Nara, a land where you can feel rich nature and Japanese history
Feature
Nara is a prefecture located in the mid-western part of Honshu. The population is about 1.31 million, and the Prefectural capital is Nara City.
The northern part of the prefecture is a basin, and the southern part of the prefecture is a mountainous area with the Kii Mountains.
Nara is famous for its many World Heritage shrines and temples. Eight temples, including Todaiji, Kofukuji, and Kasuga Taisha, are registered as World Heritage Sites as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara."
There are many other sightseeing spots in Nara. Naramachi is a walking area where you can feel the traditional Japanese townscape. Nara Park is a vast area of 660 hectares and is home to about 1,000 deer. Feeding the deer is one of the pleasures of walking around Nara Park.
Traditional crafts and Local specialties
Nara's traditional crafts are “Nara Fude" and "Takayama Cyasen".
Nara Fude is a brush made around Yamatokoriyama City, Nara City. It is characterized by traditional techniques that combine animal hair with different textures. The tip is thinner than a regular brush, allowing you to draw fine lines.
Takayama Chasen is a tea whisk made in Takayama Town, Ikoma City. A tea whisk is one of the utensils used for making tea in the tea ceremony. It is made by splitting the tip of a bamboo tube and weaving it with thread.
In the Nara highland region, where the temperature difference between morning and evening is severe, tea leaves are actively cultivated. Yamato tea, a specialty of Nara, is characterized by its refreshing and rich aroma.
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