Nara combines spirituality, history, and simplicity. Ancient temples sit next to open parks, sacred deer roam freely, and everything moves at a slower pace. It’s an ideal stop between Kyoto and Osaka, especially if you want something peaceful but rich in culture.

• 1. Meet the deer in Nara Park

More than 1,000 semi-wild deer roam freely throughout Nara Park. They are considered sacred and seen as messengers of the gods.

Access is free.
You can buy shika senbei (deer crackers) on-site for around 200 yen.

Go early in the morning for calmer interactions and better photos.

• 2. Visit Todai-ji and the Great Buddha

Todai-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most important temples. Inside its massive wooden hall stands the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.

Don’t miss the famous hole in one of the wooden pillars, said to grant enlightenment to those who pass through it.

• 3. Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is reached via a forest path lined with stone lanterns. Inside the shrine grounds, hundreds of bronze lanterns create a mystical atmosphere.

The shrine is especially beautiful during lantern festivals in February and August.

• 4. Walk through Isuien Garden

Isuien is a traditional Japanese garden combining ponds, bridges, and carefully framed views of surrounding temples.

Entrance fee is around 900 yen.
There is a tea house inside, making it a perfect place for a quiet break.

• 5. Discover Naramachi

Naramachi is Nara’s old merchant district, filled with narrow streets, preserved houses, small museums, and craft shops.

It’s a great area for handmade souvenirs and traditional snacks, including yomogi mochi made with mugwort.

• 6. Try local Nara cuisine

Nara has several regional specialties worth tasting:

Kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves
Narazuke, traditional pickles fermented in sake lees
Chagayu, a light rice porridge cooked with tea

These dishes reflect the city’s long history and simple flavors.

• 7. Visit lesser-known temples

If you want to escape the main crowds, consider visiting:

Horyu-ji, home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings
Yakushi-ji, an elegant temple with a distinctive symmetrical layout

Both are accessible by train or bus and offer a quieter experience.

Bonus tips for visiting Nara

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and overly energetic deer
Nara works well for solo travelers, couples, families, and history lovers
During spring, combine Nara with Mount Yoshino for cherry blossoms !