Japan is home to Nara, the country’s first permanent capital.
Nara became Japan’s permanent capital in 710 under the name Heijō-kyō. Its design was influenced by Chang’an, the capital of Tang China, and the city became a major centre for government, Buddhism, art and international cultural exchange. The capital moved to Kyoto in 794.
Nara’s historical monuments include Tōdai-ji, home to a colossal bronze Buddha, and the Kasuga Grand Shrine. The city is also associated with Nara Park, where protected sika deer roam freely. These deer are regarded as messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition.
Nara’s temples, shrines and forested sacred areas form part of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara.” A common mix-up is assuming Kyoto was Japan’s first capital; Kyoto was a later imperial capital, while Nara was the first permanent one. Earlier courts had used temporary capital sites, including Fujiwara-kyō.