Nara, Japan: The 9 Best Attractions
- Noa
Nara is a unique city and a favorite destination for many travelers in Japan. It has a spiritual, warm and very relaxed atmosphere and a charm that I have not seen anywhere else. It is not uncommon to encounter deer that roam freely, especially in the park, which have no fear of humans! Nara is very close to Osaka and Kyoto , so it is very worth adding it to your itinerary! In addition, there are many things to do in Nara! The city has temples and special food, and not far from there you will find a nature trail that passes by no less than 48 waterfalls, which is among the most beautiful places on Earth!
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Table of Contents
Weather in Nara Japan
The weather consists of four seasons.
December to February
Wintery and cold. Can drop to -5 degrees.
March to May
Spring, a recommended season for travelers. Around 10-20 degrees, a little rainy.
June to August
Summer. The temperatures reach 30, it can be rainy.
September to November
Autumn, pleasant and cool, about 15-20 degrees.
9 things to do in Nara
This is the perfect city to experience authentic Japanese nature and culture. I recommend dedicating at least three days to the attractions in the area, although it is a great destination to stop in for even a week.
Nara Park
A natural park that runs parallel to the entire eastern part of the city. It is famous for reindeers who roam freely. In the parts of the park inside the city, there are lots of reindeers And they are not afraid of the presence of humans at all. You can buy special food for them and feed them. The locals have taught them to bow in order to get food! It is very fun to walk around the park and sit next to reindeers , but there are also a few other attractions there that are worth checking out.
Nara National Museum
The National Museum, located at the entrance to the park, displays an impressive collection of art and historical items from the Japanese Buddhist period. You can enjoy permanent and changing exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and rare artifacts from the area's ancient temples and monasteries. In addition, the building itself combines traditional and modern architecture, which adds to the experience of visiting.
Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
The Isoin Gardens in the park area are stunning traditional Japanese gardens carefully designed in a Japanese style with small lakes, bridges, and seasonal flowers.
The Nyiraku Museum displays a collection of Chinese, Korean and Japanese art, including rare porcelain, calligraphy and Asian art objects.
Tōdai-ji
One of the most important and impressive temples in Japan. It is most famous for its giant bronze statue of the Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The central building, Daibutsuden, was once the largest wooden building in the world.
Kofuku-ji Temple
One of the most famous Buddhist temples in the city! A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long history spanning over 1300 years. The temple is particularly known for its impressive five-story pagoda, which is the second tallest in Japan. In addition, the complex houses Buddhist art with a collection of sculptures and ancient manuscripts.
Kasuga Taisha
A famous Shinto shrine founded in 768 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A magical and very special place in the forest. Around you will probably come across some reindeers , who are considered messengers of the gods in the Shinto tradition.
Heijō Palace
Heijo Palace was the imperial palace of Japan during the Nara period (710-784 AD). The palace served as the center of Japanese government and culture at that time. Today, the impressive archaeological site includes reconstructions of the original palace buildings that testify to Japanese architecture and a long and storied history. What is most special about this area is that the buildings are set in the middle of a vast, open field with a mountain range in the background.
Koriyama Castle
Koriyama Castle is a historic castle built in the 16th century by the armies of samurai noble Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The castle is a bit far from the main area, but in my opinion it is worth getting there anyway. From the castle you can see stunning panoramic views of the surroundings and fascinating displays of Japanese history and culture. Some of the original buildings have been preserved, including guard towers and traditional gardens. During the cherry blossom season, the castle becomes an especially popular destination due to the sakura trees that surround it.
Akame 48 Waterfalls
A nature trail among the most beautiful there is! To get there from the city center you can take two trains and a bus – it takes about an hour and a half. A natural area full of waterfalls (48 according to rumors) and clear pools in a magical forest. There are several options for hiking trails – some easy and short and some challenging and long, about an hour and a half each way. It’s worth arriving early because the place closes to visitors at five in the afternoon.
Nara Recommended Day Trips
If you want to go on an organized day trip that will arrange all the most worthwhile attractions for you and you will also meet travelers along the way, you can read recommendations and pre-book a trip that suits you.
