Well-known for its lots of of free-roaming deer, Nara is a well-liked day journey vacation spot from Osaka or Kyoto. This sooner or later Nara itinerary will present you tips on how to get there and tips on how to profit from your time right here!
As Nara was once Japan’s first everlasting capital earlier than it modified to Kyoto in 794, there may be plenty of historical past right here. Not solely that, however the metropolis is dwelling to eight UNESCO World Heritage Websites, together with Todai-ji Temple, which homes one of many largest bronze Buddha statues within the nation.
I’ve been to Nara a number of instances now, and I preserve coming again to see extra of what the Prefecture has to supply. Whereas it’s not at all times attainable to spend greater than sooner or later in Nara as a result of time constraints, it’s value contemplating as there may be a lot extra to see on this Prefecture.
Nonetheless, should you solely have time for a day journey to Nara, I’ve put collectively this information and strolling route so you’ll be able to profit from your time right here! Let’s have a look!
* On our most up-to-date go to to Nara, we labored with the Nara Tourism Board to replace this information with extra insider info and proposals. All views and opinions are my very own.
Nara Itinerary Overview & Map
When you don’t have time to learn the total information, use this overview as an alternative. The map beneath exhibits you the self-guided strolling route I deliberate out which you need to use as your Nara itinerary:
Nara Day Journey Itinerary
Right here is my in-depth one-day Nara itinerary for first-time guests:
1. Arrive in Nara
Whether or not you’re travelling from Kyoto, Osaka or one other metropolis, attempt to get to Nara earlier than 10 am. When you’re solely taking a day journey to Nara and aren’t staying in a single day, you wish to profit from your restricted time right here.
Nara has two essential prepare stations: JR Nara Station and Kintetsu-Nara Station.
When you arrive at JR Nara Station, you can begin your day by visiting the Vacationer Info Centre. It’s situated exterior the station and gives free booklets in regards to the deer park, the shrines and temples. There’s baggage storage accessible and you may also discover a Starbucks on this constructing. This station sits a bit farther from the primary space, however it’s solely a brief stroll.
On my final go to to Nara, I additionally seen that this station has a fortune-telling station for Nara Prefecture. In Japanese tradition, omikuji is a type of fortune-telling that’s typically discovered at shrines.
You shake a field with sticks till one of many sticks falls out. The stick has a quantity on it, which you’ll be able to match with one of many drawers. Contained in the drawer, you’ll discover your fortune. What’s particular about this one is that it features a “fortunate spot” in Nara you could go to – such a enjoyable solution to promote completely different areas in Nara! I’ve added a photograph beneath of the one I obtained.
Nara’s different station, Kintetsu-Nara Station, is situated a bit nearer to the sights we’re going to discover at present. Later on this article, I’ll go over the routes you’ll be able to take from Osaka or Kyoto, together with what strains you need to use with completely different passes (together with the JR Cross and Kintetsu Rail Cross).
Not removed from Kintetsu-Nara Station, you will discover a tremendous espresso store known as Rokumei Espresso. When you’re nonetheless on the lookout for a spot to seize breakfast, that is the one! Together with their vary of espresso, they promote recent flakey croissants.
2. Go to Kofuku-ji Temple
Usually, I might counsel beginning your sooner or later in Nara at Sarusawa-Ike Pond Park. Nonetheless, for the reason that pagoda that usually leaves a ravishing reflection within the nonetheless water is at present underneath development, there isn’t a lot to see right here. Renovations are anticipated to final till 2031.
So as an alternative, I might begin at Kofuku-ji Temple. When you arrive in Nara at Kintetsu-Nara Station, you’ll be able to stroll by way of Higashimuki Buying Avenue after which onto Sanjo Dori Avenue to get right here. From JR Nara Station, you’ll be able to merely observe Sanjo Dori Avenue. Each streets have a number of retailers promoting souvenirs, avenue meals and extra.
On the crossing of Higashimuki Buying Avenue and Sanjo Dori Avenue, you may also discover Nakatanidou, the viral mochi-pounding store. A number of instances a day, they make recent mochi with a particular mochi pounding method known as mochitsuki. The crowds close to this store through the mochi pounding are loopy although – virtually uncomfortably so. We skipped watching the mochi pounding and stopped by the store a bit later to attempt the recent mochi as soon as the crowds had died down.
