The former capital of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nara is a treasure trove of ancient history and Japanese culture, perhaps most famous for its sacred deer (who seem to bow).
Many of Nara’s temples and sacred sites date back to the 8th century when it was the capital, and there are many things to in Nara, from woodland walks to museums, mochi-making and more.
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Take a traditional rickshaw ride, hire a kimono or just feed Nara’s deer with shika senbei (deer crackers) – aneasy day trip from Osaka and Kyoto, Nara is a must visit destination in Japan.
From Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple to spring cherry blossom and lakeside gardens, here is our ultimate guide to Nara in Japan with photos.
This article was originally published on 20 February 2024.
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Train stations in Nara
There are two train stations in Nara you can arrive at (located a 12 minute walk apart):
- JR Nara Station (JR Nara line, JR Kansai Lines and some non-JR local lines)
- Kintetsu Nara Station (Kintetsu Railway line so the JR pass is not valid)
Kintetsu Nara station is located closer to the Nara deer park.
How to get to Nara from Osaka
By Japan Railways (JR)
You can reach JR Nara Station from JR Osaka Station by taking a direct JR Yamatoji Line rapid train. The entire journey takes just over 50 minutes and costs 950 Yen. The train also stops at Tennoji Station.
By Kintetsu Railway
You can also take a direct Kintetsu Railway train from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station (JR Pass is not valid).
A Rapid Express train takes 39 minutes and costs 760 Yen, while a Limited Express train takes 33 minutes but costs double the price at 1,280 Yen (as of late 2025).
How to get to Nara from Kyoto
By Japan Railways (JR)
You can reach JR Nara Station from JR Kyoto Station by taking a direct JR Nara line rapid train. The entire journey takes just 45 minutes and costs 720 Yen.
By Kintetsu Railway
You can also take a direct Kintetsu Railway train from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station on the Kintetsu-Kyoto Line (JR Pass is not valid).
An Express train takes 45 minutes and costs 760 Yen, while a Limited Express train takes 35 minutes but costs more at 1,280 Yen.
Japan souvenir stamp collectors take note – there are deer stamps at JR Nara Station and the nearby tourist information office.
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Getting around Nara
Whilst Nara’s main temples are generally walkable from both the stations, there are several ways to get around.
To see the main Nara landmarks, take bus number 1 (City Loop Line Anticlockwise) or Nara City Loop Line bus no 2 (clockwise).
Alternatively, you can see Nara by traditional rickshaw or by a Nara bicycle tour.
Recommended Nara hotels and accommodation
Budget ($)
Iroha Grand Hotel Kintetsu Nara Ekimae
Highly rated budget accommodation located in the heart of Nara (a 2 minute walk to Kintetsu-Nara Station). Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, trip.com and agoda.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Miroku Nara by The Share Hotels
Elegant hotel with minimalist rooms. Facilities include a bar, cafe and terrace. Check rates and availability for on booking.com, expedia.com, trip.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
SETRE Naramachi セトレ ならまち
Fancy hotel with beautifully designed rooms in a central location. Facilities include a rooftop terrace with pagoda views, plus cultural experiences. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, trip.com and agoda.com
Check out the best hotels in Nara via booking.com or agoda.com.
Why are the Nara deer so famous?
The deer of Nara are sacred creatures, with over 1,200 roaming around Nara Park at any one time.
According to legend, when Kasuga Taisha jinja (shrine) was founded in the 8th century, they invited a god to do the blessing and they are said to have arrived on a big white deer.
Ever since, the deer have been respected and looked after by locals (and tourists), seen as divine messengers by local residents.
Try this – Top 5 Nara tours with Get Your Guide or Klook
Things to do in Nara, Japan
1. Nara Park and feeding the deer
Yes, it is pretty obvious but perhaps the most common thing to do in Nara is explore temples and feed the deer.
Nara Park is home to over 1,000 deers who roam around grazing and looking for treats from tourists – they are pretty tame but can sometimes be protective of their baby deers (Bambi!)
Remember to feed the deer only Shika Senbei (deer crackers), which many enterprising locals sell in and around the park (the deer just know to congregate around the stores).
The deer in Nara like to eat bamboo leaves, grass and flower buds and they sometimes even bow when asking for food.
The deer crackers consist of bran and flour but they occasionally rip the full packets of crackers away from people (including the paper).
