Nara, capital of Nara prefecture near Kyoto, Japan, is a city built for one-day tours. It is so compact that most alluring attractions are within easy walking distance of one another.
That's because the city's current layout dates back 1,300 years, when Nara was the capital of Japan during the so-called Nara period, which ended in 784.
Just half an hour's train ride from Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is a city of 360,000. It is best known for two things: beautiful old temples and hundreds of deer that roam freely around town.
The deer converge strategically at tourist spots, looking for food. They are protected by law and are a symbol of the city, where they were once revered as guardians of the gods.
Heading east along the main road from the Kintetsu Nara train station, you will see Nara Park on the right. There, you'll find deer lazing about, awaiting the arrival of tourists. Deer-biscuit vendors ply their trade along the side of the park.
A word of warning: the animals will quickly swarm tourists who have biscuits, nudging and even biting hapless visitors to pry the snacks loose from their hands.
