VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry) is a project that explores Galactic structure by accurately determining 3-dimensional positions, in particular annual parallaxes, and velocities of Galactic water and silicon mono-oxide maser sources by the method of phase-referenced differential VLBI. The accuracy goal of the position determination of a maser source in reference to a QSO is 10 micro-arcseconds. With this accuracy it will be possible to elucidate mass distribution of the whole Galaxy by determining the distance of the Galactic center and the rotation curve beyond 20kpc or farther from the Galactic center. Exploration of the central region of the Galaxy, star forming regions and circum-stellar regions around late- type stars are also targets of the VERA. VERA is planned to consist of four VLBI stations in the Japanese territory and a correlator. Each station will be equipped with a very unique antenna which is under development. The antenna is designed to receive simultaneously radio waves from two different directions. This enables ideal cancellation of differential fluctuations of fringe phases due to the atmospheric turbulence. Other most modern technologies will be adopted by VERA. Overall features and current status of VERA will be presented at the conference.