NARA
Business Traveller India|March 2023
Where history meets modernism
Khursheed Mistry
NARA

Originally known as Yamato, Nara was Japan's first capital and the seat of the Emperor. Rich in ideas and technology from Europe, China, and Korea via the Silk Road, Nara is a living museum with 1,300 years of art and architecture to offer. Japan's capital Heijokyo before Kyoto, with a palace and administrative buildings, was established near what is now Nara city. Based on the Chinese city of Xi'an, the city was built in a grid format with the Palace at its north end.

Emperor Shomu directed the works of Tōdai-ji Temple and the world's largest bronze Buddha, as a way to bring hope after wars, a smallpox outbreak, and the failure of crops. After the capital was moved to Kyoto, Heijokyo was abandoned and very little remained beyond the foundations. Several buildings and the south gate have since been restored and walking around the palace grounds gives visitors an idea of the magnificent grandeur of the ancient capital.

Nara contains the lion's share of the oldest national treasures; in sculpture, 35 national treasures are from before the eighth century. In buildings, 32 of Nara's national treasures date from the 12th century. Two of the greatest masterpieces of 8th-century Japanese literature originate in Nara. The Kojiki is a collection of the legends of the Gods and how Japan was founded. It shows Nara as the scene of many important historic events and epic dramas. The Manyoshu, which is the oldest collection of Japanese poetry, is the bible of Japanese letters. Artworks inspired by the poems are displayed at the Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture. Nara has a range of Buddhist artwork spanning centuries and the carvings and sculptures, vary significantly in style and appearance. The shrines and temples of Nara are art galleries exhibiting much of the country's finest Buddhist art.

This story is from the March 2023 edition of Business Traveller India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2023 edition of Business Traveller India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BUSINESS TRAVELLER INDIAView All
Magistracy Dining Room
Business Traveller India

Magistracy Dining Room

The Magistracy Dining Room honours tradition while delivering a contemporary, inclusive take on the finest British fare

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
Taverne at Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel
Business Traveller India

Taverne at Frankfurt Airport Marriott Hotel

Taverne perfectly captures the spirit of Gemütlichkeit - a place where warmth, comfort, and community come together seamlessly

time-read
1 min  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
Ronil Goa - JdV by Hyatt
Business Traveller India

Ronil Goa - JdV by Hyatt

The JdV brand's promise to celebrate the joy of life is personified and highlighted throughout the hotel

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong
Business Traveller India

Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Notable highlights included an eco-friendly filtered water dispenser to minimise single-use plastics, a modern bathroom with a separate shower and access to the Horizon Club Lounge

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
Pullman Singapore Orchard
Business Traveller India

Pullman Singapore Orchard

I was treated to a superior level of comfort, service, and amenities, making my stay truly exceptional

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
ÉS Bisztró at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Business Traveller India

ÉS Bisztró at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

I left feeling satisfied, yet eager to return and explore more of the menu's culinary wonders

time-read
1 min  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Business Traveller India

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

The lobby is a stunning homage to the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco era

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
Kollázs at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest
Business Traveller India

Kollázs at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

As my first visit to Budapest, Kollázs came highly recommended, so it was the natural choice for my inaugural dinner in the city

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
JW Marriott Singapore South Beach
Business Traveller India

JW Marriott Singapore South Beach

A design-driven landmark ensconced between three heritage buildings and two new hotel blocks at Marina Bay

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India
The Singapore Edition
Business Traveller India

The Singapore Edition

From the boardroom to the bedroom, The Singapore EDITION seamlessly integrates style, comfort, and service, making it my ultimate home away from home.

time-read
2 mins  |
Dec 2024 - Business Traveller India