Nara City Local Quiz Practice: Questions and Explanations

Correct answerNara Park

This park opened in 1880 and covers about 660 hectares, with Todai-ji, Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and the Nara National Museum all sharing its grounds. For more than 140 years it has served as a green space right beside the city center.

Source:Nara Park — official reference

Correct answerNara deer

The deer around Nara Park were designated a national natural monument, known as the 'Nara Shika,' in 1957. Tied to a legend that names them divine messengers, they are still carefully protected today. Stalls selling "shika senbei" deer crackers dot the park, drawing the familiar sight of visitors feeding the deer by hand.

Source:Nara deer — official reference

Correct answerTodai-ji

Built in the 8th century at Emperor Shomu's request, this temple serves as the head temple of the Kegon school. The eye-opening ceremony for its principal image, the Great Buddha (Vairocana), took place in 752, and it has stood since as one of Japan's defining works of Buddhist architecture.

Source:Todai-ji Temple — official reference

Correct answerKintetsu Nara Station

This station is the terminus of the Kintetsu Nara Line, with the platforms, ticket gates, and every other part of the station built underground. Once above ground, both Nara Park and Naramachi are within easy walking distance. The station went underground in 1970, and its plaza above features a fountain statue of the monk Gyoki.

Source:Kintetsu Nara Station — official reference

Correct answerKakinoha-zushi

In the Yoshino and Gojo areas, far from the coast, fish had to be kept fresh on the long trip inland. This pressed sushi, wrapped in persimmon leaves, is said to have grown out of that very need. The leaves' natural antibacterial properties helped preserve the fish, and the dish remains a beloved local specialty today.

Source:Kakinoha-zushi — official reference

Correct answerGreat Buddha Hall

The current Great Buddha Hall was rebuilt in 1709, the third version after the original and a Kamakura-era reconstruction. Its frontage is somewhat narrower than the original, but it remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

Source:Great Buddha Hall — official reference

Correct answerNandaimon Gate

Nandaimon is Todai-ji's main gate. The original Nara-period gate blew down in the Heian period; the current gate was rebuilt in the Kamakura period by the priest Chogen, incorporating Song-style (daibutsuyo) construction. Its ridge was raised in 1199 and it was completed in 1203 together with the Kongo Rikishi guardian statues it houses.

Source:Nandaimon Gate — official reference

Correct answerKofuku-ji Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple was founded in 669 as the Fujiwara clan temple and was relocated to its present site in 710 with the move of the capital to Heijo-kyo.

Source:Kofuku-ji Temple — official reference

Correct answerNaramachi

Naramachi is the old town that grew up around Gango-ji's former precinct, still lined with Edo-period merchant houses. Many of these lattice-fronted houses with mushiko windows have been converted into cafes and craft workshops popular with visitors.

Source:Naramachi — official reference

Correct answerHeijo Palace Site

Heijo Palace Site preserves the palace grounds used from 710 to 784 during the Heijo-kyo capital era, and it is registered as a World Heritage site.

Source:Heijo Palace Site — official reference

Correct answerFive-story Pagoda

Kofuku-ji's five-story pagoda is said to have been founded in 730 at the request of Empress Komyo. Rebuilt several times after fires, the current pagoda dates from the Muromachi period and, at about 50 meters, is Japan's second-tallest wooden pagoda after Toji's.

Source:Five-story Pagoda — official reference

Correct answerGango-ji

Gango-ji traces its origin to Hoko-ji (Asuka-dera) in Asuka, moved to Heijo-kyo in 718. A small number of roof tiles on the Gokurakubo main hall are said to date from the temple's original Asuka-period construction, making them some of the oldest roof tiles in Japan.

Source:Gango-ji Temple — official reference

Correct answerTodai-ji

Todai-ji lost most of its halls, including the Great Buddha Hall, in the 1180 burning of the southern capital by Taira no Shigehira's forces, and was rebuilt in the Kamakura period by the monk Chogen. Chogen introduced construction techniques from Song-dynasty China known as the "Daibutsuyo" style, still visible in features like the Great South Gate.

Source:Todai-ji Temple — official reference

Correct answerMount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa stands 342 meters tall, its grassy slope rising in three terraced tiers, and is also called Mount Mikasa. Every January it hosts the "Yamayaki," a controlled burn of the dried grass whose flames light up the night sky as a winter tradition in Nara.

Source:Mount Wakakusa — official reference

Correct answerKasugayama Primeval Forest

Kasugayama Primeval Forest has kept its old-growth state since 841, when hunting and logging were banned as it became sacred ground for Kasuga Taisha. Untouched by human hands for over a thousand years, this broadleaf evergreen forest is also registered as a World Heritage site.

Source:Kasugayama Primeval Forest — official reference