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Travel Guide of Nara in Japan by Influencers and Travelers


Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019, Nara has an estimated population of 359,666, making it the largest city in Nara Prefecture and sixth-largest in the Kansai region of Honshu.


The Best Things to Do and Visit in Nara


TRAVELERS TOP 10 :



1 - Tōdai-ji

Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan. Though it was originally founded in the year 738 CE, Todai-ji was not opened until the year 752 CE. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu. The temple also serves as the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism.

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Tōdai-ji things to do in Nara Tōdai-ji things to do in Nara



2 - Kōfuku-ji

Kōfuku-ji is a Buddhist temple that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples in the city of Nara, Japan. The temple is the national headquarters of the Hossō school.

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Kōfuku-ji things to do in Nara Kōfuku-ji things to do in Nara



3 - Mountain Bike Tours in Nara

Join the highlights Tour at Nara Cycle Tours and meet other travelers, or do it in private and your guide can make this day special for your own group.

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Mountain Bike Tours in Nara things to do in Nara



4 - Nara Park

Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880 it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture.

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Nara Park things to do in Nara Nara Park things to do in Nara



5 - Isui-en

Isui-en is a Japanese garden located in Nara, the old capital of Japan near Kyōto. It has been preserved since its creation in the Meiji era, and is the only walking garden in Nara.

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Isui-en things to do in Nara



6 - Coffee & Tea Tours in Uji

   22 km away

Join our Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour and discover more about Uji Town, the heart and soul of Japanese Green Tea Culture. Matcha tea is definitely an integral part of Japanese tea culture. If you love Green tea and would like to learn more about Matcha, be sure to join our 3-hour tour to the town of Uji in Kyoto, the home of Matcha. A trip to Uji will give you many chances to experience and taste Matcha and other types of green tea in a variety of beverages and foods. The green tea and matcha (powdered green tea) produced here in Uji are famous for their quality not only in Japan but all over the world. Also, while visiting Uji you can see the gorgeous and famous Byodoin temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During our Uji tour we will sit down for a fantastic set lunch, and we will have a chance to experience making and drinking tea. If you find teas that you like, you will have time to choose, purchase and take home some delicious memories of your tour.

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Coffee & Tea Tours in Uji things to do in Nara



7 - Tōshōdai-ji

Tōshōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Risshū sect in the city of Nara, in Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Classic Golden Hall, also known as the kondō, has a single story, hipped tiled roof with a seven bay wide facade.

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Tōshōdai-ji things to do in Nara



8 - Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa, also known as Mount Mikasa, is a 342-metre-high hill located to the east of Nara Park in the city of Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The mountain's name literally means "young grass".

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Mount Wakakusa things to do in Nara



9 - Shore Excursions in Nara

Explore Nara with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full-day walking tour of Nara and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city. Nara's proximity to Kyoto and Osaka, and its rich collection of traditional sites, make it an ideal destination for a day trip from either of its larger neighbors. Your private guide can help you efficiently enjoy a full-day walking tour of this ancient Japanese city. You can start your day at your hotel in Osaka, Kyoto. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize Nara day tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

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Shore Excursions in Nara things to do in Nara



10 - Ikoma

   10 km away

Ikoma is a city in the northwestern end of Nara Prefecture, Japan. It was founded on November 1, 1971. As of April 1, 2017, the city had an estimated population of 120,741, with 49,672 households.

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Ikoma things to do in Nara



11 - Nara Prefecture

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Nara Prefecture things to do in Nara Nara Prefecture things to do in Nara



12 - Culinary Tour in Uji

   22 km away

Are you a green tea lover or food lover? Then join us on this Matcha Town Walking Tour! On this tour, you will be exploring Uji, a beautiful historic district that is often affectionately known as a tea haven for tea lovers and connoisseurs. we stroll around Uji, you will be introduced to many interesting and fun facts about the origins of tea, the art of tea ceremony, and the wonders of Uji. pure, rich matcha powder that is sure to tantalize your taste buds! We will also visit tea houses, and tea fields, and will even pay a visit to some of Japan's oldest shrines, which Uji is home to. wonders of the shrines. For lunch, we will be stopping by a famous tea house, to enjoy “tea dishes”. After lunch, we will get to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at a traditional tea house.

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Culinary Tour in Uji things to do in Nara



13 - Nandaimon Gate of Tōdaiji

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Nandaimon Gate of Tōdaiji things to do in Nara



14 - Osaka Castle Park

   25 km away

Osaka Castle Park is a public urban park and historical site situated at Osaka-Jō in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. It lies on the south of the Ōkawa and occupies a large area in the center of the city of Osaka. This park is the second largest park in the city.

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Osaka Castle Park things to do in Nara Osaka Castle Park things to do in Nara



15 - Osaka Castle

   25 km away

Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan. The castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks and it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.

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Osaka Castle things to do in Nara Osaka Castle things to do in Nara



16 - Kamo River

   28 km away

The Kamo River is located in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The riverbanks are popular walking spots for residents and tourists. In summer, restaurants open balconies looking out to the river.

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Kamo River things to do in Nara



17 - Osaka

   28 km away

Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and the largest component of the Keihanshin Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and among the largest in the world with more than 20 million inhabitants.