When you’ve made your approach by way of the primary few streets, you’ll have arrived at our first correct sight: Kofuku-ji Temple, certainly one of Nara’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Websites. The temple grounds may be visited for free, however there are some small entrance charges for coming into the buildings, together with the Central Golden Corridor, the Japanese Golden Corridor and the Nationwide Treasure Museum.
The unique Central Golden Corridor at Kofuku-ji Temple was destroyed in a hearth virtually 300 years in the past. It has been reconstructed to its authentic measurement and opened to the general public in October 2018. Inside, you will discover the Yakushi Buddha.
Take a while to discover the temple grounds, as there are various shrines and temples to admire. Transferring in the direction of the aspect, you will discover the Southern Octagonal Halls. These buildings date again over a thousand years. As talked about earlier than, the five-storied pagoda is at present being renovated. It’s anticipated to be completed in 2031.
3. Stroll By means of Nara Deer Park
By the point you get to Nara Deer Park, you’ll most likely have already got encountered some sika deer strolling round. Over 1,400 sika deer roam across the park freely and it attracts a ton of vacationers. Within the park, you will discover some stands promoting packs of shika senbei, or deer crackers, to feed the deer. They value round ¥200 and provide you with an opportunity to feed them.
Please don’t feed them anything, you wouldn’t need them to get sick!
Funnily sufficient, the deer in Nara Deer Park have discovered to bow to guests. Bowing in Japanese tradition is a type of displaying respect, and lots of deer will return the favour. Give it a go whilst you’re on the park – likelihood is, the deer will bow again to you. They might be begging for a deer cracker afterwards although.
Whereas they give the impression of being lovely, please do not forget that these are wild animals. Sure, they’ve grown accustomed to the vacationers and pose for photos, however they will get aggressive. Please be aware round these animals and deal with them with respect. There have been many experiences lately of vacationers bothering the deer for Instagram pictures or movies. The deer may be aggressive and assault, particularly when crackers are concerned.
4. Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Whenever you solely have sooner or later in Nara, Kasuga Taisha Shrine remains to be a must-visit. It’s most likely my favorite spot within the space. Not solely does it match completely on our strolling route for the day, however it’s additionally one of the crucial stunning shrines within the space.
Kasuga-Taisha is certainly one of Nara’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Websites and is known for its lanterns. On the temple grounds, you will discover over 2,000 stone lanterns and greater than 1,000 hanging bronze lanterns.
A big part of this shrine may be visited for free. To go to the internal shrine, you’ll must pay a small charge which may be very a lot value it. I had skipped it myself on my first journey, however once I returned to Nara a number of years later, the internal shrine was certainly one of my favorite spots in Nara. It’s very a lot value getting into to see the hanging lanterns and extra.
When you look intently, you’ll be able to see that the hanging lanterns, you’ll be able to see that none of them are the identical. Each lantern that hangs on this shrine has been donated by folks or households, they usually had been allowed to decide on the design. It typically displays a household flower or has particular writing engraved. All lanterns begin gold, however change as a result of climate – you’ll be able to spot some newer additions within the temple which might be nonetheless gold.
A particular ritual takes place at this shrine in February (Setsubun Mantoro) and August (Chugen Mantoro), the place all lanterns are lit. The candles inside them are actual and are lit by hand by the shrine workers. When you’re visiting throughout a unique time of 12 months, you’ll be able to nonetheless see a number of the lanterns lit up in a particular darkish room within the internal shrine.
The shrine was initially inbuilt 768 however was rebuilt each 20 years till the top of the Edo Interval. This 20-year timeframe was partly to take care of the constructing but additionally at hand down the methods to the brand new technology.
Whereas strolling by way of the temple, you might also discover that you simply’re strolling up a slight slope. It is because the shrine has been constructed on a sacred mountain, so that they prevented digging into the mountain. As an alternative, they constructed round it. There are locations to wish to the mountain too, the place a torii gate faces in the direction of the mountain.
Within the internal shrine, you may also spot a 1,000-year-old cider tree. Once more, when trying on the constructing subsequent to it, you’ll be able to see that it was constructed across the tree with out harming it.
5. Cease for some Udon at Mizuya Chaya
After exploring elements of the deer park and Kasuga Taisha, you’ve most likely labored up a little bit of urge for food. Mizuya Chaya, a stunning little restaurant with a ravishing thatched roof, is situated not removed from the shrine. It makes for the right little pitstop earlier than persevering with our Nara itinerary.
Once I stopped right here on my newest go to, I used to be anxious it could be busy as a result of further crowds coming into Nara. It did look a bit crowded after we confirmed up, however the queue moved shortly. Inside 10 minutes, we had been seated with our udon. Whereas consuming, I seen the crowds slowly disappearing – there wasn’t even a queue left after we completed our meals.
The udon was scrumptious and fairly inexpensive. The cafe additionally accepts card funds, which is at all times a plus in Japan. There’s plenty of out of doors seating, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from views of the forest. Look out for the deer although, they could attempt to steal your noodles!
6. Go to Todai-ji Temple
The road that results in Todai-ji is lined with retailers and stuffed with deer begging vacationers for crackers. This space can get fairly crowded (one other cause to remain in Nara in a single day and go to Todai-ji within the morning – simply have a look at the comparability within the pictures beneath), so beware!
Strolling up in the direction of Todai-ji, you’ll first move Nandaimon Gate (Grand South Gate). Being the most important picket gate within the nation, it’s no surprise it has left me in awe each time we go to. It was inbuilt 1203 and nonetheless stands tall at present. Throughout my first go to to Nara, I assumed this was Todai-ji as a result of its spectacular measurement – solely to be shocked to see the true measurement of Todai-ji only a bit additional down the highway!
Todai-ji Temple (Nice Japanese Temple) is certainly one of Nara’s most well-known and most visited sights. Additionally listed as a UNESCO World Heritage web site, Todai-ji was the world’s largest picket construction till 1998 – it’s fully made out of wooden. No nails had been used. Its Nice Buddha Corridor homes one of many largest Daibutsu-san, or Bronze Buddha Statue, on the planet. It reaches 49 meters in peak!
The temple was established in 752 however has burned down a number of instances since. Regardless of this, it’s virtually not possible to understand the dimensions of Todai-ji. The truth that this constructing is completely made out of wooden is unimaginable.
To enter Todai-ji and see the Bronze Buddha Statue up shut, there may be an entrance charge of ¥800. It’s value getting the ticket, because the Daibutsu-san shouldn’t be missed when taking a day journey to Nara.
7. Wander by way of Yoshikien & Isuien Backyard
After Todai-ji, we end this one-day Nara itinerary by paying a go to to the gardens of town. Not removed from Todai-ji, you will discover each Isuien and Yoshikien Backyard. They’re situated just about subsequent to one another.
Isuien Backyard is the extra in style backyard to go to, however it does require you to pay a ¥1,200 entree charge, which I discover fairly steep. Particularly seeing that Yoshikien Gardens subsequent door are free to go to for international guests. The paid ticket additionally offers you entry to the museum.
The backyard’s identify means “backyard based on water“, seeing that the backyard is constructed on the Yoshikigawa River. It’s a really massive backyard, and you’ll simply spend an hour or so strolling round and exploring the completely different routes. The entrance backyard dates again to the seventeenth century, whereas the again backyard was inbuilt 1899. Contained in the backyard, you’ll find a number of tea homes.
Subsequent to Isuien Backyard, you will discover Yoshikien Backyard. This one is free to enter for international guests and makes for a beautiful stroll. It was created in 1919 and is dwelling to a pond backyard, moss backyard, tea ceremony backyard and a conventional picket tea home.
It’s positively so much smaller than the paid Isuein Backyard, however it’s nonetheless extremely stunning. We visited it in autumn and the foliage was stunning! Yoshikien Backyard is open till 5 pm (final entree at 4:30 pm), so it’s value dropping by earlier than heading again to the prepare station.
When you solely have time to go to one of many two gardens, I might most likely stick to the free Yoshikien Gardens.
8. Take the Practice Again to Osaka/Kyoto
Most vacationer sights shut fairly early in Nara, often round 4-5 pm. That’s why it’s so necessary to get right here as early as attainable should you solely have sooner or later to discover Nara. In case you have some further time left, it may be value taking a stroll round Higashimuki Buying Avenue and Mochiidone Buying Arcade for some last-minute purchasing.
How one can Get to Nara From Osaka/Kyoto
Nara is situated near each Kyoto and Osaka, so you’ll be able to simply take a day journey from both metropolis. Utilizing public transport, you may get to Nara in underneath an hour.
Nara Day Journey from Kyoto by Practice
Travelling from Kyoto to Nara may be finished on the JR Nara Line or the Kintetsu Line. The most suitable choice for you’ll depend upon what journey passes you’ve got and the way shortly you wish to get there. Keep in mind you could at all times use Google Maps to see what choices there are for you on the day you journey.
When utilizing the JR Nara Line, you’ll be able to both use the JR Nara Line Native or the JR Nara Line Miyakoji Fast. Each companies are lined with the JR Cross and can get you to JR Nara Station. This additionally consists of a number of the regional JR Passes, just like the JR Kansai Large Cross.
The native prepare takes round 70 minutes because it stops in any respect stations, whereas the Miyakoji Fast solely takes 45 minutes. They’re each the identical worth (¥720), so be sure you use the Miyakoji Fast service because it’s a lot sooner.
The Kintestsu line has two choices: the Categorical (¥760) which takes 45 minutes and the Restricted Categorical (¥1,280) which solely takes 35 minutes. This service will take you to Kintetsu-Nara Station, which is a little more centrally situated in comparison with JR Nara Station. As it is a personal line, it’s not lined by the JR Cross.
When you’re travelling to different areas close by, it’s value testing the Kintestu Rail Cross or the Kansai Railway Cross. These passes can be found for a number of days and canopy a large space. If you’re planning extra day journeys in Kansai (Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, and so on), it may prevent some cash.
Nara Day Journey from Osaka by Practice
Visiting Nara for a day journey from Osaka can also be attainable. Two prepare strains join Osaka with Nara: The JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line. The most suitable choice for you’ll depend upon what journey passes you’ve got and the way shortly you wish to get there. Keep in mind you could at all times use Google Maps to see what choices there are for you on the day you journey.
You should utilize the JR Cross to journey to Nara if you use the JR Yamatoji Line. From Osaka Station, it takes 45 minutes and can value ¥820. It’s also possible to get on this prepare from Osaka Tennoji Station. From there, you’ll get to Nara in half-hour for ¥510. This line will take you to JR Nara Station.
The Kintetsu Nara Line has two choices: the Categorical (¥680) takes round 35-40 minutes and the Restricted Categorical (¥1,300) takes round half-hour. It would take you to Kintetsu-Nara Station, which sits in the midst of Nara, near the deer park.
This line isn’t lined by the JR Cross, however you need to use the Kintetsu Rail Cross or the Kansai Railway Cross right here. When you’re travelling to different locations inside Kansai, it may very well be value checking whether or not certainly one of these passes will prevent cash.
Because the worth improve of the JR Cross in October 2023, it might not be value getting the nationwide move anymore. Be sure to double-check your itinerary earlier than buying it. It might be higher to purchase particular person tickets, regional JR Passes or different regional passes just like the Kintetsu Cross and Kansai Railway Cross.
Is One Day Sufficient in Nara?
Visiting the primary sights round Nara deer park may be finished inside a day, particularly since Nara is straightforward to get to from Kyoto or Osaka. Following this itinerary will take roughly 6–7 hours.
Nonetheless, Nara is extra than simply its deer park and surrounding areas! The prefecture has a lot to supply, and the areas exterior of the deer park are so much much less busy.
Particularly since Nara deer park is getting a bit crowded as a result of over-tourism, it may be a fantastic thought to keep in Nara in a single day to enterprise additional into the prefecture. Beneath are a few of my favorite spots in Nara Prefecture you could add to your Nara itinerary when staying for longer than sooner or later:
Different Areas in Nara Prefecture Value Exploring
Listed here are a few of my favorite different areas in Nara Prefecture so as to add to your itinerary:
- Horyu-ji Temple (half-hour from Nara Station) – One of many oldest temples in Japan, relationship again to 607. The central gate, essential corridor and pagoda are the oldest surviving picket buildings on the planet. When visiting, I used to be blown away by how stunning it was. The pagoda is by far one of the crucial stunning buildings I’ve ever seen. The temple grounds had been additionally tremendous quiet, which shocked me! Between the prepare station and the temple, you may also discover all 5 Pokemon manhole covers in Nara Prefecture.
- Omiwa Shrine (half-hour from Nara Station) – Whereas the precise date the shrine was constructed isn’t recognized, Omiwa Shrine is taken into account to be one of many oldest shrines in Japan. It’s a ravishing shrine situated in the midst of a dense forest. The realm between the closest station and the shrine has a number of retailers and eating places.
