What To Do InNara
Ancient capitals, sacred deer, and World Heritage temples—Nara is where Japan’s classical culture took shape amid serene parks and forested hills.
What does Nara Look Like?
Nara spreads out from gentle hills and broad lawns where deer roam, with monumental temple halls rising from leafy grounds.
Spring blossoms and autumn colors frame its wooden architecture, while summer greens and crisp winter air offer quieter, reflective visits.
Major Attractions to Visit
Todai-ji Temple
TemplesGreat Buddha (Daibutsu) in a monumental wooden hall
Nara’s star attraction, Todai-ji houses the colossal bronze Great Buddha inside the Great Buddha Hall. Founded in the 8th century, the temple symbolizes Nara’s role as Japan’s first permanent capital. Don’t miss the fun tradition of crawling through the pillar’s ‘Buddha’s Nostril’ for good luck.
Nara Park
Nature & CultureExpansive park with friendly, free-roaming deer
Over a thousand deer wander among lawns, ponds, and temple grounds. Buy official deer crackers (shika senbei) and the deer may bow before you feed them. The park links major sights like Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, and Kofuku-ji—perfect for a slow, scenic loop.
Kasuga Taisha
ShrinesVermilion shrine with 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns
A sacred forest leads to Kasuga Taisha’s striking halls and lantern-lined paths. Visit during the seasonal lantern nights when thousands of lamps glow, or stroll its quiet daytime cloisters and mossy stone lantern avenues.
Kofuku-ji
HistoryHistoric temple with an iconic five-story pagoda
Once the Fujiwara clan’s family temple, Kofuku-ji anchors Nara’s skyline. Explore the elegant pagoda, central halls, and the treasure museum with exquisite Buddhist sculpture spanning centuries.
Mount Wakakusa
NatureLow hill with sweeping views over Nara
A short hike up grass-covered slopes rewards you with panoramic city and temple views. In winter, the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival sets the hillside alight—an unforgettable night spectacle.
Explore Nara's Unique Districts
From merchant-town Naramachi to temple-filled Nishinokyo, each area shows a distinct face of Nara.
Naramachi
Preserved merchant quarter of machiya townhouses
Wander narrow lanes lined with wooden facades, galleries, and cozy cafes. Step into open-house machiya to see traditional interiors and small courtyard gardens.
Nishinokyo
Tranquil temple area west of central Nara
Home to Yakushi-ji and Toshodai-ji, this quieter district showcases classical Buddhist architecture, graceful pagodas, and spacious temple grounds ideal for reflection.
Ikoma
Mountain district with temples and viewpoints
Ride the cable car into the hills to visit Hozan-ji and enjoy cool breezes, wooded paths, and broad views across Nara and Osaka.
Nara Station Area
Modern core around JR & Kintetsu stations
Find shopping arcades, restaurants, and hotels. It’s your hub for buses and trains, and an easy jump-off point for exploring the park and temples.
Nara's Ancient Temples and Shrines
As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara preserves some of the oldest and most revered religious sites in the country.
Todai-ji
UNESCO temple with the Great Buddha
The Great Buddha Hall is among the largest wooden halls, housing a 15-meter bronze Buddha. The vast precincts include sub-temples, gates, and museum exhibits.
Yakushi-ji
Temple to the Medicine Buddha
Known for its East and West Pagodas and refined symmetry, Yakushi-ji displays masterful sculpture and painting in serene, open courtyards.
Toshodai-ji
Founded by the Chinese monk Ganjin
Tang-style halls and calm wooded grounds preserve the spirit of early Buddhism in Japan—simple lines, warm timber, and contemplative spaces.
Horyu-ji
World’s oldest surviving wooden temple buildings
Prince Shotoku’s temple complex features a five-story pagoda and golden hall dating back over 1,300 years—an unparalleled architectural legacy.
How to Get Around Nara
Compact, flat, and temple-dense—Nara is effortless by foot, bike, or bus. Here’s how to make it smooth.
IC Cards
Use Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca for seamless taps on JR, Kintetsu, and local buses.
Buses in Nara
Local buses link Nara Station with Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji.
Cycling Around
Rent near the stations—flat routes make temple-hopping fast and scenic.
Walking the City
Nara Park sights cluster together; plan a loop to cover multiple highlights on foot.
Night Transport
Trains finish around midnight; use taxis if you linger in Naramachi.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps and Navitime show live bus times and platforms.
Getting to Nara
From Kyoto, Kintetsu Limited Express ~35–45 min; JR Rapid ~45–60 min.
Taxis
Reliable at stations and park entrances—show addresses on your phone for ease.