It was the capital of Japan for less than a century, from 710 to 794. It was the first stable city and the first official capital of what would become Japan. It was through Nara that Buddhism was introduced from countries like China and Korea. Personally, I define it as the religious capital of Japan. It is pedestrian-friendly and incredibly rich in temples and shrines.

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But even before the shrines and temples, it is the city of deer. Considered true deities, these deer act as sacred guardians. You can interact with them, and you will be deeply surprised by their friendliness. In Nara, I strongly perceive elements like the wind, the dust, the earth, the wood, and the charcoal. The beige tones of the lowlands seem almost arid—though not truly dry—and you can feel the energy of ancient, centuries-old tree trunks. Nara feels like a vast open-air park, deeply connected to nature. I have written very little about this city because the rest is best explained without words. It is a place unlike any other, and I believe it can only truly be understood by visiting it.