Visiting Nara: what are the best things to do and see? Discover our selection of the top 10 things to do in this fascinating Japanese city!
Planning a trip to Japan’s Kansai region? If so, you won’t want to miss Nara, a Japanese city of some 365,000 inhabitants, located less than an hour’s journey from the two major cities of Kyoto and Osaka. With its dozens of temples, shrines and museums, the city boasts an exceptional historical and cultural heritage. But Nara also owes its charm to the thousands of free-roaming deer that roam its park and city center. In short, the city that was Japan’s first fixed imperial capital (from 710 to 784) is a veritable condensation of Japanese history, nature and culture.
Another major advantage is that you can explore the city mainly on foot. The ideal way to alternate between museums, temples and parks, without missing a beat, and enjoy the dreamlike atmosphere of Nara… In short, the capital of the eponymous prefecture, considered to be the cradle of Japanese civilization, has no shortage of must-sees, and this list of 10 things to do in Nara is the proof!
1. Naramachi
Travel back to the Edo period (1603 – 1868) in the picturesque Naramachi district! As you plunge through the narrow streets of Nara’s ancient commercial district, you’ll come across machiya (ancient Japanese wooden houses), some of which are open to the public, such as the renovated machiya Koshi-no-Ie.
Today, Naramachi is home to nearly a hundred stores (traditional and souvenir), restaurants, cafés and even museums, including the Naramachi mechanical toy museum and the Naramachi museum. Don’t hesitate to stop by the Gango-ji temple, located in the heart of the Naramachi district. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gango-ji is one of the country’s earliest temples, and is said to have been moved to Nara in 718.
Last but not least, don’t miss the Imanishike Shoin residence, next to which is an old sake store.
2. Nara Park or Nara Kôen
It’s inconceivable to visit Nara without visiting this elegant and immense 600-hectare park founded in 1880. Not only to discover the hidden treasures (Tôdai-ji and Kasuga-taisha temples, Shinto shrines, the Nara National Museum, ponds, a traditional teahouse…) but also to meet some of the 1,200 sika deer that live here! Once considered messengers of the gods, and therefore sacred animals, these sika deer are now designated national treasures.
3. Buddhist temples
The Nara period was characterized by a strong Chinese influence, not only in terms of architecture, politics and art, but also in terms of religion. Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China as early as the 5th century, but developed considerably during the Nara period (8th century).
Wondering what to do in Nara? Let us guide you through some of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.
Tôdai-Ji temple (the great temple of the east)
This important mid-8th-century temple owes its fame in particular to Daibutsu-den, the world’s largest wooden structure, which houses an impressive bronze statue of a seated Buddha. Rebuilt several times since its foundation, Tôdai-ji is no less majestic for that!
Kôfuku-ji Temple
Located on the outskirts of the park and close to Kintetsu station, you won’t want to miss this superb Unesco World Heritage temple. You’ll appreciate its many pavilions, its 5-storey pagoda reflected in the Sarusawa-ike pond on sunny days, and its museum of national treasures (Kokuhôkan), housing statues, paintings and books.
4. Kasuga Taisha Shrine
After discovering the city’s Buddhist temples, you can continue your visit to Nara by entering another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine. Just follow the stone lanterns in the middle of the forest to find your way to this shrine with its many hanging lanterns.
5. Nara National Museum
There’s nothing like including a visit to a museum in your program of things to do in Nara to understand its history and admire the local crafts. And if you had to choose just one, it would be the Nara National Museum, with its extensive facilities and explanations in English. The museum boasts a fine permanent collection of Buddhist statues, theatrical masks, art objects and thousands of written documents. It also hosts temporary exhibitions.
Please note: closed on Mondays.
6. Nishinokyo and surrounding area
Now we’re heading west, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center and east. Toshodai-ji and Yakushi-ji are two Buddhist temples (8th century) located not far from Nishinokyo, a district much less frequented by tourists than the area around Nara Park. Both occupy an important place in the history of Buddhism in Japan, and their statutes and buildings are among the country’s national treasures.
Saidai-ji (Great Western Temple), a little further north, became famous for its Ochamori ritual, during which visitors are invited to share a cup of tea in a huge bowl.
7. Heijo, the former imperial palace
A little off to the north-west of the city is the former Heijo Imperial Palace, which still bears the original name of Nara when it was the country’s capital (710-784). History buffs will enjoy observing the remains of this monument to a bygone era.
8. Sleep in a ryokan
Soak up Japanese culture and spend the night in one of the deer city’s many ryokans. After a busy day of sightseeing in Nara, nothing beats a hot bath (often shared) and a delicious meal in a traditional Japanese inn with a Zen atmosphere.
Book your night in a ryokan in Nara
9. Isui-en garden
Less famous and frequented than the deer park, the charming Japanese garden of Isui-en promises magnificent views of Mount Wakakusa as you stroll through. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Todai-ji temple.
10. Mount Wakakusa
Mount Wakakusa, 342 meters above sea level, overlooks Nara’s 1200 Sika Deer Park. Climb it for a breathtaking view of the city of Nara.
Bonus: during the Yamayaki festival, held every year on the last Saturday in January, the hill is set ablaze before being illuminated by fireworks. Spectacle guaranteed!
How to get to Nara
Osaka Kansai International, near the city ofOsaka, is the closest international airport to Nara. Direct Paris – Osaka flights are available from France at generally higher prices, or with stopover(s) from most major French cities. The average flight time between Paris and Osaka is 11h40.
Want to visit Nara from France? Compare flights on the website of our partner Ulysse to find the best flight now! Once there, all you need to do is take a train (1h15) or bus (1h30) directly from the airport to reach the city of Nara. Alternatively, you can rent a car on arrival at the airport to enjoy your stay on your own.
Already in Japan? Nara can be reached by train from Kyoto Central Station (35-45 minutes) or Osaka Umeda Station (approx. 50 minutes).
Good to know: to organize all your travel arrangements in Japan, the Hyperdia website is your best ally. It contains all the timetables, fares and routes between each city, with or without JR Pass.
Where to stay in Nara?
Ryokans, hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb… There’s plenty of accommodation in Nara to suit all tastes and budgets. In fact, if you opt for a hotel, don’t forget to check out the offers on this hotel comparator, which lists the best prices. You’re free to choose between the picturesque old quarter of Naramachi, the city center and its amenities, the calm of Nishinokyo or the big cities of Kyoto and Osaka. For more information, please consult our article « Where to stay in Nara « .
If you book in advance, you can be sure of getting the best value for money.
Hotel and accommodation map – Japan