1. Todai-ji Temple (東大寺)
Founded in the 8th century, this temple, which houses the massive Vairocana statue, popularly known as Daibutsu (Great Buddha), was burned down twice in fires that broke out as a result of war. Founded in the 8th century, the temple is a centerpiece of Japan’s ancient capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the country’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Surrounded by Nara Park, where deer roam freely as sacred messengers, Tōdai-ji offers visitors a profound sense of history, spirituality, and natural beauty in a serene, timeless setting.
Book Online: Nara Half Day Trip Walking Tour
Opening Hours
Daily 8:00am – 5:00pm
2. Sika Deer in Nara Park
According to legend, a powerful deity from Kashima Shrine arrived in Nara in the 8th century riding a white deer. Since then, deer have been respected and protected as divine messengers, which is why so many roam freely throughout the area.
The fun part is that you can buy Shika Senbei (deer crackers) and feed them. The deer in the park are surprisingly polite—they often bow to visitors when requesting a snack!
3. Kofuku-ji Temple (興福寺)
Established in the 7th century, Kōfuku-ji served as the family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan during the Nara and Heian periods. At the height of Fujiwara influence, the temple complex comprised more than 150 buildings.
The temple’s five-storey pagoda, standing at 50 metres, is the second tallest in Japan, just seven metres shorter than the five-storey pagoda at Kyoto’s Tō-ji Temple. The pagoda is both a prominent landmark and a symbol of Nara. Reconstructed in 1426, it has endured a long history, having been destroyed by fire five times.
Opening Hours
Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
4. Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine (春日大社)
Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine (春日大社) is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto sanctuaries, located in Nara and renowned for its serene forest setting and timeless spiritual atmosphere.
Founded in the 8th century by the influential Fujiwara clan, the shrine is famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, which are lit during seasonal festivals to create a mystical, glowing landscape. Dedicated to the deities of the Fujiwara family, Kasuga Taisha is also celebrated for its elegant architecture, sacred pathways, and deep cultural significance.
Opening Hours
Daily 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
5. Higashimuki Shopping Street (東向き商店街)
The Higashimuki Shopping Street a 250-metre-long covered shopping street is located just beside Kintetsu Nara Station. It is full of souvenir shops and a variety of restaurants.
good blog dude. I would actually recommend some of the shrines as well, as well as the primeval forest nearby.
Thank you so much for the very detailed and helpful information!
Hi W-Xin, hope it helps. Happy Traveling!
Pls advice should we stay 1 night in Nara or just day trip from Kyoto?
Hi Elaine, day trip should be sufficient, go early around 7 to 8am then you should make it back by 10pm. Packing & unpacking & moving hotel is tiring and time wasting
I find your guide to be most helpful when you include the station/train lines but I didn’t see them listed for the Nara section of your guide. Was wondering if I missed something?
Hi Lily, all attractions are in the same park area.
Hi Tommy, any interesting place in Kobe?
Hi Shyan, perhaps you can try Ijinkan (異人館), Kobe Tower, Kobe beef & Mt. Rokko
Hi Tommy , any advice for visiting Kumano trail with children 8&11 years old for one Day trip from Kyoto
Regards
Marek
Hi, it seems very far from Kyoto
To see deers in Nara was the best experience for me. Very nice post Tommy 🙂 Csilla
Hi Csilla, glad you enjoyed it! Visit us often! ^^
Would you suggest Nara and Kobe in one day?
Hi, not really cos they are not located side by side and you easily spend one whole day in Nara. Kobe is bigger than Nara
hi tOMMY!
we are travelling on april 12-19.
we would like to ask if what pass we’re going to use the day we arrive from kansai airport to shinsaibashi station.
then the following day apilr 13 we would like to go to kyoto
april 14 nara park
april 15 kobe
april 16 osaka city tour
april 17 osaka city tour
april 18 osaka city tour
april 19 from shinsaibashi to kansai airport.
thank you so much.
Hi you can just pay 1 way ticket. Kyoto will need 2 or 3 days min
Hi Tommy, is this list you suggested doable as a full day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto?
Hi yes doable as full day trip from Osaka
Thanks,
We went to Nara during the spring and the kids enjoyed the cherry blossom and the lovely deers.
n