A storied ancient city and venerated birthplace of Buddhism in Japan, Nara is the country's former vibrant capital on the edge of the Nara Basin. Semi-rural and dotted with picturesque villages, Nara was linked to the maritime Silk Roads through Osaka when it developed as a Japanese, Chinese and Korean cultural hub and a religious centre for Buddhists and Shintoists. Culturally curious travellers can admire the ancient monuments, old-world architecture, Japanese Buddhist buildings, World Cultural Heritage Sites and historical artefacts in and around the city. Stroll through Nara Park among the Japanese yew trees, cedars, wisteria, andromeda, visit the world-famous temples and feed the free-roaming deer. After a day of exploring, grab a refreshment at the Edo-era townhouses transformed into art galleries, coffee shops, and craft beer bars.