You might like – 15+ things to do in Uji, Kyoto including the new Nintendo Museum
2. Todaiji Temple
A World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is the most impressive in Nara and said to be the largest wooden structure in the world.
Today’s temple (the Great Buddha Hall) was actually rebuilt in 1708 at two thirds of the size of the original (so it used to be even bigger)!
The original temple site dates back to 752AD but many buildings have been destroyed by fire and war over the years and subsequently rebuilt.
Once one of the Great Seven Temples of Japan, Todaiji houses the famous Great Buddha Hall, home to the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu.
As you might expect, this is one of the busiest places to visit in Nara, and the Todai-ji museum houses lots of Buddhist artifacts.
To visit both the The Great Buddha Hall and Todai-ji Museum you can buy a joint pass for 1,200 Yen (correct as of autumn 2025) – audio guides are also available to hire.
You might like – Our guide to Kyoto’s best cherry blossom viewing spots + photos >
3. Nandaimon Gate and Isuien Garden
Nara’s Grand South Gate, this giant 25 meter high wooden structure dates back to the 12th century and is the main gate of Nara, just in front of Todaiji Temple and the nearby Kagami-ike Lake.
As you’re stepping through Nandaimon Gate, look at the huge Tōdai-ji Two Kings, the guardians of the temple – each statue is over 8 meters high!
In spring, it is one of Nara’s best cherry blossom spots and many deers congregate around the gate.
Next door, visit Isuien Garden, a charming green space with stepping stones, tea house and seasonal blooms. It also offers one of the best views of Nandaimon Gate and Wakakusayama Hill in the distance.
4. Himuro Shrine
One of the smaller shrines in Nara, blink and you might miss it – however, it is one of the n-’ice’-est things to do in Nara; literally because Himuro means ‘House of Ice’ and this temple offers ice blessings (and we aren’t talking about your matcha vanilla scoops).
Today as you enter, you’ll likely see blocks of ice thawing by the entrance as you walk in plus several freezers (ah, so that is how they do it).
Built in 710 and relocated to Nara in the 13th century, there is a small red Torii gate out the front plus you can buy random fortunes and religious charms inside.
5. Todaiji Kagami-ike Pond
A pleasant spot for a stroll in Nara, Todaiji Kagami-ike Pond is right next to the main entrance to Todaiji Temple, which casts huge reflections over the rippling water.
There are a few cherry blossom trees here in the spring (great for ‘hanami’)- it would almost make the perfect picnic place if it wasn’t for all the deer poop on the ground around the lake – so maybe sit on a bench instead!
You might like – Our guides to Japanese convenience stores (konbinis) including 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart and the famous egg sandwiches
6. Yume Kaze Plaza in Nara
Whilst most of Nara is quite historic and like taking a step back in time, on the walk from JR Nara Station, you’ll find a few shops and malls.
The biggest outdoor mall in Nara is Yume Kaza Plaza, a popular spot for day trippers and coach visitors as this is where many of the buses park up for the day.
Here you’ll find bars and restaurants (many of which sell matcha green tea) and it has a handy free public toilet.
7. Souvenir shopping in Nara
The best places to go souvenir shopping in Nara is along Sanjodori, Higashimuki and Mochiidono Streets.
Given the popularity of the Nara deer, there are so many themed souvenirs like cartoon character Kawaii style deer – and yes, they are inexpensive and not very deer…sorry…dear.
Other popular gifts include Nara mochi (more on this in a moment), religious amulets, Shoso-in patterned handkerchiefs, fans and kimono dresses.
Kids might also like all the gachapon toy stores and arcades along Sanjodori street.
8. Yoshikien Garden and Isuien Garden
On our latest trip to Nara, we finally made it to Yoshiken Gardens 吉城園 and we were lucky enough to visit during Autumn, so it was awash with red Japanese maple leaves and fall foliage.
The garden used to be part of a nearby temple and has three areas to explore – a pond, a moss garden and a tea tasting garden and lots of camelias.
We found it very Zen and quiet calm compared to other parts of Nara – it is also free entrance for travellers.
Next door, you can also visit the much larger Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum (1,200 Yen entrance fee), centered around a huge pond.
