Yakushi-ji

This Buddhist temple was founded in the 7th century by Emperor Temmu, to pray for his wife's illness. It was moved to Nara soon after its completion. Today, it remains one of the most important Buddhist temples. One of its pagodas dates back to the original 7th Century construction.

Site: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/nara-yakushiji.htm

Horyu-ji

Commissioned by Prince Shotoku in the early 7th Century, this temple in Nara houses a pagoda widely accepted to be the oldest wooden building in the world, though some believe it is a reconstruction. Due to its age, it is valuable for learning about early Japanese architecture, as well as the influence of early Buddhism in Japan.

Site: http://www.taleofgenji.org/horyuji.html

Ishibutai Kofun

Ishibutai Kofun is a tomb built in the late Yamato period in Asuka, near Nara. It is said to be the tomb of Soga no Umako, who played a role in the political reforms of Prince Shotoku. The tomb, which is the largest in Japan, demonstrates a major part of what we know about the Yamato Period.

Site: http://www.asukanet.gr.jp/asukahome/ASUKA2/ASUKAKOFUN/isibutaiK.html

Shoso-in

The Shoso-in, or Imperial Repository, is a part of Todai-ji. It houses treasures and artifacts related to Emperor Shomu and Empress Komyo, who ruled during the early eighth century in Nara. It was founded by Empress Komyo after the death of her husband Shomu, when she donated 600 items to the temple. Today there are over 9000 items, mostly from the Nara and Heian periods of Japan. They are not on display for the public, but once a year, items are exhibited at the Nara National Museum.

Site: http://aris.ss.uci.edu/rgarfias/gagaku/shosoin.html

Kofuku-ji

Kofuku-ji is one of the Four Great Buddhist temples of Nara. One of it most distinctive features is its five-story pagoda. It was formed by the Fujiwara clan, who would later hold much of the power in Japan. Thus, it continued to have influence over the Imperial Family. When the Fujiwara's power declined however, so did the temple. While few of the buildings remain, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Site: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/nara-kofukuji.htm

Heijo Palace

Heijo Palace was the Imperial Palace while the capital of Japan was in Nara. Like the city itself, the palace was inspired by the Chinese capital of Chang'An. After the capital was moved to Heian, the palace was abandoned, and by the Kamakura Period, there was nothing left above ground. Starting in the 1950s, archaeological expeditions have been uncovering the palace, and certain parts of the palace have been reconstructed recently. In commemoration of the 1300th Anniversary in 2010, the First Council Hall has been restored.

Site: http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/nara_heijo_palace.htm

Todai-ji

Todai-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nara constructed during the Nara Period. The main hall is the largest wooden building in the world, even though it is only two-thirds of its original size. It also houses the largest statue of the Buddha Vairocana, which left the country nearly bankrupt to construct. In addition, the influence of this temple on the government was so tremendous that the Imperial Family had to physically move from Nara to Heian (now Kyoto) to resist its influence. It clearly demonstrates the power and influence of early Buddhism in Japan.

Site: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/nara-todaiji

Kasuga Shrine

This massive shrine was the shrine of the Fujiwara Family, who held much influence over the Imperial Family in early Japanese history. The shrine itself has a long pathway leading up to it, and over 3000 stone and bronze lanterns. During the Meiji Period, it was one of the seven topmost-ranking Imperial shrines.

Site: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/nara-kasuga-grand-shrine.htm