Nara, Japan, is a place of peculiar occurrences. And it is a place of ancient beauty and sorrowful history. If you’re not bored yet, read on for a complete Nara travel guide.
In the year 710, Japan settled on it’s first permanent capital in Heijo, now known as Nara. Before that, a new capital was selected for each new emperor, which sounds exhausting and inefficient. However, as time passed, the Buddhist monasteries of Nara grew increasingly influential and the government didn’t appreciate this apparent threat to their power. To escape this predicament, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784, and then to Kyoto soon thereafter.
Nara’s streets, once bustling with the imperial court, now echo with the gentle footsteps of tourists. Although no longer the capital city, Nara remains a treasure trove of history and culture including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples.
But the real draw are the charming wild deer who roam freely, as if they were the true masters of the land. In Nara, the deer bow to visitors as a sign of welcome. But these creatures, while seemingly harmless, have a knack for causing mischief. They are known to steal food from unsuspecting tourists, and their gentle demeanor can be deceiving, as they have also been known to nip at ankles, chew on clothing, and even knock over unsuspecting pedestrians.
Read on to learn about Nara (map) – how to visit, what to take with you, what to expect, where to stay, where to eat, and what else to do in the area.
This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the links at no additional cost to you.
Nara Travel Guide
- How to Visit
- What to Take With You
- What to Expect
- What Else to Do around Nara
- Where to Stay in Nara
- Where to Eat in Nara
How to Visit
I highly recommend visiting Nara as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto. It’s easy to get there by train and should take about 45-60 minutes depending on exactly where you’re starting from and which train you choose. I’m not going to spell out exactly what train to take because the best choice will depend on where you’re staying and whether you have a JR pass you want to make use of. Use Google Maps to check transit directions to find the best route for you. However, I will note that you’ll have the option of arriving at the JR Nara Station or the Kintetsu-Nara Station and both are within walking distance of the main sites in Nara, but the Kintetsu-Nara Station is slightly more convenient.
The main attractions in Nara open as early as 6 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m., so you can plan for a fairly long day, especially given that you can visit the deer before and after other things are open.
Here are some tours you can book if you’d rather have a guide and just let someone else handle the logistics.
What to Take With You
- Your IC card.
- Cash to buy crackers (￥200/ bundle).
- Cash and card to enter sites and buy food.
- Water.
- Sunscreen and anything else you need to be comfortable and safe in the sun. Or an umbrella if it’s raining.
- Good walking shoes.
- Your phone or camera.
What to Expect
Depending on which train line you take, you will arrive at the Kintetsu-Nara Station or the JR Nara Station, both within walking distance of the main sites in Nara.
From Kintetsu-Nara Station, wander down Higashimuki Shopping Street, a covered shopping arcade, to Sanjo dori Street. From JR Nara Station, you’ll make your way straight to Sanjo dori Street, the main avenue running east-west across the center of Nara. You may want to stop at Nakatanidou, a sweets shop known for its traditional mochi and entertaining mochi making demonstrations, although it doesn’t open until 10 a.m.
Kofuku-ji
Your first real destination is the intriguing Kofuku-ji. This sprawling temple complex is a testament to the power and grandeur of the ancient Japanese court. Kofuku-ji opens at 9 a.m. so if you arrive earlier, you can explore the grounds or come back to visit later in the day. You will likely have your first Nara deer sightings here if you haven’t had one already. These deer, it is whispered, are not merely animals but ancient spirits and sacred messengers to the gods.
Kofuku-ji Gojunoto (Five-Story Pagoda), a towering structure of wood and faith, rises majestically above the surrounding landscape. But beneath the serene facade, a darker secret lurks. It is said that the pagoda’s construction was cursed, and that the spirits of those who perished during its building still haunt the temple grounds.
Look also for Kōfuku-ji Chukondo (Central Golden Hall) and Nanen-do (Southern Round Hall), which is home to an ornate sculpture of an 8-handed deity.
Nara Park
Continue towards the vast Nara Park, a place of eerie tranquility. In this park, or anywhere in Nara, really, one might encounter a deer that insists on stealing your lunch.
In an effort to avoid that eventuality, there are clear rules for how to interact with the deer. Firstly, do not approach female deer and fawns during birthing season from May to July, as the mothers can be quite protective. And do not approach male deer from September to November during mating season as they tend to become aggressive.
Secondly, you will find various vendors around Nara Park selling packs of shika senbei crackers for￥200. These are specially formulated for the deer so you should avoid feeding them anything else. This means putting maps, brochures, plastic bags, and people food into a closed bag so the deer can’t help themselves.
