Nara is a historic city in Japan's Kansai region, located south of Kyoto and east of Osaka. Once Japan's imperial capital, it is a cultural and heritage destination renowned for ancient temples, traditional architecture and deep connections to Japanese history. Its most famous attraction is Nara Park, where free-roaming deer wander among historic sites, including monumental Tōdai-ji Temple and its enormous Great Buddha, one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues. Other highlights include Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famed for its lanterns, and the atmospheric streets of Naramachi, a former merchant district. Visitors can explore UNESCO-listed monuments, stroll through spacious parklands and wooded temple grounds, discover traditional Japanese culture and sample local specialities such as kakinoha-zushi.