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Osaka things to do in Nara Osaka things to do in Nara



18 - Shodai Ebisu

   28 km away
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Shodai Ebisu things to do in Nara



19 - Fushimi Inari Taisha

   32 km away
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Fushimi Inari Taisha things to do in Nara Fushimi Inari Taisha things to do in Nara



20 - Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Senbontorii

   32 km away
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Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Senbontorii things to do in Nara



21 - Yasaka Shrine

   35 km away

Yasaka Shrine, once called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in the Gion District of Kyoto, Japan. Situated at the east end of Shijō-dōri, the shrine includes several buildings, including gates, a main hall and a stage.

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Yasaka Shrine things to do in Nara



22 - Kyoto

   36 km away

Kyoto, officially Kyoto City, is the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto forms a part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area along with Osaka and Kobe.

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Kyoto things to do in Nara Kyoto things to do in Nara



23 - Tōka Saikan

   36 km away
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Tōka Saikan things to do in Nara




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Pictures and Stories of Nara from Influencers

20 pictures of Nara from Nathan Boadle, Riccardo Chiarini, Ash Edmonds and other travelers


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Why should you visit Nara ?


Travel to Nara if you like:

  🐾 Wildlife     🌲 Nature reserve     🏰 Temple     🌲 Forest     🗼 Landmark  


How to visit Nara ?

To get to Nara, you can take a train from either Osaka or Kyoto, which are both nearby major cities. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes from Osaka and about 35 minutes from Kyoto. You can use the Japan Rail Pass if you have one, or purchase a single journey ticket.

It's essential to book your Nara Park Deer Experience in advance. This allows you to have an up-close and personal encounter with the deer, feeding them and learning about their history in the city. You can also book guided tours of the city, including visits to the Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Costs in Nara can vary depending on your preferences. Entrance fees to major attractions range from 500 yen to 1,500 yen. A meal at a local restaurant can cost between 1,000 and 2,500 yen, while accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels.

Some of the best things to do in Nara include visiting the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, exploring the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and strolling through Nara Park. Also, don't miss the Nara National Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of Buddhist art.

For dining options, consider stopping by Edogawa Naramachi, a traditional Japanese restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, including sushi and tempura. Another option is Kura Nara, which serves delicious soba noodles in a cozy atmosphere. Lastly, try some local sweets at Nakatanidou, famous for its mochi.

When it comes to accommodations, consider staying at the Nara Hotel, a historic hotel that offers a blend of traditional Japanese and Western-style rooms. For a more budget-friendly option, check out Nara Guesthouse Kamunabi, which provides comfortable dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. Alternatively, Hotel Nikko Nara, located near the train station, offers convenience and comfortable rooms.

Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience, visit the abandoned Nara Dreamland, an amusement park that closed in 2006. Although it's not officially open to the public, urban explorers and photographers often visit to capture the eerie atmosphere of the deserted park. Note that entering the park might be considered trespassing, so proceed at your own risk. Another hidden gem is the Isuien Garden, a serene and beautiful Japanese garden with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful escape from the bustling city.




Learn More about Nara

To find out more about Nara



The Kansai region of Japan is located on the main island of Honshu, also called Kinki. It is the second most populated area of the Japanese archipelago with more than 22 million inhabitants. The city of Nara is a must-see city in the region. With its 365,000 inhabitants and less than an hour away from Kyoto and Osaka, it is a small and dynamic city with a rich history and culture.

A city offering a real immersion in Japanese culture



You will find dozens of temples and shrines to visit, 8 of which are classified as Unesco World Heritage sites. The city has preserved the vestiges of its past where the Japanese culture and values were founded. This city is rich in history because it was the first imperial capital of Japan (from 710 to 784). Considered to be the cradle of Japanese civilization, Nara is a condensation of history, traditional culture, and nature

In the city but surrounded by nature



The city of Nara is also known for being a breathable and quiet place. It is a real place of cohabitation between humans and nature. Indeed the city has a large park of more than 502 hectares where about 1200 sika deer live in freedom.
Moreover, for those who like walking, one of the assets of the city is that you can visit it entirely on foot

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Nara

Where to stay in Nara ?

Sleep in a Ryokan. Soak up the Japanese culture and spend the night in one of the many ryokans in the city. You can enjoy a good traditional hot bath (often collective) and eat a good meal in a traditional Japanese inn with a Zen atmosphere.

Mount Wakakusa, with its 342 meters of altitude, overhangs the park of sika deer in the city. Once at the top, you will have a breathtaking view of Nara and its surroundings
Moreover, if you come there on the last Saturday of January for the Yamayaki festival, you will be able to see a wonderful fireworks display from the hill. 

To visit the city of deer, you will have to land at Osaka airport and then take about 30 minutes by car or bus to Nara. The city is also accessible by train from Kyoto city.













   Where to Stay in Nara


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Discover more travel spots to explore around Nara

  🐾 Wildlife spots     🏰 Temple spots     🌲 Forest spots     🏘️ Town spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🗼 Landmark spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🏰 Pagoda spots     🏰 Ruins spots     🏰 Historic site spots  



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