Journeys in Japan

Nara: Tranquil temples and bountiful blooms (4x16)

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Japan is famous for its spectacular displays of cherry blossom, which draw visitors from far and near. But the peak season for most other flowers in Japan arrives after the cherry petals have fallen. Nara City used to be the capital of Japan, before Kyoto. The surrounding area is home to many ancient temples that boast beautiful gardens within their precincts. It is a wonderful place to view the abundance of seasonal flowers, and a great opportunity to find tranquility and restful rural scenery. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Deborah Ten visits temples known for their displays of early summer flowers. She follows an ancient route, the Yamanobe Road, which has been used since the 4th century, and discovers vistas of wild flowers. And she glimpses the true face of this historic area, beyond the usual tourist trail.