Nara is a city where history and culture remains front and center in everyday life. Forming a triangle of destinations alongside Osaka and Kyoto, lesser-known Nara is nonetheless a worthwhile detour. The nation’s earliest capital city, taking the title for much of the eighth century, it remains sublimely picturesque, even fairytale. Where else could you find sacred deer that have learnt to bow to strangers than Nara? Awash with important shrines and temples, many several hundred years old, Nara is a destination where it’s important to relax and take your time, and in doing so delve deeper than you thought possible into Japanese culture.