Japan Travelogue: Koyasan, Nara

Koyasan and Nara are cultural, spiritual and artistic treasures in the Kii Peninsula of Japan. Japan's history and culture were shaped by the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century, which became intertwined in the indigenous Shinto traditions. Koyasan is a mountainous temple settlement, a journey through the tapestry of Japan’s religious and cultural history of feudal lords, prominent monks, and samurai. Nara is a city known for its rich history as Japan's first permanent capital, its numerous temples and the deer roaming freely in the city parks. Surrounded by the lush nature, Nara offers a landscape unchanged for over 2000 years. Nara is the historical heart of Japan’s early Buddhism, which became part of the nation’s politics. It is a history prominently reflected in the numerous famous temples throughout central Nara.