Check out this Yoshikien and Isuien Gardens tour with tea tasting >
9. Nara manhole covers
We are big fans of Japanese manhole covers so much so that we’ve written this guide to the most colorful ones including Pokemon manholes and sumo sewer covers >
Whilst walking around the area, keep an eye on the floor for Nara manhole covers depicting deer and cherry blossom amongst other designs.
We also spotted several nara manholes along the old shopping street Mochiidono Center Gai – more on this in a moment.
You can also spot these Pokemon manhole covers in Nara >
You might like – Our guide to dining at Kirby Cafe and how to secure tickets >
10. Nara National Museum
Built as the second national museum of Japan in 1895, Nara National Museum is home to the Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall and lots of incredible Buddhist illustrations – the museum also enforces a no photography policy.
If you only have limited time, there are better national museums but this is great as a weather activity in Nara (or if you get bored of looking at deer and temples)!
General admission to the museum is 700 Yen (600 Yen after 5pm) plus there is an additional charge for temporary exhibitions – admission price correct as of October 2025.
Try this – Nara, Todaiji Temple & Kuroshio Market one day tour from Osaka or Nara afternoon tour from Kyoto
11. Kohfukuji Temple
Over 1300 years old, the Kohfukuji temple is one Japan’s oldest Buddhist sites and is famous for its five storey pagoda, which looks out over Nara. The wooden pagoda was rebuilt in 1426 after it had burned down previously five times (oops).
Its main buildings are Central Golden Hall, National Treasure Hall, three and five storied pagodas plus many treasures and exhibits can be found in its Kokuhokan Museum.
As of late 2025, it costs 900 Yen to visit the Kohfukuji Temple and all its halls.
12. Mizuya Chaya
A cute and charming Nara restaurant, Mizuya Chaya is surrounded by forest and water and kind of feels like a picnic in the park.
This is a great place to try cold (zaru) soba noodle sets with a tempura prawn (or three) followed by strawberry shaved ice.
Eat inside or on the small terrace overlooking the forest and river – given the incredible location, the Mizuya Chaya prices are pretty reasonable.
Expect to pay around 900 Yen for a bowl of prawn tempura udon, wild plants udon for 850 Yen or just noodles and broth for 550 Yen.
13. Nakatanidou Mochi Men
Now this is one ‘sweet’ shop in Nara – Nakatanidou is famous for its mochi making demonstrations when two members of staff beat out and stretch mochi to a huge audience outside the store.
Expect to queue during peak periods but it usually goes fast – alas there are usually no fixed times for the free Nara Mochi Show but it is several times a day (and looks hard work but great fun).
Their most marvelous mochi is yomogi mochi, which get their distinctive green color from Japanese mugwort plants and also has red bean paste. Mugwort mochi starts from 180 Yen per piece and becomes cheaper the more you buy.
14. Okumura Commemorative Museum
Something a little bit unusual, weird and wonderful, this is kind of an earthquake museum in Nara.
It was actually built recently to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Okumura Corporation but it’s quirky as you can take part in an earthquake simulation plus has a nice viewing balcony out front and free toilets.
We didn’t spend more than 5 minutes in here but it was interesting to learn a bit about how buildings are made earthquake proof and have a for free on the quake simulator – tea and coffee are complimentary too.
15. Take a Nara rickshaw ride
The best way to see Nara has to be with a traditional rickshaw ride – let your licensed guide take the strain and carry you along the traffic free paths past docile deer (seriously, the rickshaw driver’s legs are so muscly).
Rickshaw rides typically last anything from 30 to 120 minutes and are also a great way to access old buildings and temples where cars are not allowed.
Check out this Nara Rickshaw experience with Get Your Guide >
16. Todai-ji Nigatsudo
For the best views of Nara from up high, head to the Todai-ji Nigatsudo hillside hall (February Hall) just behind the famous Todaiji temple – please note it is quite a steep hill so it may not be for all.
The hall here is used by monks to learn about Buddhist principles and you’ll often hear chanting (although we suspect it might be a tape).
It is surprisingly quiet at this temple, which given the views, is really surprising – we guess because it is a little far out, most bus tours and guided tours don’t come here. So make sure you do!
17. Gangoji
Another World Heritage Site and one of the former Seven Great Temples of Japan, Gangoji temple was originally founded in the 6th century and is said to be the very first Buddhist temple in Japan.
