Things To Do
in Nara
Nara, Japan is a historic city known for its well-preserved temples, traditional gardens, and ancient ruins. The city is famous for its population of friendly wild deer that roam freely in Nara Park, a popular tourist attraction. Nara was once the capital of Japan in the 8th century and is home to some of the country's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, including Todai-ji and Horyu-ji.
Visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage of Nara through its impressive architecture, museums, and annual festivals.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting Nara Park, where you can see free-roaming deer. Enjoy a peaceful stroll among the beautiful greenery and take photos with the friendly animals.
Visit Todai-ji Temple to admire the Great Buddha statue, one of Japan's most impressive sights. Explore the surrounding area, which is rich in history and architectural beauty.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing meal at a local izakaya, savoring traditional Japanese dishes. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you reflect on your day in Nara.
Begin your day at the Nara National Museum, where you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spend time appreciating the beautiful art exhibitions and artifacts on display.
Explore the historic Higashiyama district, visiting small shops and cafes along the way. Don't miss the historic Kofuku-ji Temple, renowned for its five-story pagoda.
Take a leisurely walk in the picturesque streets of Naramachi, the old merchant district. Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant that offers local specialties.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Home to famous attractions such as Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
- Beautiful nature with seasonal changes and scenic landscapes.
- Relatively small and walkable city, making it easy to explore.
- Deer park where visitors can interact with free-roaming deer.
- Can be crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities like Kyoto or Osaka.
- Some attractions may have entrance fees that can add up.
- Public transportation options are fewer than in bigger cities.
- Limited shopping and dining options, which might not appeal to all visitors.
Best Activities in Nara
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit Nara Park to see the famous deer that roam freely, visit Todaiji Temple, and Kasuga Shrine.
Enjoy a scenic hike in Mount Yoshino, especially during the cherry blossom season.
Explore the historic and picturesque Asuka Village by cycling around its ancient tombs, shrines, and temples.
Stroll through the charming streets of Naramachi, known for its traditional merchant houses and small museums.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nara with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nara
Visit one of these nice places.
Home to hundreds of freely roaming deer and picturesque spots such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a giant Buddha statue and beautiful gardens, providing stunning photo opportunities.
Known for its lantern-lined paths and serene atmosphere, offering great views and photo spots among the sacred surroundings.
Food in Nara
Nara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Try the Kakinoha-zushi, a type of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, which gives it a unique flavor. It can be found at local sushi restaurants like Miwa and Akishino.
Must-Try!
Indulge in Nara's delicious Mochi, a glutinous rice cake available in various flavors such as matcha, red bean, or soy sauce. Look for shops like Nakatanidou for freshly pounded Mochi.
Savor Kaki no Ha Zenzai, a sweet red bean soup served with rice cakes wrapped in persimmon leaves. It's a popular dessert in Nara and can be tried at traditional teahouses like Haritts.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nara better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Nara-machi area for a vibrant food market showcasing local street food delicacies such as yakitori (grilled skewered chicken), takoyaki (octopus balls), and mitarashi dango (rice dumplings in sweet soy sauce).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to bow as a sign of respect when greeting someone in Nara, Japan. The depth of the bow may vary depending on the context and the person's status.
When entering someone's home, traditional ryokan, or certain other establishments, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. Slippers may be provided for indoor use.
Speaking softly and being mindful of one's volume in public spaces is considered polite in Nara, as it demonstrates respect for others' personal space and tranquility.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Nara with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Nara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Nara, Japan. In fact, tipping may even be considered rude in some situations as it can be seen as implying that the service provider's salary is insufficient. It is generally expected that the price quoted is the final amount to be paid.
In Nara, Japan, cash is still widely used for transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly accepted, particularly in larger stores and restaurants. It's always advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller purchases and when visiting more traditional or rural areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Nara.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Nara to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The weather is pleasant and many outdoor events and festivals are held during this season.
Expect hot and humid weather, but this is the time for various traditional festivals and events such as the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival.
Nara is beautiful during autumn with colorful foliage. This is also a great time to visit the deer park and enjoy the cool weather.
The winter season is cold but the city is less crowded. It's a good time to visit Nara's historical sites and enjoy winter illuminations.
Nara at Night
Hiking in Nara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for its cherry blossoms, Mount Yoshino offers various hiking trails with stunning views, particularly in spring.
Located on the border of Nara and Osaka, Mount Ikoma features several trails and a cable car, with panoramic views from the summit.
While primarily known for its deer and temples, Nara Park also has hiking trails that provide a peaceful experience within a historical setting.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient forest is home to a variety of hiking paths and rich biodiversity, perfect for nature lovers.
Located near Nara Park, this low mountain offers a relatively easy hike with beautiful views of Nara city and its temples.
Known for the Tsubosaka Temple, this mountain features hiking trails that allow for a peaceful retreat amidst nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Nara through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Nara by plane.
Located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Nara, Kansai International Airport is a major international gateway serving the Kansai region of Japan, especially the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Also known as Osaka International Airport, Itami Airport is located around 40 kilometers northwest of Nara and primarily handles domestic flights, along with some international services.
Situated about 50 kilometers to the west of Nara, Kobe Airport serves both domestic and limited international flights and is located on an artificial island in Kobe.
Located approximately 160 kilometers northeast of Nara, Chubu Centrair International Airport serves the Nagoya area and offers numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group, making up the majority of the population in Nara.
Includes various expatriates and international families residing in Nara, contributing to the multicultural landscape.
A significant portion of the population, reflecting Japan's aging demographic trends.
Includes local students as well as those attending universities and colleges in Nara.
Visitors from both domestic and international locations who visit historical and cultural sites in Nara.
The Soul of Nara
Discover the essence of Nara through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional sport in Nara, often associated with the historic practice of Kyudo, which is the Japanese martial art of archery.
A modern martial art that has gained popularity in Nara, with many clubs and schools available for training.
The Japanese art of fencing, Kendo is practiced widely in Nara, emphasizing discipline, respect, and physical fitness.
Football has a strong following in Nara, with local teams and youth leagues promoting the sport throughout the region.
One of Japan's most popular sports, baseball is played by many schools and clubs in Nara, with local teams participating in regional competitions.
Though more nationally recognized, Sumo has historical significance in Nara, as it is an integral part of Japanese culture and tradition.
With scenic trails and parks, running events and marathons are commonly held in Nara, encouraging outdoor fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, several restaurants in Nara offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and vegetable sushi rolls.
Individuals with gluten restrictions can opt for rice-based dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. Many restaurants are accommodating and willing to customize meals for gluten-free requirements.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Nara with these cultural adventures.