Nara
Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is renowned for its historical treasures, including Japan's most famous temples and is home to the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, and Nara Park, where hundreds of freely roaming deer are considered national treasures.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nara, Japan, is during the spring (March to May) when cherry blossoms are in bloom, and during the fall (October to November) when the leaves change colors, offering a beautiful backdrop to the city's ancient temples and shrines.
How to Get There
Nara is easily accessible from several major cities in Japan:
From Tokyo: The fastest way from Tokyo to Nara is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours on the Nozomi train), and then taking a local JR train to Nara (about 45 minutes). Another option is to take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and then the Kintetsu Limited Express train to Nara (about 35 minutes).
From Kyoto: Nara is a popular day trip from Kyoto. You can take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station, which takes approximately 45 minutes by express train (the Miyakoji Rapid Train). Another option is to take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto to Nara, which takes about 35 minutes on the Kintetsu Limited Express.
From Osaka: You can take the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station to Nara, which takes about 50 minutes. Alternatively, from Namba Station in Osaka, you can take the Kintetsu Nara Line, which takes about 40 minutes on the express train.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX): The JR Airport Line from KIX to Tennoji Station and then the Yamatoji Line to Nara takes about 80 minutes. Alternatively, the Kansai Airport Line to Namba Station, followed by the Kintetsu Nara Line to Nara, also takes about 80 minutes.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Nara, Japan
Top 10 Attractions in Nara
Nara is a city rich in history and culture, featuring many significant temples, shrines, and other historical landmarks. Here are some of the top attractions in Nara, Japan:
Todai-ji Temple: This is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It's home to the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.
Nara Park: Known for its free-roaming deer, considered sacred and a natural monument. Visitors can buy "deer-crackers" to feed them.
Kasuga-Taisha Shrine: Nara's most celebrated shrine is famous for its lanterns, which have been donated by worshippers. Hundreds of bronze lanterns are displayed in the buildings, and thousands of stone lanterns line the approach to the shrine.
Isuien Garden: A beautiful traditional Japanese style garden, offering great views of the surrounding hills and temples.
Naramachi: The former merchant district of Nara, where you can explore preserved traditional buildings, warehouses, shops, and cafes.
Kofuku-ji Temple: It was the family temple of the Fujiwara, the most powerful family clan during much of the Nara and Heian Periods. The five-story pagoda is a symbol of Nara.
Heijo Palace: This was the Imperial Palace from which the Emperor ruled in his favor. The palace's remains, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make an interesting trip to Nara's past.
Yoshiki-en Garden: A peaceful garden made up of three distinct sections: a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. Entrance is free for foreign tourists.
Horyu-ji Temple: Located a little outside of Nara city center, it's one of the country's oldest temples and contains the world's oldest surviving wooden structures.
Nara National Museum: This museum is dedicated to Buddhist art, housing one of the most significant collections of Japanese Buddhist art including statues, paintings, scrolls, and ceremonial objects.
Top 10 Activities to do in Nara
Nara, with its wealth of history and natural beauty, offers a variety of activities for travelers to enjoy. Here are some top activities you might consider:
Deer Spotting in Nara Park: Nara Park is home to over 1,000 sacred Sika deer. You can buy deer-safe crackers to feed them, but remember to treat the deer with respect as they are considered natural treasures.
Exploring Ancient Temples and Shrines: Visit the impressive Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple. Take your time to soak in the history and beauty of these sites.
Strolling Through Isuien and Yoshiki-en Gardens: These beautiful Japanese gardens are perfect for relaxation and for experiencing traditional tea ceremonies.
Visit Naramachi: Wander around the former merchant district with its preserved warehouses turned into shops, restaurants, and museums. Don't miss the Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum.
Cycling Around Nara: Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels. It's an efficient and enjoyable way to get around the city and visit the various attractions.
Try Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on the local delicacies, including kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves), cha-gayu (rice porridge with tea), and the sweet treat of yomogi mochi.
Shopping for Souvenirs: Shop for traditional crafts, including Nara's famous calligraphy brushes and "uchiwa" fans. Nara also has unique food products, such as pickled vegetables and locally brewed sake, which make great gifts.
Hiking to Mount Wakakusa: This hill provides a lovely view over Nara. In late January, the grassy slopes are set on fire in an annual festival known as Wakakusa Yamayaki.
Visiting Horyu-ji Temple: Located outside of the city center, it's worth the trip to see some of the world's oldest surviving wooden structures.
Explore the Museums: Visit Nara National Museum for Buddhist Art and Nara Prefectural Museum of Art for modern Japanese art. Also, consider visiting the Manyoan Museum of Literature and the Nara City Museum of Photography.
Best Shopping
Nara offers a variety of shopping experiences, from traditional Japanese crafts to modern fashion and design. Here are some shopping spots and items you might want to consider:
Higashimuki Shopping Street: Located near Kintetsu Nara Station, Higashimuki is a covered shopping arcade with a variety of shops selling clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and local food products. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can take a break from shopping.
