In the south of central Honshu, Japan’s main island sits the small picturesque and historic city of Nara. Once the capital of the entire country back in the 8th century, it’s now the capital of the Nara Prefecture. To create your perfect Nara itinerary, read on below!
You can chop and change the order of these recommendations that are detailed below. You can take much more time in and admire every intricate detail of the ancient temples, or spend more time feeding the kawaii (cute) deer in Nara Park. Don’t want to shop? Cut it out of the itinerary list for Nara! You could breeze through many, if not all of these attractions in Nara if you’re very speedy, in a single day, or stretch out your visit to Nara to multiple days.
In the end, it’s up to you. But here’s a detailed list of some great things to see in Nara, Japan!
Todaiji Temple
Built in 752 A.D. Todaiji Temple is a well-known icon of Nara. It is even one of the most famous in all of Japan. The main hall in the complex, Daibutsuden, or Big Buddha Hall, is the world’s largest wooden structure.
As the translation suggests, the Big Buddha Hall houses a large Buddha statue. This 15-meter-tall bronze likeness of Buddha is a very popular attraction in Nara.
This complex has other temples and shrines to visit if you feel like exploring more. Hokkaido Hall and Kaidannin Temple are two of the best to visit.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Nara’s most renown shrine is Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Dating back to 768 A.D. it’s well known for its lanterns – over 3000 of them in fact! This Shinto Shrine has been rebuilt many times over the course of history, and it remains the shrine of the Fujiwara family. The lovely little walk leading up to the shrine itself runs parallel to stone lanterns.
While the complex itself is free, there is a fee of 500 yen ($4.50 USD) for entrance into the buildings. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is located just east of Nara Park. Obviously, linking this together with many of the Nara Park sights is easy. You can also take the bus to Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop for 210 yen ($1.90 USD).
Kasuga Taisha Shrine is open from 6am to 6pm from April to September and 630am to 5pm October to March.
Mount Wakausayama
Sitting on the northern edge of Nara Park is Mount Wakausayama. This is one of the best free things to do in Nara. There are two sections to walking Mount Wakausayama. Most people spend around 15 minutes walking from the mountain’s base to the viewpoint. There is a further trail leading to the summit. Plan around half an hour from here to Mount Wakausayama’s peak – around 350m high.
The base of Mount Wakausayama is around a 15-minute walk from both Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Nigatsudo Hall
Nigatsudo Hall is another great place to visit in Nara. It can be found in the same complex as the Todaiji Temple. Dating back to 752 A.D. this temple can be found just to the east of the Great Buddha Hall mentioned above.
One of the most popular events in Nara is held here every March. Omizutori ceremony, translating as “drawing water” is believed to have begun in 760 A.D. by monk Jitchu.
Around 500 people shuffle in as they light massive 6m (40kg) torches one by one, carry them up the stairs and hang them over the balcony, sending sparks and ash into the crowd waiting below.
Held every night from the 1st to 14th of March, if you’re in Nara around this time, definitely plan to visit!
Nara Park
Not only is Nara Park one of the most visited attractions in Nara, but many other notable sights in the city are also within its limits. Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and Nara National Museum all live within Nara Park.
One of Nara Park’s main attractions is the wild roaming deer that live here. Around 1200 deer flock to Nara Park every day in the hopes of food from tourists. Yes, they are adorable with their fluffy white tails, but if they suspect you’re holding food and not feeding them, they can become aggressive.
If you do choose to feed them, I suggest buying the proper feed for 150 yen ($1.40 USD) that can be purchased from little shacks around the park’s center. Nara Park is a 15-minute walk from Nara JR Train Station.
Nara National Museum
Retaining the original building built way back in 1889, Nara’s National Museum is a beautiful sight from the outside. If you want to learn about the history of the area and Japan as well, the museum is open from 930 am to 5pm.
Focusing mostly on Japanese Buddhist Artworks, Nara’s National Museum has other exhibits worthwhile visiting. One of my personal favorites is Buddha statues, depicted from different countries throughout Asia. It’s super interesting to see the small and subtle variations of this deity.
Nara National Museum is around a half hour walk from Nara JR Station. And while a small section of exhibits is free to roam, entrance to the rest of the museum will set you back 520 yen ($4.80 USD).
Kofukuji Temple
One of Nara’s most visited attractions, this ornate temple dates back to the Nara and Heian periods of Japan. At 50 meters in height, Kofukuji Temple is the 2nd highest 5-tier pagoda in all of Japan.
The temple grounds of Kofukuji Temple are free and open 24 hours a day. Other temples in the complex cost for entrance into each. The Central Golden Hall is 500 yen ($4.50 USD), Eastern Golden Hall is 300 yen ($2.80 USD) and Kofukuji National Treasure Museum costs 700 yen ($6.40 USD) to get in.
Kofukuji Temple is around 30 minutes walk from Nara JR Station. Alternatively, it’s a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
Extras sights in Nara if you have spare time
If you’ve done everything on this list and want more things to do in Nara, there are a few other worthwhile places to visit. If you have anything to add that I’ve missed, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Naramachi Walk
If you’ve seen enough sights around Nara, you may want a change of pace on Nara’s main shopping strip. Historically, these shops were wealthy merchant houses. Now unique shopping opportunities line the alleyway.
There’re also cafes, a craft museum and Gangoji Temple in this area. If you’re after a bit of a break from sightseeing in Nara, heading for a coffee and a shop around might make break you out of a temple-heavy day.
Isuien Garden
Fed from the Yoshikigawa River is Isuien Garden. This “Garden found on water” is a tranquil walk around quiet ponds and beautiful trees. If you have a little spare time, enjoying a pot of tea at one of the teahouses throughout Isuien Gardens is a perfect way to enjoy your surroundings.
Isuien Garden is around a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 10-minute walk from popular Nara temples of Todaiji and Kofukuji.
Heijo Palace
During Nara’s reign as the country’s capital, Heijo Palace served as the Government Offices and the Emperor’s Residence. During this time, it went by the name Heijo-kyo and is one of Nara UNESCO World Heritage sites due to its historical importance.
There are many relics of ancient Japan only display in Heijo Palace. From pottery and architecture to artworks and scale models of the history of Nara and Japan in general.
Heijo Palace is open from 9am to 430pm (with the last admission being at 4pm). Admission is free. Heijo Palace is easily reached by a 15-minute walk from Yamato-Saidaiji Station. Kintetsu train line, from Nara Kintetsu Station, is an easy way of getting there.
How to get to Nara, Japan
Nara is around 45 minutes train ride from Kyoto. Being so close and cheap options for transport, visiting Nara is a wonderful day trip from Kyoto.
Alternatively, if you want to pile even more into your day, you can visit Nara from Iga Ueno Ninja Village. This trip is also around one hour by train and costs 710 yen ($6.50 USD). When you get off the train at JR Nara Station, there is a tourist information centre right next to you that provides maps and information about the best things to do in Nara.
While all of these attractions in Nara are possible to visit in a single day (it would be quite a long day), you can also break up the trip and spend the night in one of Nara’s fantastic hostels or hotels.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in Japan’s history and culture, want a unique shopping experience, or simply want to spend some time with some usually placid and adorable deer – Nara has something to do for everyone.
Alternatively, you can always take a day tour around Nara in Japan – there’s something to fit your schedule and budget.
Highlights of Nara, Japan
- Strolling around Nara Park surrounded by hundreds of deer
- Visiting many ornate temples and shrines around Nara
- Nara National Museum was educational and interesting
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Thanks for reading!
Happy and safe travels
Ben – Horizon Unknown
