The 10 things to do in Nara

Visit Nara: What are the best things to do and see? Discover our selection of the 10 things to do in this fascinating Japanese city!

Are you planning to go to Kansai, Japan? You can’t pass next to Nara, this Japanese city of about 365,000 inhabitants, located less than an hour of transport from the two great Kyoto and Osaka. With dozens of temples, sanctuaries and museums, the city enjoys an exceptional historical and cultural heritage. But Nara also owes its charm to a thousand deer in freedom who walk in its park and downtown. In short, the first fixed imperial capital of Japan (from 710 to 784) is a real condensed of Japanese history, nature and culture.

Another major asset, it is possible to walk the city essentially. The ideal to alternate between museums, temples and park, without losing a miette and enjoying the dream atmosphere of Nara... In short, the capital of the eponymous prefecture, considered as the cradle of Japanese civilization, is not lacking incontournable and this list of the 10 things to do in Nara is proof!

1. Naramachi

Travel to Edo (1603 – 1868) in the picturesque neighbourhood of Naramachi ! By plunging into the narrow alleys of the former shopping district of Nara, you will have the opportunity to fall on machiya (old Japanese wooden houses), some of which open their doors to the public, such as machiya renovated Koshi-no-Ie.

Today, Naramachi is home to almost a hundred shops (traditional or souvenir shops), restaurants, cafes and even museums, including the Naramachi mechanical toy museum or Naramachi museum . Don’t hesitate to stop in front of the Gango-ji temple, located in the heart of the Naramachi district. Gango-ji is one of the first temples in the country and was reportedly moved to Nara in 718.

Finally, don't miss the Imanishike Shoin residence that is visiting, and next to which is a former saké shop.

2. Nara Park or Nara Kôen

It is inconceivable to visit Nara without visiting this elegant and huge park of approximately 600 hectares, founded in 1880. Not only to discover the pepits that are hidden there (Tôdai-ji temples and Kasuga-taisha , shinto shrines, Nara National Museum, ponds, a traditional tea house...) but also to meet some of the 1200 sika deer that live there! Once considered as messengers of the gods, so sacred animals, these sika deer are now designated national treasures.

3. Buddhist temples

The Nara era is characterized by a very strong Chinese influence, both architecturally and politically or artistically, but also religiously. Buddhism was introduced in Japan by China from the 5th century, but it has developed considerably during the Nara period (8th century).

Are you wondering what to do in Nara? Let yourself be guided through some of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan.

Temple Tôdai-Ji (the great temple of the east)

This important temple in the middle of the 8th century owes its reputation to the Daibutsu-den, the world's largest wooden construction, which houses an impressive statue of Buddha sitting in bronze. Rebuilt several times since its foundation, Tôdai-ji is no less majestic!

Kôfuku-ji Temple

Located near the park and close to the Kintetsu train station, you will not be able to miss this beautiful temple listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. You will enjoy, among other things, its multiple pavilions, its 5-storey pagoda that is reflected in the Sarusawa-ike pond on beautiful days, and its National Treasures Museum (Kokuhôkan), which houses statues as well as paintings or books.

4. Kasuga Taisha Shrine

After discovering the Buddhist temples of the city, you can continue to visit Nara by penetrating this time in another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Shrine Kasuga Taisha . You will only have to follow the stone lanterns in the middle of the forest to find your way to this sanctuary with numerous suspended lanterns.

5. Nara National Museum

Nothing like integrating a museum’s visit to its program of things to do in Nara to understand its history and admire the local craftsmanship. And if it were to be one, it would be Nara National Museum , very provided and proposing explanations in English. This museum presents very beautiful permanent collections made up of Buddhist statues, theatre masks, art objects and thousands of writings. It also hosts temporary exhibitions.

Note : closed on Monday.

6. Nishinokyo and its surroundings

Direction west now, away from the hustle and bustle of the centre and east of the city. Toshodai-ji and Yakushi-ji are two Buddhist temples (8th century) located not far from Nishinokyo , a neighborhood much less frequented by tourists than the surroundings of Nara Park. They both occupy an important place in the history of Buddhism in Japan and hold statutes and buildings that are among the country’s national treasures.

Saidai-ji (Great West Temple), a little further north, became known with its Ochamori ritual during which visitors are invited to share a tea in a huge bowl.

7. Heijo, the former imperial palace

A little excited northwest of the city, is the old imperial palace Heijo which still bears Nara’s original name when it was the capital of the country (710-784). The history enthusiasts will be pleased to observe the remains of this monument witness of a past era.

8. Sleep in a ryokan

Enjoy Japanese culture and spend the night in one of the many ryokans from town to deer. After a busy day visiting Nara, nothing is worth a hot bath (often collective) and a delicious meal in a traditional Japanese hostel zen atmosphere.

9. The garden Isui-en

Less famous and frequented than the deer park, the charming Japanese garden of Isui-en promises beautiful views of Mount Wakakusa during your walk. You will find it by walking a few minutes from Todai-ji Temple.

10. Mount Wakakusa

The Mont Wakakusa , culminating at 342 meters above sea level, overlooking the park at the 1200 sika deer of Nara. Its ascent will allow you to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Nara.

Bonus: during the Yamayaki festival, which takes place every year on the last Saturday of January, the hill clutches before lighting with fireworks. Show guaranteed!

How to get to Nara?

Osaka Kansai International, close to the city of Osaka , is the nearest international airport to Nara. It is possible to find direct flights Paris – Osaka from France at generally higher prices, or with stopovers from most major French cities. The average flight time between Paris and Osaka is 11.40 a.m. Would you like to visit Nara from France? Compare flights on our partner's website Ulysses to find the best flight now! Once on site, you can take a train (1h15) or a bus (1h30) directly to the airport to reach the city of Nara. You can also opt for it car rental as soon as you arrive at the airport to enjoy your stay independently.

You're already in Japanese territory? Nara is accessible by train from the Kyoto Central Station (between 35 and 45 minutes) or Umeda station in Osaka (about 50 minutes).

Good to know. : to organize all your trips to Japan, the Hyperdia site will be your best ally. There are all times, rates and routes between each city, with or without JR Pass.

Where to stay in Nara?

Ryokans , hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb ... The apartments in Nara are numerous and satisfy all the desires and scholarships. Moreover, if you opt for the hotel, consider consulting the offers on this Compare hotels which lists the best prices. Free to choose between the ancient and picturesque neighborhood of Naramachi, the city center and its amenities, the quiet of Nishinokyo or the big cities of Kyoto and Osaka. To do so, please consult our article “ In which quarter house in Nara? » to find out the different options available to you.

Finally, be aware that by booking in advance, you make sure to sleep in accommodation at the best value for money.