I could not convince any of the deer to bow, but the suggested method is to hold a cracker above the deer’s head to get it to bow, then hold it behind your back for a second bow, and then above their head again for a third bow, at which point you should probably feed them the cracker.
The deer are known to become quite aggressive when their treats are threatened so if you find yourself being mobbed by deer, pass your crackers to a friend, show your empty hands, and then move calmly but real quickly away. Or, more realistically, just throw all your crackers at the deer and make your exit.
Todai-ji
When you’re somewhat satisfied with your deer experiences, continue on to explore Todai-ji Temple Complex, keeping in mind that you will continue to see plenty more mischievous deer.
To get to Tadai-Ji, you’ll pass through Nandaimon Gate (Great South Gate), Japan’s largest temple entrance gate.
Continue on through Todai-ji Chumon (Central Gate) to Daibutsuden (Hall of the Great Buddha), which is the largest wooden building in the world.
Inside you’ll find a massive bronze Buddha statue as well as several other large statues. Some say that the Buddha is not merely a statue but a living entity, trapped within the temple’s walls, yearning for release.
Elsewhere on the temple grounds, you’ll also find Todai-ji Shoro (Bell Tower), one of the three famous bells of Japan, Nigatsudo Hall, with its sweeping views of Nara from the balcony, and a several other buildings.
Kasuga-taisha
One cannot visit Nara without experiencing the exceedingly long walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
This sprawling complex is home to thousands of stone lanterns, which illuminate the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the surrounding forest.
It is said that these lanterns are haunted by the spirits of those who have been wronged, and that visitors should be wary of the strange noises and shadows that can be seen in the darkness.
Naramachi Historic District
Wander narrow, winding streets of Naramachi Historic District that lead to charming wooden houses and teahouses, each with its own unique story.
If you need a coffee while you walk, stop into Sarutahiko Coffee Nara. The air here is filled with the gentle clinking of teacups and the soft murmur of conversation. This quaint neighborhood is a time capsule, preserving the traditional architecture and culture of Nara’s golden age.
What Else to Do around Nara
A visit to Nara will likely take up the better part of a day. Here are a few more things you might want to explore in the area.
Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail
Yamanobe-no-Michi is a historic trail in Nara Prefecture, renowned as the oldest road mentioned in Japanese records. It offers a serene and picturesque journey through the countryside, connecting numerous shrines, temples, and other significant historical sites. You may find yourself engaged in delightful conversations with friendly locals while enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine at the many cafes and restaurants located along the trail.
Where to Stay in Nara
I recommend visiting Nara as a day trip from Osaka (ideally) or Kyoto. Here are some places to stay in Osaka, and places to stay in Kyoto.
Where to Eat in Nara
- The Pizzeria Luna Nuova chef’s love for pizza stems from its ability to provide a complete meal in a single dish. With a focus on authentic Neapolitan cuisine, he utilizes a wood-fired oven and Italian wheat to create a light and aromatic crust. A standout on his menu is the D.O.C. Pizza, featuring a classic combination of buffalo mozzarella, dried cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Situated near Nara JR Station, his restaurant has garnered recognition from the Michelin Guide.
- The creative skewers at Kushizukushi showcase rare ingredients like Japanese glass shrimp, ayu with roe, and winter oysters. Experience the true essence of Nara with pickled vegetables in sake lees and goma-dofu. Conclude your meal with a comforting bowl of nyumen or dashi chazuke, featuring rice grown locally by the chef’s brother. Each dish is meticulously crafted with unique textures and flavors, creating an unforgettable Michelin dining experience.
- Enjoy a variety of set meals at Izasa-Nakatani-Hompo Yumekaze-Hiroba, including steamed kakinoha-zushi, chirashi-sushi, somen noodles, tempura, and side dishes, at the cozy cafe on the second floor.
- Hiraso is a sushi restaurant that offers a unique lunch menu featuring somen noodles, kakinoha-zushi (mackerel and salmon wrapped in persimmon leaves), and chagayu (tea porridge). I opted for the Yamato chicken somen, a set meal featuring hot miwa somen noodles, crispy fried chicken, sesame tofu, and delectable kakinoha sushi.
Don’t miss out on this! This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Nara.
I hope you enjoyed this Nara travel guide but if you find yourself drawn to Nara, be warned: the city is a place of both wonder and danger. The deer may seem friendly, but their intentions are as mysterious as the shadows that creep through the ancient temples.
If you’re looking for more, here is everything I’ve written about Japan including the best tips for planning your trip.
Leave a Reply