Nara

Nara (奈良) is an ancient center of Buddhism in Japan. The city is quick to mention it was the first capital of Japan, however it only held the position for about 80 years at which point it was moved to its northern neighbor of Kyoto which held the distinction for over 1000 years.

Things to See

See the pagoda, the deer, and the giant Buddha.

Food

• NaraDining

  Site with good listing for tasty places in Nara

Accommodations

• Machiya Guesthouse Naramachi

  It's about a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara station. Make your way down the arcades and keep going straight down that road when you exit the second arcade. Fantastic place. Lovely, old machiya house, amazingly friendly hosts, good facilities. http://nara-naramachi.com

• People's Inn Hanakomichi

  It's super close to the Kintetsu-Nara station (take exit #4), and it's not terribly expensive, and you can do online reservations (through Rakuten?).

• Super Hotel

  Simple rooms, reasonable rates, and I believe they throw in a bun and coffee in the morning. They often book-up quickly, so it's best to reserve.