Amazingly, they still use some of the original 6th century tiles (over 1,500 years old) in the roofs of the Gokurakubo and Zenshitsu halls here.
Over the years, much of the temple has been rebuilt due to fires and wars – you can also see a miniature of a huge five storey pagoda that used to be here.
18. Daifuku from Daibutsu Ichigo
Daibutsu Ichigo is a dessert stall that sells delicious and cute strawberry mochi (ichigo daifuku) with a cute deer shaped cookie, plus other treats like ice cream and ichigo kushi skewers.
Other mochi flavours include chocolate, matcha, cream cheese and custard and prices start from 250 yen a piece.
Here is the Google Maps link >
19. Wakamiya jinja / Okunoin Michi pathway
One of Nara’s hidden gems, Wakamiya Jinja is one of the quietest temples we encountered in Nara. Half of the adventure is following the Okunoin Michi path to get here – it was just us and the deer.
The temple originated in the 12th century and was rebuilt in the 1860s – whilst small, it is so serene and has a red framework with many statues and deity figures in the gardens.
20. Ara-ike Pond and Ukimido
A quick mention of Ara-ike pond, close to Nara Visitor Center and a nice place to bring some takeaway food, if you find the Nara restaurants too busy (which is sometimes the case).
The pond has been around for 100s of years and used to act as a reservoir for Nara’s rice fields.
Next door, Ukimido is another small reservoir with a gazebo in the middle.
21. Mochiidono Center Gai
Most people will do their souvenir shopping on the main high street but we would recommend a trip into the side streets to browse all the old school shops inside Mochiidono Center Gai, a traditional shopping mall.
We found one of the best gachapon shops ever here plus it is a treasure trove of vintage shops like a cute cat neko shop and plastic food (read our guide to sanpuru – Japan’s famous fake food).
There are around 50 stalls, shops and boutiques to browse here and it wasn’t too crowded.
This is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Nara and Mochiidono name derives from the local Nara mochi rice cakes, which were said to have been offered to locals over a thousand years ago as a reward for slaying a giant serpent.
22. Higashimuki Shopping Street and Sanjodori Street
Two of the main shopping districts in Nara at Sanjodori Street (full of souvenir shops, konbinis and food kiosks) plus the covered shopping street Higashimuki.
If it is raining in Nara, Higashimuki Shopping Street is covered and has lots of chain restaurants like Kamukura ramen and McDonalds or Japanese chain shops like Daiso.
23. Nara tours
Hopefully we’ve given you enough ideas on how to explore Nara on foot by yourself, but if you’d rather a local guide to a group tour, there are lots of Nara tour options including:
Nara: half-day UNESCO heritage and local culture walking tour >
Nara half day trip walking tour including Todaiji temple and Kasuga Taisha >
Nara: Japanese Calligraphy Workshop at the art gallery >
24. Nara Starbucks
OK, we know this isn’t everyone’s cup of coffee, BUT if you are an avid collector of Starbucks Japan mugs, don’t forget to visit one of three Nara Starbucks coffee shops to pick up a Nara design mug.
There is one at JR Nara station too if you want a souvenir at the end of your Nara day-trip.
Part of the Starbucks Japan ‘Been There’ series, the Nara Starbucks mugs feature the local deer – and yes, if you hate Starbucks, there are lots of independent coffee shops too in Nara.
25. Other Nara Museums
Other Nara Museums to look out for include the Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum for a nostalgic look back at Japanese toys plus the Nara Crafts Museum, which is easy to spot because of the cute statue outside depicting a girl with a Nara deer.
The Craft Museum in Nara is free to visit and showcases all the traditional crafts and artisan activities in the area.
Our final thing to do in Nara
26. Matsunoya Restaurant
If you’ve struggled to get a seat at one of the local restaurants in Nara, our own personal recommendation for some cheap eats across from JR Nara Station is Matsunoya.
One of the best (and cheapest) chain restaurants in Japan, Matsunoya is famous for its tonkatsu – the beer is very cheap too!
With tonkatsu set meals starting from just 590 Yen (around £3 / $4 USD), Japan’s Matsunoya is a great place to sit down and tuck into tasty tonkatsu and cheap combos.
Matsunoya Nara Ekimae is open from 9am to 11pm so you can eat cheap tonkatsu all day long!
Our favorite Japanese tonkatsu chain, check out our guide to dining in Matsunoya here >
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