Three-Story Pagoda at Awahara-Ji Temple in Yamato Province

Discover the 715 CE bronze fukubachi from Awahara Temple, a Japanese National Treasure preserving the precise founding story of an 8th-century Buddhist temple. This remarkable artifact with its 15-line inscription offers visitors insights into early Japanese Buddhism, imperial patronage, and Nara period craftsmanship.

Carved Mirror Images of the Shaka Triad and Other Statues

Discover the Line-Engraved Mirror with Shaka Triad (Senkoku Shaka Sanzon-tō Kyōzō), a Heian-period National Treasure featuring nine Buddhist deities in exquisite line engraving. Housed at the Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Kyoto.

Artifacts Excavated from Fujinoki Tomb in Nara Prefecture

Discover the Fujinoki Kofun artifacts, a National Treasure collection of 12,000+ items including gilt-bronze saddle fittings, crowns, and shoes from a 6th-century royal tomb near Horyuji Temple in Nara, Japan.

Colored Paper Scroll of the Tale of Nezame

Discover the Nezame Monogatari Emaki, a 12th-century National Treasure housed at Nara's Yamato Bunkakan Museum. This exquisite handscroll exemplifies the pinnacle of Heian court painting with its gold-adorned illustrations and the last fragments of a lost tale of forbidden love.

Kitora Tomb Murals

Explore Kitora Tomb's 1,300-year-old National Treasure murals featuring the world's oldest complete astronomical chart and East Asia's only intact Four Divine Beasts paintings. Free admission, cutting-edge preservation technology, and bicycle-friendly Asuka Village await international visitors seeking Japan's ancient cultural connections.

Shosoin

Discover the Shosoin Repository, a National Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nara, Japan. This ancient 8th-century storehouse has preserved 9,000 Silk Road artifacts for over 1,300 years. Learn about its unique azekura architecture, visiting tips, and the annual Shosoin Exhibition.

Toshodaiji Temple Sutra Repository

Discover Toshodaiji Temple Kyozo, Japan's oldest surviving azekura log-cabin storehouse, predating the temple itself. This National Treasure from the 8th century was originally a rice granary in Prince Niitabe's residence before Ganjin established the temple. Explore its unique history and architectural significance in Nara.

Hyogo Kusari Tachi Sword with a Plain Pattern of Vinegar and

Explore Japan's National Treasure, a stunning 11th-13th century ceremonial sword adorned with gold dust and clover patterns. Visit Kasuga Taisha's treasure hall in Nara to witness this masterpiece of Japanese metalwork and lacquer art.

Hyogo Kusari Tachi Sword with a Rich Vinegar and Soy Pattern

Explore the Ikakeji Katabami-mon Hyōgo-kusari Tachi, a National Treasure at Kasuga Taisha shrine in Nara. Learn about this golden ceremonial sword's revolutionary lacquer techniques, symbolic oxalis crest design, and how to visit this 13th-century masterpiece.

Tweezers Shaped Sword with a Lion Design on a Raised Ground

Experience the Ikakeji Shishimon Kenukigata Tachi, Japan's earliest kenukigata sword with unique gold lacquer and three lion designs. Visit this National Treasure at Kasuga Taisha Museum in Nara.

Tortoise Drum

Experience the magnificent 6.5-meter Da-daiko ceremonial drums at Nara's Kasuga Taisha shrine. These Important Cultural Properties from the Kamakura period showcase dragons, phoenixes, and 900 years of unbroken gagaku court music tradition.

Iron Pagoda

Explore the remarkable Iron Pagoda at Saidaiji Temple, a National Treasure showcasing medieval Japanese metalwork. Learn about this hidden gem's history, visiting tips, and why it's worth adding to your Nara itinerary.

Tenjukoku Embroidery Record Remaining

Discover the National Treasure Tenjukoku Shucho at Chuguji Temple in Nara, Japan. This 7th-century embroidered mandala, created to honor Prince Shotoku, represents Japan's oldest surviving textile art and a touching story of eternal love.

Akishino-Dera Temple Main Hall

Experience Akishino-dera Temple's 8th-century National Treasure hall, Japan's only ancient Gigeiten statue, and enchanting moss garden with 120 varieties. This hidden Nara sanctuary offers intimate access to 1,300 years of Buddhist art away from crowds.

Kofuku-Ji Temple Kondo Hall Altar

Discover the Kofuku-ji Kondo Chindangu, a National Treasure collection of over 1,800 sacred ritual objects buried beneath the Central Golden Hall in the 8th century. View gold, silver vessels, mirrors, crystals, and precious gems at the National Treasure Hall in Nara and the Tokyo National Museum.

Seven-Pronged Sword

Discover the Seven-Branched Sword (Shichishitō), a unique National Treasure from the 4th century preserved at Isonokami Shrine in Tenri, Nara. Learn about its gold-inlaid inscription, the Baekje-Japan diplomatic connection, and how to visit this ancient sacred site.

Todaiji Temple Golden Hall Memorial Altar

Discover the Todai-ji Kondo Chindangu, a National Treasure collection of 8th-century ritual objects—including legendary swords, crystal vessels, and gilded artifacts—unearthed from beneath Nara's Great Buddha. Learn about their connection to Emperor Shomu, Empress Komyo, and the Shoso-in treasures.

Buddha's Footprint

The Bussokuseki at Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara is Japan's oldest Buddha footprint stone, carved in 753 CE and designated a National Treasure. This archaeological artifact preserves the sacred footprints of Shakyamuni Buddha, transmitted from Sarnath in India through Chang'an in China to the ancient Nara capital. Together with the accompanying poem monument — also a National Treasure — it offers a rare window into pre-iconic Buddhist worship and Silk Road cultural exchange during the Nara period.

Buddha Footprints Monument

The Bussokuseki-kahi, a National Treasure enshrined in the Lecture Hall of Yakushi-ji Temple in Nara, is one of Japan's oldest surviving poetry steles, dating to around 770 CE. Bearing 21 poems written in man'yōgana script praising the Buddha's sacred footprints, it preserves an authentic record of Nara-period faith and the earliest Japanese writing. Together with Japan's oldest Buddha Footprint Stone, it offers a profound connection to the history of Buddhism's transmission across Asia.

The Lotus Sutra (Kunoji Sutra)

Discover the Lotus Sutra known as Kunoji-kyo, a National Treasure of Japan featuring exquisite gold and silver decorations created by the imperial court in the 12th century. Learn about its history, artistic value, and where to see it.