Nara Guide

Why Visit Nara

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is famous for its free-roaming sacred deer and some of the country's oldest and largest wooden temples, making it an easy and rewarding day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

Top Things to Do

Nara Park is home to over 1,000 wild deer that bow for shika senbei (deer crackers) sold nearby. Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant bronze Buddha, is one of the world's largest wooden buildings.

Kasuga Taisha, with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns, and the traditional streets of Naramachi are both worth a couple of hours.

Getting There

Nara is about 45 minutes from Kyoto and 35 minutes from Osaka by train, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip rather than an overnight stay for most travellers.

Best Time to Go

Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) are the most scenic, though the deer and temples are worth visiting year-round.