Japan is a country of contrasts. Here, there is the ultra modern city of Tokyo, brimming with a distinctive urban cosmopolitan influence. Leave the futuristic Tokyo and you are sucked into the old-world beauty of Nara, the cultural cradle of Japan offering a window view to the city’s glorious past. Designated as the first permanent capital and one of the oldest towns of Japan, Nara is a small town that can be easily experienced in a day or two as a complementary trip with Tokyo. Resplendent in UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient shrines, old Buddhist temples, tranquil Zen gardens and a vast expansive deer park, Nara packs in enough eye-catching highlights and gorgeous historical gems in its peaceful environs that are well worth a mention in your Japan itinerary. Nara is prominently located in close proximity to the more tourist-friendly destination of Kyoto at a short distance that can be conveniently covered via express trains in an hour or so. The most striking aspect about this unhurried gentle town is that it is very walk-able and is best discovered on foot via leisurely strolls―so, it saves you any extra transportation expenses as well. Here is a guide of the best places giving a taste of this charming town: strolls―so, it saves you any extra transportation expenses as well. Here is a guide of the best places giving a taste of this charming town: