A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Nara: Enjoy the City of Deer and History!

An ancient city where Japan’s history and nature harmoniously coexist, Nara is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and offers opportunities to interact with the Japanese deer in Nara Park and enjoy the stunning seasonal landscapes.

This article provides a detailed introduction to Nara’s major tourist attractions, activities, and access information. Whether you are visiting Nara for the first time or are a returning traveler, it is packed with tips to help you make the most of your trip. Discover the charm of Nara and plan a memorable journey!

Nara Prefecture boasts a history spanning over 1,300 years as an ancient capital of Japan, home to numerous buildings and statues designated as Important Cultural Properties. It is also a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists due to its richness in nature.

Let’s take a look at the unique charms of Nara!

Nara flourished as the center of ancient Japan when Heijo-kyo was established in 710 AD. This 74-year period, until the capital moved to Kyoto, is known as the “Nara Period.”

Source：Nara City Tourism Association

Heijo Palace, the political and ceremonial heart of Heijo-kyo, also served as the imperial residence. The city was meticulously planned, with Suzaku Avenue running southward from the palace, flanked by noble residences and beautifully organized neighborhoods.

The city’s layout was inspired by the Tang Dynasty’s capital, Chang’an, facilitating extensive international exchange. One of the significant cultural imports during this era was Buddhism. The spread of Buddhism led to the construction of major temples like Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, giving rise to the flourishing Tenpyo culture. Consequently, Nara became the cultural hub of Japan.

Today, numerous temples and cultural assets remain, serving as a testament to Nara’s rich history and earning recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Nara Park is one of Nara’s most iconic tourist destinations, and exemplifies the harmony of ancient temples and shrines coexisting with lush natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the historic ambiance while interacting with the free-roaming deer. The park is especially breathtaking during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, attracting visitors from around the globe.

There are also seasonal festivals and events in Nara which offer a unique blend of nature and culture. For example, the Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha Shrine showcases local traditions.

Nara also provides opportunities for visitors to connect deeply with its culture through interactions with local residents and traditional craft experiences. Spots that combine serene Japanese gardens, historic temples, and playful encounters with deer highlight Nara’s distinct integration of nature and culture.

Let’s take a look at four of the spots in Nara that you shouldn’t miss. Each one offers a deep dive into the region’s history and culture, along with opportunities to appreciate its stunning natural scenery. Use these recommendations to plan your trip to Nara.

One of the major temples founded during the Nara Period, Todai-ji was established in 743 AD, becoming a central hub of Japanese Buddhist culture.

Source： Todai-ji Official Website

Located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, Todai-ji is a vast temple complex featuring the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), which is among the largest wooden structures in the world. Its central attraction is the 15 meter tall statue of Buddha Vairocana, and is affectionately known as the “Great Buddha of Nara.” The temple also houses numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Events such as the Shunie ceremony at Nigatsu-do Hall draw visitors from around the world each year.

As of November 29, 2024, admission fees for Todai-ji are 800 yen for adults (junior high school age and older) and 400 yen for elementary school students. Separate fees are required for access to the Great Buddha Hall, Hokke-do Hall, Kaidan-in, and the Todai-ji Museum. Operating hours vary by location and season, so checking in advance is recommended.

Source：Nara City Tourism Association

Nara Park spans a vast 660 hectares and is home to several cultural landmarks, including Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a seamless blend of nature and historical heritage.

The park is famous for its population of wild deer, which freely roam the grounds and interact with visitors. One of the most important things to note, however, is that it’s essential to follow the guidelines for interacting with the deer, such as only feeding them designated deer crackers. Remember, these deer are wild animals, so care is needed to avoid injuries or accidents.

Open year-round and free of charge, Nara Park is accessible by taking the Nara Kotsu Bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station to the Kasuga Taisha Honden stop, followed by a 5-minute walk. Hiking trails around Mount Wakakusa and Kasugayama offer additional opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

Founded in 768 AD, Kasuga Taisha is a prominent Shinto shrine dating back to the Nara Period. From the medieval period onward, its influence spread, resulting in over 3,000 branch shrines across Japan.

Source：Nara City Tourism Association

The shrine’s grounds include numerous Important Cultural Properties and host traditional events such as the Kasuga Festival. Daily morning and evening rituals are held to pray for peace and the well-being of people.

Kasuga Taisha is surrounded by the pristine Kasugayama Primeval Forest and offers a serene connection to nature. While general entry to the shrine grounds is free, a special visit to the main sanctuary costs 700 yen. Additional fees apply for the Treasure Hall and the Manyo Botanical Garden, so it’s best to check in advance.

Source：Nara City Tourism Association

Recognized as the world’s oldest wooden architecture complex, Horyu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grounds are expansive and feature historical buildings and treasures from a range of periods, many of which are designated as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties.

Horyu-ji is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM between February 22 and November 3, and from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM between November 4 and February 21. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Admission fees are 2,000 yen for high school students and older, 1,700 yen for junior high school students, and 1,000 yen for elementary school students.

The area around Horyu-ji offers various dining options featuring traditional Japanese cuisine and cozy cafés where visitors can enjoy art and nature.

Source：Horyu-ji Official Website

Nara offers unique activities which highlight the essence of the area and should be considered when planning a visit there. Below, we introduce three recommended activities in Nara. Choose spots that suit your preferences and the season for a memorable experience.

Nara is home to numerous natural attractions, such as Nara Park and Kasugayama Primeval Forest. One of Nara’s charms is its stunning seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves in fall.

Nature lovers can enjoy leisurely walks or hiking in Nara. The region offers a variety of hiking trails which can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced hikers alike. Popular trails include those around Kasugayama and Mount Yamato Katsuragi. The path between Kasugayama and Takamadoyama, known as Taki-saka Road, features Edo-period stone pavements, allowing visitors to experience both history and natural beauty.

Why not take advantage of Nara’s landscapes as an excellent opportunity to relax and rejuvenate during your sightseeing?

Nara boasts a diverse array of local delicacies. Among the most famous are kakinoha sushi, Asuka nabe, and narazuke. Kakinoha sushi is a dish of salted mackerel sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, originally devised in pre-refrigeration times to preserve fish. Nara’s culinary culture is deeply rooted in tradition, offering visitors a taste of its rich history.

Recommended dining spots for local cuisine include “Kitsune” in Nara City, “Tawaramoto Maruto Soy Sauce” in Tawaramoto Town, and “Shunkai Chaya Fukuda” in Gojo City. These establishments showcase local ingredients and traditional Japanese culinary artistry in a serene, authentic setting. For those with a sweet tooth, cafés like “Wa Café & Bar Comfy” or “Yamatoji Yushinka Yoshimine-an Sakurai Main Store” offer traditional Japanese sweets in charming, peaceful environments.

In Nara, visitors can participate in various traditional craft workshops, including pottery, dyeing, and washi paper making. These workshops allow participants to create tangible memories of their trip while engaging with local artisans. The experience also provides deeper insight into Nara’s cultural heritage.

Accessible to all ages and genders, these craft workshops are ideal for both families and groups of friends. Popular activities include creating “Akahada-yaki” pottery, crafting original sumi ink called “Nigiri-sumi,” and making traditional Japanese brushes. These unique crafts make excellent souvenirs and allow you to bring home a piece of Japanese artistry.

The Nara Craft Museum also offers free exhibits on traditional crafts nurtured in Nara, providing an educational complement to the hands-on experiences.

If you are visiting Nara for the first time, familiarizing yourself with the transportation methods in advance will help you to make the most of your trip.. Below, we outline how to reach Nara from major cities and the available transportation options within Nara City.

Here are the main ways to travel to Nara from major cities:

From Osaka:

By JR Train: Take the JR train from JR Shin-Osaka Station to JR Osaka Station, then transfer to a train bound for JR Nara Station. Total travel time is approximately 55 minutes.

By Kintetsu Railways: From Kintetsu Namba Station, you can reach Kintetsu Nara Station in about 40 minutes.

From Kyoto:

By JR Train: A direct train from JR Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station takes approximately 45 minutes.

By Kintetsu Railways: A direct train from Kintetsu Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station takes around 40 minutes.

From Tokyo:

By Shinkansen: Take the Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to JR Kyoto Station, then transfer to a train to Nara. The total travel time is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

By Night Bus: Overnight buses are available from Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) or Keisei Ueno Station to Nara.

Nara City offers a comprehensive bus network operated by Nara Kotsu, making it easy to access major tourist attractions. For traveling between destinations located farther apart, using the Kintetsu or JR rail lines is recommended.

Rental bicycles and bike-sharing services are also convenient options for shorter trips or simply exploring the area. Many rental bike stations and Nara Bike Share ports are located around Kintetsu Nara Station. To use bike-sharing services, it’s best to download the required smartphone app in advance.

Nara is also a walkable city and is ideal for exploring on foot. However, for more efficient travel, especially if you have small children or elderly companions, taxis are a practical and comfortable option.

The atmosphere and experiences offered by accommodations vary depending on the hotel or inn you choose. Here, we introduce three types of accommodations in Nara: “Luxury Hotels,” “Traditional Inns,” and “Backpacker-Friendly Guesthouses.” Use this as a guide when selecting your lodging.

The “JW Marriott Hotel Nara” in Nara City is a high-end hotel known for its modern amenities and refined services. With well-equipped spa and fitness facilities, it offers guests a relaxing environment. The rooms are elegantly designed, and the lounge is adorned with locally inspired crafts and furnishings, providing a serene and comforting stay.

Conveniently located, JW Marriott Hotel Nara offers easy access to major tourist attractions, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

The hotel’s Japanese and international restaurants also use locally sourced ingredients. The on-site garden grows fresh vegetables and herbs, which are incorporated into meals and beverages, ensuring a farm-to-table dining experience.

Staying at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Nara’s historic charm. Ryokans allow one the opportunity to experience tatami mat rooms and traditional Japanese hospitality while feeling connected to the city’s ancient culture. Their warm wooden interiors and tranquil ambiance provide a truly relaxing retreat.

Many ryokans also feature hot spring baths and kaiseki (multi-course) meals prepared with local ingredients. Some even offer unique experiences tailored to their location. For example:

“Fufu Nara” offers private open-air hot spring baths in every room for a luxurious stay.

“Tsukihi-tei” in Kasuga Primeval Forest features individual detached rooms with views of the forest and wild deer from your window.

“Naramachiya Wakasa Bettei” serves a traditional Nara breakfast of “cha-gayu” (tea porridge) for an authentic local taste.

Guesthouses for backpackers are affordable and offer excellent cost performance. If you are one who enjoys socializing with and meeting other visitors, these accommodations can be ideal with their shared communal spaces.

Many guesthouses are conveniently located near major attractions, making them ideal for sightseeing. They also offer a variety of accommodation styles, including dormitories and private rooms, catering to solo travelers or small groups.

Some guesthouses provide discounts for longer stays, making them a budget-friendly option for those looking to save on travel expenses. Check these options if you want an economical and vibrant stay in Nara.

Many travelers choose to explore Nara on a day trip. Narrowing down your destinations in advance may allow you to make the most of your trip. Here are two recommended spots for a day trip to Nara.

Asuka Village is one of the top destinations for a day trip in Nara. Known for its abundance of kofun (ancient burial mounds) and archaeological sites, it’s a favorite among history enthusiasts. Kofun are large tombs constructed in Japan between the 3rd and 7th centuries, characterized by their distinctive mound shapes.

Here are three must-see kofun in Asuka Village:

Kitora Tumulus (Kengoshizuka Tomb):

The burial site of Empress Saimei, Japan’s only monarch to ascend the throne twice, along with her daughter and granddaughter. This kofun is also called the “Morning Glory Mound” because its shape resembles a blooming morning glory when viewed from above.

Ishibutai Tumulus:

It is the largest stone chambered kofun in Japan and is believed to be the resting place of Soga no Umako. However, its exact occupant remains unconfirmed.

Takatsuzuka Tumulus:

Built between the late 7th and early 8th centuries, this two-tiered round burial mound is famous for its mural paintings, designated as a National Treasure.

Among Asuka Village’s many burial mounds, Ishibutai and Takatsuzuka stand out as significant in Japanese history. The area offers well-maintained walking and cycling paths, allowing visitors to enjoy the sites at their own pace.

Mount Yoshino is an ideal destination for experiencing the beauty of nature throughout the seasons, particularly renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. The entire mountain is equipped with hiking trails suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced hikers. You can also choose a more leisurely visit, and enjoy the scenic views via ropeways or shuttle buses.

In addition to its natural beauty, Mount Yoshino is home to numerous temples and shrines, which provides a unique blend of seasonal landscapes and historical cultural experiences. Yoshimizu Shrine is especially popular for offering both a cultural encounter and stunning views of cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn leaves.

While spring, with its spectacular cherry blossoms, is the most recommended time to visit Mount Yoshino, each season has its own charm: autumn for the vivid fall foliage, early summer for hydrangeas, and winter for hot spring relaxation.

Nara Prefecture is a tourist destination surrounded by historical architecture and abundant nature. By visiting cultural heritage sites such as the Great Buddha at Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Horyu-ji Temple, you can gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s history and culture. There are also a variety of activities to enjoy with family and friends, such as interacting with Japanese deer in Nara Park or experiencing nature at Mount Yoshino.

In addition to its many sightseeing options, Nara offers opportunities to deepen your appreciation of the local culture through its regional cuisine and traditional craft workshops. We hope this article will act as a guide to plan your trip to Nara and discover its many charms!

*This article is based on information available as of December 2024.