Nara, Japan’s oldest capital, is home to more historical assets designated as Cultural Properties and National Treasures than any other municipality. In contrast to Kyoto’s concentrated beauty, Nara attracts visitors with its airy landscape where temples, shrines and historical architectures quietly sit in a scenic arena among parks and gardens. Notable are the world’s largest wooden architecture Todaiji and its great buddha statue, and Horyuji, the oldest surviving wood architecture. Shosoin, Kofukuji, Yakushiji, Toshodaiji, Ganko Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine are just a handful of the many historic landmarks of the city. Once called Yamato, Nara was site to Japan's first capital city Heijo-kyo.