Naramachi: This is the former merchant district of Nara, where you can find shops housed in traditional buildings. Here you'll find a range of items from crafts, ceramics, textiles, to local foods. Don't miss the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a restored traditional merchant's house.
Sanjo Dori Street: Another popular shopping area, running from JR Nara Station to Nara Park. Shops along this street sell a variety of goods including traditional Japanese sweets, green tea, antiques, clothing, and more.
Nakatanidou and Yoshino-ya: These two shops are famous for their mochi, a type of Japanese rice cake. Nakatanidou, in particular, is known for its fast mochi-pounding shows.
Harushika Brewery: If you're interested in sake, visit the Harushika Brewery for a sake tasting. They also sell bottles that you can take home as a souvenir.
Calligraphy Brushes: Nara is known for its high-quality calligraphy brushes (fude). Shops like Nakagawa Bunshodo and Yamada Fudosan offer a wide range of these brushes, from ones for beginners to high-end brushes for professionals.
Nara Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center: Here you can buy traditional Nara crafts such as ink brushes, ink stones, and lacquerware.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Compared to larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Nara's nightlife is much quieter and more low-key. However, that doesn't mean there isn't anything to do after sundown. Here are a few options:
Izakaya and Bars: Nara has a number of Izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and bars, particularly around the area of Nara Station and Sanjo Dori street. They offer a wide selection of drinks, including local sake, and small dishes. Some popular places include Bar Nine and Naramachi Jett.
Nighttime Temple and Shrine Visits: Some temples and shrines, such as Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji, are illuminated at night, offering a different, more peaceful atmosphere compared to the daytime.
Nara Park at Night: While most visitors go to Nara Park during the day, it can be a very peaceful place at night, with the deer roaming around. Just remember to respect the animals and the surroundings.
Traditional Tea Houses: If you're looking for a more tranquil experience, you could visit a traditional tea house in the evening. Some tea houses in Nara offer evening sessions, allowing you to experience traditional tea ceremonies.
Night Festivals: If your visit coincides with certain events, you could attend one of Nara's night festivals, such as the Takigi O-Noh, a traditional performance held by firelight at Kofuku-ji Temple, or the annual lantern festivals.
Night Tours: Some companies offer night tours of Nara, which can be a great way to see the sights in a different light and learn more about the city's history and culture.
Local Cuisine
Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, has a culinary tradition that reflects its deep cultural heritage. Here are some local dishes you should try when visiting:
Kakinoha-zushi: Literally translated as "persimmon leaf sushi," this is a type of sushi that is unique to the region. It consists of sushi rice topped with mackerel, salmon, or other types of fish, and then wrapped in a persimmon leaf, which gives it a distinctive flavor.
Nara-zuke: This is a traditional type of pickle made from vegetables such as melons and gourds, which are fermented in sake lees (the residual yeast left over from sake production). The result is a sweet and slightly alcoholic pickle that is often enjoyed with sake.
Nara tea: Nara is known for its high-quality tea, particularly its "Yamato-cha," a type of green tea grown in the region. The tea has a mild flavor and is often enjoyed in traditional tea ceremonies.
Miwa Somen: Somen are thin, white noodles, and Miwa Somen from Nara are considered some of the best in Japan. They are often served cold in the summer with a soy-based dipping sauce.
Botamochi: This is a traditional Japanese sweet made from sweet rice and azuki bean paste. In Nara, these are often offered at temples as an offering, and they're particularly popular in the spring and fall.
Cha-gayu: This is a simple dish of rice porridge flavored with tea, often served for breakfast. It's known for its mild, comforting flavor.
Don't forget to pair your meal with some local sake from Nara, as the region has a long history of sake brewing. Many restaurants and izakaya in Nara will have a good selection of local sakes to try.
Accommodations
When visiting Nara, you'll want to stay in an area that provides convenient access to the main attractions, good dining options, and transportation. Here are a few areas to consider:
Nara City Center: This area is convenient as it's close to both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station, providing easy access to other cities in Japan. The area also has many hotels, restaurants, shops, and is within walking distance to Nara Park and many of the main attractions like Todai-ji Temple.
Naramachi Area: This is the old merchant district of Nara, with its preserved machiya (traditional townhouses) turned into shops, museums, and guesthouses. Staying in this area gives a feel of traditional Japan and it's just a short walk to Nara Park.
Around Nara Park: If you want to be close to nature and don't mind a bit of a walk or short bus ride to the train stations, there are a few hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) around Nara Park. This can be an especially good option if you're mainly interested in exploring Nara's historic sites and want a more tranquil environment.
Ikoma Area: If you prefer to stay in a less touristy area, the Ikoma region, located between Nara and Osaka, can be a good option. There are several hotels around Ikoma Station, and it's just a 20-minute train ride to Nara or Osaka.
