to the founding of Nara (Heijokyo) in 710, Japan did not have a permanent capital city, and it was during the Nara period (646-794) that Japan experienced its first genuine flowering of indigenous culture. Even so, Nara, as was Kyoto later, was chosen because its situation met the requirements of Chinese geomancy, and was laid out according to the precepts of Chinese Tang dynasty town planning. The selection of the site was also probably influenced by the proximity of several important Buddhist temples, such as Horyu-ji, founded in 607.
During the seventy-four years that Nara remained the capital, the strength of Buddhism, not only religiously but politically, grew rapidly and, in fact, it was the overwhelming strength of the monasteries that decided the imperial government to move the capital to Kyoto (Heiankyo) in 794, where it remained until 1868. The Heian period (794-1185) brought centuries of relative peace and prosperity to Japan and can be said to be the true source of Japanese culture as we understand it today.
Both Nara and Kyoto helped define Japan and the Japanese and there is still a great deal to see and experience within both cities that would undoubtedly help today's visitor learn to understand where modern Japan came from and, ultimately, where it is heading.
Ancient stone relics from early civilizations can still be seen in several areas around Nara and Kyoto.
Sakafune Stone at Asuka village in Nara.
The Ishibutai Tomb, thought to be that of Soga no Umako, dates from the seventh century.
Tranquillity is undiluted in and around Nara.
The morning mist shrouds Miwayama before the heat of the day brings a sharpness to the scene.
Lotus leaves spread serenely over the surface of a pond in the recently excavated remains of Nara's Heijo Palace site.
Religion, both native and imported, played an important role in the establishment and growth of both Nara and Kyoto.
The Great Buddha in Todai-ji.
Stone image of Amanojaku, a supernatural creature often described in folk tales, at Takagamo Shrine.
Stone monkey figures at the Kibihime-no-miko burial site inAsuka village.
Pan of the two-and-a-half-mile-long avenue of torii presented over the years by worshippers at Fushimi-Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
A selection of Buddhist statues stands guard at Kamidaigo-ji, Kyoto.
An imperial-style barge traverses Osawano Pond against a striking backdrop of autumn leaves.
The five-story pagoda and the central gate of Horyu-ji are two of the oldest wooden buildings in the world.
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