NARA & NEARBY TOURS
5 Best Nara Day Trips
While locations like Tokyo and Osaka may be better known, you should definitely add Nara to your list of places to visit while in Japan. Within an hours’ journey from Kyoto, this beautiful city is perfect for one-day trips and short visits.
Famous for its deer, food and culture, the old capital of Japan has wonders for adults and children alike. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends or family, you’ll find something for everyone during a one-day or half-day trip to Nara. While Nara is small enough to be explored on foot, you can also hire bikes or guides to get around if you want to fit the most activities possible into your visit.
How to Get to Nara?
Located almost exactly between Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is the perfect location for a day trip from both cities. The best way to get to Nara is by using the high-speed Japanese trains that travel to and from each place regularly.
If you want to visit Nara from Kyoto, you can use either the JR (Japanese Rail) line or the Kintesu Line. The JR line will take between 40-70 minutes to get to Nara depending on the service you use, though you can opt for the rapid line to save around half an hour on your journey. The Kintesu line is private, and will take around 35 minutes to get you to Nara.
If you’re travelling from Osaka, you have the choice between the JR Yamatoji line and the Kintesu Nara line. From Osaka Central station, the JR Yamatoji line will take around 50 minutes to arrive in downtown Nara, and the Kintesu-Nara line will get you to Kintesu-Nara station in just under 40 minutes. For those short on time, we recommend the Kintesu-Nara line, as the trains are more frequent and allow you to fit more into your day-trip to Nara!
Once you’ve arrived, it can be difficult to choose just where to start your adventure. Here are some of the best things to see and do on your Nara day trip.
1 – Visit Kofuku-ji Temple
Just a short walk from Nara Station, Kofuku-ji Temple is a must-see when visiting Nara. Constructed in 669 as a prayer for the recovery of Fujiwara no Kamatari from illness, this iconic Nara temple was originally located in Kyoto, before moving to Nara in 710.
Six of the original buildings remain, and you can stroll through the surrounding gardens to step back in time to the Edo period and beyond. The original Golden Central Hall was destroyed almost three centuries ago by fire, but has since been reconstructed to its previous size and dimensions. Opening to the public in 2018, this magnificent tribute to the temple will leave you wide-eyed and in awe of Japanese design.
To continue your temple-exploration, visit the nearby Gangoji Temple. Once considered one of the Great Seven Temples of Japan, this Buddhist temple was relocated to Nara in 718, and only parts of the original architecture remain.
2 – Take A Turn In The Nara National Museum
If it’s raining, or you’re tired of temples and shrines, pay a visit to the Nara National Museum. Just a short walk from Gangoji Temple, this incredible museum of Japanese Buddhist art reaches all the way back to the 17th century, with artwork from all over the country. Whether you love Japanese art, or simply come to appreciate the culture, this museum houses thousands of archaeological artifacts related to Buddhism and Buddhist art from around the country.
Check the website to see which exhibitions are on during your visit, or simply show up for an unplanned appreciation of art history told through the eyes of this ancient religion.
3 – Explore Nara Deer Park and Mt. Wakakusa
One of the main reasons people venture to Nara is the large deer population! By now, you’ve most likely experienced some friendly specimens wandering through the outskirts of the city, but the best place to get up close and personal is in Nara Deer Park.
Within the Nara Deer Park, around 1200 sika deer are believed to live and thrive. While they are wild, the deer are very used to human visitors, and will likely come close enough for you to grab a photo or two. Deer crackers are sold around the park, and give you the perfect opportunity to feed the adorable creatures. It may be tempting to offer them fruit or other snacks from your pack, but this can make them quite unwell, so stick to the approved items when feeding by hand!
Around the park, many stalls sell small stuffed deer, crackers and other souvenirs for a perfect memory to take home. The park takes around 1-2 hours to explore, but chances are you’ll want to stay longer so plan accordingly.
4 – Visit Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
One thing you’ll learn about Nara quickly is that this city is filled to the brim with temples and shrines. If you only have a one-day trip to Nara, make sure to visit Kasuga-Taisha Shrine. One of Nara’s most famous shrines, this eighth-century temple is well-known for the 3000 stone lanterns leading up to the entrance.
While the structure is magnificent, you won’t actually be looking at the original foundations of the building. Due to the Shinto concept of purity, Kasuga-Taisha was rebuilt every 20 years until 1863 but has maintained its spectacular surrounding gardens. Take a moment of peace by the tranquillity pond, then wander through the old temple buildings and marvel at the art and architecture.
5 – Shop On Higashimuki Shopping Street & Mochiidono Shopping Arcade
Not everything in Nara is about temples, shrines and deer! There are plentiful shopping opportunities for those looking to exercise their wallets.
If you’re after more up-market locations, take a stroll to Higashimuki Shopping Street and Mochiidono Shopping Arcade. Located within walking distance of each other, these bustling Nara streets are filled with unique traditional food vendors and stores.
For those who want souvenirs to take home, you’ll feel right at home amongst the traditional ceramics, Japanese sweets, kimono and clothing all made right there in the district. Grab some of the delicious Japanese snacks like onigiri and enjoy the taste as you wonder at the past meeting the present.
Add A Nara Day Trip To Your Itinerary
From the quietly-paced inner city parks and gardens, through to bustling shrines and main shopping districts, there is something for every taste in Nara. Choose to explore with a full-day guided tour, or simply make your own way by foot to experience this city on your own terms. In anyway you will enjoy your Nara day trip.
Other Popular Nara Day Trips