Destination Asia Japan have created the perfect program to reveal Nara’s awe-inspiring cultural heritage. The day commences with a transfer from your hotel to Nara by train with the assistance of a local guide. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital, with many of the temples and shrines built during this period still standing. A highlight for many guests is a visit to Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha.

Next stop is Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns which have been donated by worshipers. Shin-Yakushiji Temple was founded during the Nara Period (710-794) by an empress for the sake of the ailing emperor. It is devoted to Yakushi Buddha, the patron of medicine in Japanese Buddhism. Inside the main hall there are life size statues of 12 guardian deities surrounding a two meter tall statue of a seated Yakushi Buddha, which are the temple’s main objects of worship. At the end the day guests can explore Nara Park at their own pace, called Deer Park by locals due to the population of over 1,000 tame deer living there.