Why Nara & Kii peninsula should be part of your itinerary?
① The place where Japan began, Culture has been passed down, flowing continuously from generation to generation. A place like no other…
Middle part of Nara is a land deeply intertwined with mythology, and it is the most cherished area for the Japanese people. The fact that the first emperor built a capital about 2,700 years ago and the imperial dynasty was founded in this area 1300 years ago is a testament to the importance of this land. Therefore, Nara is known as the “birthplace of Japan and Japanese culture.
One of the features of Nara is that its inherited crafts and cultures have been passed down without interruption over 1,000 years.
As a representative example, ‘Omizutori’ ceremony, which held at Todai-ji temle that is home to famous great buddha, has been held annually, without interruption for 1,273 years even during WW2. It’s one of the most visually amazing events in the whole of Japan.
②A place with a rich history and culture, where many things originated. Sumo, Sake, tea ceremony… It is a special place to experience the origins of Japanese culture.
Since Nara was not only the capital but the end of the Silk Road, it became a place where products and advanced technologies from all over the country gathered. Through the Silk Road, various cultures were transmitted to Nara, and cultural elements such as tea and Sumi ink contributed to the development of Japanese culture.
③The original landscape and spirituality of Japanese “heart” and “lifestyle” can still be glimpsed in the land of the Kii Peninsula
Shinto, which has been practiced in Japan since ancient times, believes that gods dwell in everything that exists. Therefore, it has a history of accepting and developing various religions, including Buddhism, which was introduced from overseas.
Originally, Buddhism and Shinto coexisted and influenced each other in Japan. However, in the 1800s, the government issued orders to separate them, and in many regions, shrines and temples were distinctly separated.
However, in the Kii Peninsula area, including Nara, there are still parts where Buddhism and Shinto coexist beyond the religious boundaries, making it an area where you can uniquely feel the spirituality of Japanese people.
④The natural world of ancient times remains, and it is the only city in the world where virgin forest, deer, and humans coexist.
The combination of these natural and cultural elements makes Nara and Kii peninsula a truly special place, where the natural world and human civilization coexist in harmony.
Nara Park is famous for its deer, as many of you may already know. So, why do humans and deer coexist in that area.
The reason for this is linked to the origins of the principal Shinto deity of Nara, who appeared riding a white deer. Nara’s deer are still today considered to be related to the deity and represent the coexistence of humans.
It’s not just the deer. Behind the Kasuga Grand Shrine, which is one of the iconic shrine in Nara Park, there is a primeval forest that has been preserved as a sanctuary for centuries.
This is a characteristic feature of the Kii Peninsula, including Nara, human activities continue while respecting and showing gratitude towards nature and wildlife.
Explore the heart of Japan through experiencing the majestic nature of these locations, meeting with local people, and learning the story of a region which has fostered various religious traditions throughout history.
https://travelaction.co.jp/experiences
Book our Shukubo experience tour; https://nara-experience.com/detail/index/916/?ml_lang=en
Book our Sumo experience tour; https://nara-experience.com/detail/index/913/?ml_lang=en
