Japanese Aristocrat If I had to choose between the Nara and Heian period to live as an aristocrat, I would choose the Nara. When first looked at the Heian period may look more elaborate and culturally advanced, and in some ways it was. I believe however, the Nara period was much more exciting and fulfilling than the somewhat hollow Heian period. The Nara period was marked by new philosophies of religion, government, and culture. Buddhism was introduced to Japan before the Nara period, but it was during the Nara period that many new forms were introduced and worshiped. The imperial court of the Nara period was taken with the Chines