Nara Park: Autumn in the Old Capital

Nara Park: A gorgeous natural setting with fall foliage and frolicking deer----Nara City, Nara Prefecture

Nara was the seat of the nation's government for 74 years, until the Asuka Fujiwara capital of the year 710 (approximately 1300 years ago), was moved to Nagaoka-kyo followed by Heian-kyo.The area thrived as a center of Buddhist and aristocratic culture in this era known as the tempyo cultural period.

Influenced by the national policy of Buddhism of the times, a number of temples and shrines were either newly built or moved from other locations as religous centers, including Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Grand Shrine, and more. These structures blend with the magnificent nature of Nara Park to create an unrivalled historic park.

The deer in the park and in the general area, regarded as messengers of the gods since ancient times, are protected, and there are currently approximately 1200 deer living here. Considered a national treasure, Nara Park deer are a nationally protected animal.

The area around the Daibutsu Pond, northwest of the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsu-den), is a well-known spot for viewing fall foliage. In the fall, the grounds became like a velvet carpet, decorated with maple leaves as well as red, orange, and yellow ginkgo nuts.

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