Nara is known for its several temples and shrines, as well as the semi-wild deer who roam freely; but did you know that Nara City is the first permanent capital of Japan? Before the establishment of the Taiho Code, the capital was traditionally moved after the death of the emperor due to ancient belief that a place of death was impure. Before the Nara Period, the capital city remained in Nara prefecture, making it the prefecture with the longest imperial history! There is no shortage of things to do and see in Nara. Select the topics below to explore the ancient beauty of Nara!