Nara is an ancient capital of Japan, a city of UNESCO World Heritage sites, imbued with a strong Tang dynasty atmosphere. Within Nara Park, over a thousand deer are friendly towards people and can be fed and interacted with. Tōdai-ji houses the world's largest bronze Great Buddha statue, and is a masterpiece of Japanese wooden architecture. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is lined with over 2,000 stone and bronze lanterns, with breathtaking wisteria blooms in April. Naramachi preserves old merchant houses, exuding antique charm. Famous local foods include Kakinoha-zushi (mackerel or salmon wrapped in persimmon leaves for a refreshing, cleansing flavour), Shizuka Hakomashi (a rice pot dish with crispy rice crust), Nara-zuke (sweet and salty pickled vegetables), Miwa sōmen (fine and smooth noodles), and matcha desserts.