Ancient temples and free-roaming deer
Nara was Japan's capital in the eighth century, and its temples and shrines are among the oldest in the country. Todai-ji houses a colossal bronze Buddha inside one of the world's largest wooden buildings, while Kasuga Taisha is lined with thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. Hundreds of sika deer wander Nara Park and bow for crackers. The compact centre is easy to walk, and the old merchant district of Naramachi is good for tea and crafts. It's under an hour from Kyoto or Osaka.