's predecessor organization. Today, the hall has been designated a National Important Cultural Property and is made open to the general public for one week each in spring and fall each year.
  • Oiwake Honjin Murai Family Residence
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Owadachou 1912
    This historic building is located along National Route 308 in Owada-cho, Nara City. It served as a honjin (accommodations for feudal lords, government officials, and other important figures) at the fork along the highway from Nara to Osaka that leads to Yamatokoriyama. An example of shukuba (post town) architecture, it has a Yamatomune style roof that combines both thatching and pantile. It is designated as a municipal Cultural Property. As it is a private home, only the exterior can be viewed by the public.
  • Imanishi family residence
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Kashiharashi Imaichou 3-9-25
    In the Edo period, the Imanishi family ruled the area as town heads and was even granted the right to self-government. This former residence, designated an Important Cultural Property, belonged to the family. The white mortar walls and traditionally tiled roof of this magnificent, fortress-style structure create a striking impression. The spacious interior is comprised of a dirt floor room and various other furnished rooms.
  • Former Residence of the Yagyu Clan's Chief Retainer
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Narashi Yagyuchou 155-1
    This mansion belonged to the “Shurei” official Oyamada, the chief retainer of the Yagyu clan who was also in charge of its refinancing. The stone wall, said to have been built in 1841, has a superb structure. Many materials associated with the Yagyu clan are on display.
  • Uemura Residence Nagaya Gate
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Pref. Takaichiguntakatorichou Shimokoshima 3
    This is a historical building in Shimokoshima, Takatori Town. It is the gate for the head of chief retainers of the former Takatori clan and was built in 1826. The valuable remains of the modern-day samurai house gate in a namako-kabe wall design is designated as an Important Cultural Property of the prefecture. The historical building is still used as a residence by the Uemura family.
  • Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Kashihara-shi Okubocho
  • Yagi Fuda-no-Tsuji Community Center
    rating-image
    3.5
    11 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Kashihara-shi Kitayagicho 2-1-1
    "Formerly the Higashi no Hirata Residence and an inn, this structure was opened to the public as a community center in 1949. Situated on a stretch of road which was designated the ""Takenouchi Kaido /Yokooji - Japan's Oldest National Highway with a History of 1400 Years"" Japan Heritage Site in 2017, the center serves as a base for exploring the local Yagi area on foot. Visitors can view the building for free. A rest area has been established in the former residence' dirt floor room on the first floor; there's also a rental space on the second floor."

    八木札ノ辻交流館は、かつての旅籠屋を修復して展示・公開している橿原市の施設。無料なので、ぜひ見学するといい。今井町とは少し離れた近鉄大和八木駅の近くにある。この建物の前で、横大路と下ツ道という街道が交わり、かつては交通の要衝だったようだ。

  • Kane no Torii
    Travel / Tourism
    Nara Yoshino-gun Yoshinocho Yoshinoyama
    "This torii gate stands at the top of a steep climb beyond a black gate on the grounds of the Kimpusen-ji Temple; it stands 7.5 meters tall and its pillars are 3.3 meters in circumference. Made entirely of bronze, they were rebuilt during the Muromachi period after being destroyed in a great fire in 1348. Technically, this is the temple's ""Hosshinmon"" or ""Spiritually Awakening Gate."" There are four gates one must pass through to reach the top of the temple's mountain, dedicated to spiritual awakening, ascetic training, lower enlightenment, and greater enlightenment; this gate is the first of the four. It has been designated a National Important Cultural Property."

Nara Areas

around-area-map

With a reputation almost as stellar as that of Kyoto, Nara is a must-visit for those searching for the remains of "traditional Japan." The largely green Nara city holds the majority of the prefecture’s treasures, such as the iconic Todai-ji Temple, in which a 15-meter tall Great Buddha sits, and Nara Park, where deer flock to befriend passersby. While mountains are by no means hard to come by in this area, for hiking with a reward, head to the Kii Mountains’ Yoshino district in spring, when the hillsides put on an impressive display of white and pink cherry blossoms.

Nara Photo Album

Browse Interests