- Asuka (one hour from Nara Station) – South of Nara lays the official first capital of Japan, Asuka. Numerous historic tombs scattered throughout the realm, together with the well-known Takamatsuzuka tomb. You may rent a motorcycle subsequent to the prepare station and cycle by way of the historic city and rice fields. It’s makes for an ideal (half-)day within the countryside
- Mount Yoshino (one hour from Nara Station) – When you’re visiting Nara throughout cherry blossom season, Mount Yoshino is among the finest locations to go. The mountain has over 30,000 cherry timber. It’s additionally a ravishing spot to go to in Autumn when the leaves change color.
- Imaicho City (one hour from Nara Station) – This well-preserved service provider city from the Edo interval is a part of Kashihara metropolis, not removed from Asuka. The district has tons of previous homes and retailers and seems like stepping right into a samurai film. It’s simply mixed with different areas close by.
- Hasedera Temple (1.5 hours from Nara Station) – Hasedera dates again to 686 and is usually thought to be one of the crucial stunning temples within the Prefecture. It goes by the nickname “temple of flowers” because it typically shows vibrant flowers. You may get some unimaginable views from the temple, particularly throughout spring and autumn. There are many impartial retailers you’ll be able to take a look at main as much as the temple too, together with a mochi store that’s approach much less busy than the one in Nara metropolis!
- Tsubosakadera Temple (1.5 hours from Nara Station) – This temple is a novel one, as a result of its mixture of Japanese and Indian types. It dates again to 717 and you will discover a number of Indian-style Buddha statues right here. It’s primarily recognized for the massive Buddha in the midst of the temple, which is particularly stunning throughout autumn with the purple leaves surrounding it.
The place to Keep When Visiting Nara
When you’re visiting Nara on a day journey from Kyoto or Osaka, it’s finest to remain at your resort in that metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and from Nara from there, plus you then gained’t have to pull your suitcases on the prepare. We’ve obtained full guides on the place to remain in Kyoto and Osaka, the place we’ve damaged down our favorite areas and accommodations.
Nonetheless, staying in a single day in Nara is a superb thought. Not solely will you’ve got an opportunity to see the primary sights earlier than the day trippers arrive (often round 9–10 AM), however you’ll be able to then additionally go to another sights in Nara Prefecture that at present (surpringly) entice fewer crowds.
- Price range – HARUYA Naramachi: After having stayed right here for one evening myself, I can actually suggest it. Situated within the extra conventional Naramachi neighbourhood, this 100-year-old Japanese ryokan makes for a fantastic spot to remain the evening. There are Japanese-styled rooms you’ll be able to lease out or go for the personal backyard rooms.
- Mid-range – Iroha Grand Resort Kintetsu Nara Ekimae: Situated just about subsequent to Kintetsu-Nara Station, this 4* resort has a big collection of trendy resort rooms. They provide nice worth for the worth, positively one value testing.
- Luxurious – Noborioji Resort Nara: We obtained to remain in Noborioji Resort for one evening and it was out of this world. The rooms, the service, the meals – the whole lot was top-notch. When you’re on the lookout for a luxurious keep in Nara, don’t look additional than this one.
You would additionally contemplate staying a bit additional out of Nara Metropolis, particularly should you’re planning so as to add any of the opposite spots in Nara Prefecture to your itinerary.
For instance, we additionally stayed in Candeo Nara in Kashihara Metropolis, which is round half an hour South by public transport. Staying right here offers you quick access to different areas in Nara, relying in your itinerary.
Conclusion – Is Nara Value Visiting?
Nara is 100% value visiting. Being the primary everlasting capital metropolis of Japan, Nara is stuffed with historical past, stunning temples, Japanese gardens and extra. In fact, the deer are an enormous cause many individuals go to, however that is only a small a part of what Nara has to go to.
I’ve included Nara in my two-week Japan itinerary for first-time guests due to its historic significance and quick access from close by cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Doing a day journey to Nara offers you sufficient time to loop round the primary sights within the metropolis, too.
I do assume that it’s value seeing extra than simply the deer park. Nara Prefecture has a lot to supply, and it’s a disgrace that so many individuals solely come to see the deer and Todai-ji temple.
In case your itinerary permits it, I might extremely suggest staying in a single day and including a pair extra sights in Nara Prefecture. You then additionally get the possibility to see the deer in Nara within the morning earlier than the larger crowds arrive. The Prefecture really deserves a bit of additional time to be explored. I for one can’t wait to return and see extra!