Try to picture the view from this window during each of the four seasons: the brilliant cherry blossoms at Nara Park in the spring, the sun and blue summer skies reflected upon Sarusawa Pond in the summer, the magnificent autumn reds and oranges along the mountains, and the bright white snow on a winter morning. Imagine them here, during whatever season you’re in. These poetic vistas have roots in Nara’s history; someone stood where you now stand and admired them.

Somewhere in this room, there is a sliding door with the phrase “Tennou-ki Heiwa Hyaku-nen,” which roughly translates to “100 Years of Peace for the Emperor.” It’s said the Tenpyo Era was named for the “Ten” in “Tennou,” and the “Hyo” character in “Heiwa,” and that history still connects to the modern-day. We invite you to ponder this as you continue to take in the scenery around you.