An early tour of all the most interesting sites, before it gets really busy, with an English-speaking guide. The tour includes a visit to Kopukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park and Kasuga Grand Shrine. The tour ends before noon, so you can continue touring Nara or take a day trip to Osaka/Kyoto.
⭐ Rated 5 out of 5 on Viator from 114 travelers
✅ Intimate group tour for up to 12 participants
✅ Pick-up option from Kyoto Station
✅ Early morning tour – before the rush
💰 Starting from $69.9
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
A small-group walking tour, perfect for first-time visitors to the region, combines famous sites with hidden corners. During the tour, you'll enter a historic merchant's house, discover a mysterious Japanese pyramid, and visit the area's iconic temples, with reindeers who live there. The tour includes a delicious lunch and entrance tickets to all the temples.
⭐ Rated 5 out of 5 on Viator by 600 raters
✅ Includes entrance tickets to all temples and attractions on the tour
✅ Delicious lunch is included in the price
✅ Visiting famous sites as well as hidden and special sites
💰 Starting from only $95!
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
A cycling trip with other travelers, to the most beautiful spots in the city. From Kasuga Atisha to the deer that live in Nara Park.
⭐ Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Viator from 80 travelers
✅ Includes bike rental, helmet and safety equipment
✅ Experience all the important sites in the area in a short time and with maximum comfort
✅ Includes entrance tickets to all attractions
💰 Price: Starting at $73
Reserve your spot on the trip now! ￬
Where is it recommended to stay in Nara?
The most recommended area to stay is near Nara Station, which is close to the park entrance. Here are some recommendations for some good and comfortable hotels, from low to high prices:
A guesthouse with Japanese-style rooms, rooms with shared bathrooms, and dormitories. The place is clean and comfortable and really close to the park and other attractions.
⭐ Rating of 8.7 on Booking.com
✅ Japanese-style rooms or dormitories
✅ Mountain view
✅ Starting from $50 per night
Compare prices to get the best price:
Japanese-style rooms, clean and comfortable in the central area.
⭐ Rating of 9.2 on Booking.com
✅ Central location
✅ Mountain view
✅ Starting from $75 per night
To close with Booking:
A cozy and comfortable 4-star hotel, with hot springs on site! The rooms are Japanese-style with tatami beds (mattresses on the floor).
⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ Natural hot springs on site
✅ Central and convenient location
✅ Starting from $78 per night
Compare prices to get the best price:
Recommended restaurants in Nara
The city is known for its unique local cuisine, which combines traditional flavors with fresh local ingredients. The local food reflects the region's rich history and Buddhist culture, with an emphasis on healthy and nutritious dishes.
Kakinohasushi Hompo Tanaka
This restaurant specializes in the region's signature sushi, called Kakinoha-zushi. The sushi is wrapped in Japanese fir leaves, which gives it a unique flavor and preserves its freshness. This is a traditional culinary experience that is a must for any traveler to the area!
SAKURA BURGER
If you're looking for a Western twist, Sakura Burger offers juicy and creative burgers that combine Japanese flavors with American classics.
Tori Tamura
For those looking for the perfect chicken experience, Tori Tamura is the place to be. The restaurant specializes in yakitori (chicken skewers) and other chicken dishes, carefully prepared and served in a pleasant atmosphere.
Where do we go after Nara, Japan?
After visiting the city, it is worth continuing to travel to nearby cities – Kyoto , with its temples and historic gardens, is a perfect destination for a follow-up trip. Osaka , the second largest city in Japan, is full of cool attractions. In Nagoya you will find an interesting combination of traditional culture and modern technology. Finally, it is also worth seeing Tokyo , the capital of Japan and one of the most fascinating cities there is.
Questions and Answers
When is the best time to visit Nara, Japan? 🌤️
The most recommended time to visit is In the spring (March-May), when the flowers are blooming and the weather is nice, or in the fall (September-November), when the fall colors the city in autumn colors.What things can you do in Nara? 🦌
- Nara Park – the famous park where people hang out reindeers The free locals.
- Heijo Palace – the imperial palace of Japan in 710-784 AD.
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine – a traditional Japanese temple.
