京都 Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Take a Day Trip to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka
Nara is a city full of history, nature, and cultural treasures, making it a perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. Home to (sometimes) friendly deer, ancient temples, and the impressive Great Buddha at Todai-ji, Nara offers a peaceful escape with plenty to explore. Whether you're wandering through Nara Park, visiting stunning shrines, or enjoying local treats, this trip is a must for anyone looking to experience Japan’s rich heritage.
Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!
Take a Train to Nara Station
Start your day early by taking the train to Nara. There are several options depending on your departure city:
From Kyoto:
JR Nara Line – 45 minutes (covered by JR Pass)
Kintetsu Kyoto Line – 35 minutes (not covered by JR Pass, but arrives closer to attractions)
From Osaka:
JR Yamatoji Line – 50 minutes from Osaka Station (covered by JR Pass)
Kintetsu Nara Line – 35 minutes from Osaka-Namba Station (faster option, not covered by JR Pass)
Traveler’s Tip: If you plan to visit multiple places in Nara, consider getting a Nara Bus Pass at the station for unlimited rides on local buses.
Visit Kofuku-ji Temple
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station
Entrance Fee: 900 yen
Kofuku-ji is a famous Buddhist temple with a five-story pagoda, one of the tallest in Japan.
✔ Admire the beautiful pagoda and temple structures
✔ Visit the National Treasure Museum to see ancient Buddhist art
✔ Take photos of the peaceful lake near the temple
Morning Coffee Break
After visiting Kofuku-ji Temple, take a break at a café nearby.
Recommended Cafés:
CHAMI - Specialty coffee roaster with delectable delicate pastries.
Applause - Chintzy coffee shop with instagrammable and delicious beverages and cakes.
Matcha to Go (Vegan Friendly) - Matcha cafe with alternative milk options.
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Kofuku-ji Temple
Nara Park is one of the most famous places in Japan because of its friendly, free-roaming deer. These deer are considered sacred and are protected by the city.
✔ Buy special deer crackers (shika senbei) and feed the deer
✔ Walk through the park and enjoy nature
✔ Take photos with the deer and beautiful scenery
Traveler’s Tip: The deer may bow their heads when asking for food! Be gentle and avoid teasing them they are still wild animals so approach with caution.
Visit Todai-ji Temple
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Nara Park
Entrance Fee: 800 yen
Todai-ji is one of Japan’s most famous temples and houses a huge bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) inside the Great Buddha Hall.
✔ See the massive Buddha statue inside the temple
✔ Walk through Nandaimon Gate, guarded by fierce wooden statues
✔ Try to fit through the small hole in a temple pillar (it’s said to bring good luck!)
Enjoy Lunch in Nara
There are many great restaurants in Nara offering traditional Japanese dishes.
Recommended Lunch Spots:
Todaiji Monzen Wa Nagomi - Wagyu teppanyaki restaurant overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden.
Mizuya Chaya - Enjoy traditonal Japanese comfort food in a traditional wooden framed thatched building.
Vegan Cafe Ramuna (Vegan Friendly) - Charming local restaurant serving a variety of vegan dishes.
Playpen Friends (Vegan Friendly) - Delicious vegan friendly ramen surrounded by lush greenery.
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Todai-ji
Entrance Fee: Free
Naramachi is a charming old district filled with traditional wooden houses, small shops, and cultural experiences.
✔ Visit the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a restored Edo-period townhouse
✔ Shop for unique handmade crafts, souvenirs, and sweets
✔ Explore small Buddhist temples and hidden alleys
Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Walking Distance: 20 minutes from Naramachi
Entrance Fee: Free for main grounds, 700 yen for inner shrine
Kasuga Taisha is Nara’s most famous Shinto shrine, known for its hundreds of stone lanterns.
✔ Walk through the magical lantern-lined paths
✔ See the beautifully painted vermilion torii gates
✔ Visit the small deer-themed shrine inside
Traveler’s Tip: The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the lanterns start to glow softly.
Afternoon Coffee Break
After visiting Kasuga Taisha, take a break at a café.
Recommended Cafés:
Nakanishi Yosaburo – Traditional tea house with Japanese-style desserts
Cafe Conce - Cosy cafe with a large selection of drinks and a selection of desserts.
Matcha to Go (Vegan Friendly) - Matcha cafe with alternative milk options.
Visit the Isuien Garden
Walking Distance: 10 minutes from Kasuga Taisha
Entrance Fee: 1,200 yen
Isuien is a beautiful Japanese-style garden with small ponds, tea houses, and views of Todai-ji.
✔ Walk through the perfectly designed garden
✔ Enjoy a cup of matcha tea at the tea house
✔ Take peaceful photos of seasonal flowers and koi fish
Visit the Nara National Museum
Walking Distance: 5 minutes from Isuien Garden
Entrance Fee: 700 yen
If you love history and art, the Nara National Museum is worth a visit.
✔ See Buddhist statues, paintings, and artifacts
✔ Learn about the history of Nara as Japan’s first capital
✔ Visit during autumn to see special exhibitions
Enjoy Dinner Before Returning to Your Hotel
Before heading back, enjoy a delicious dinner in Nara.
Recommended Dinner Spots:
Kamameshi Shizuka – Specializes in kamameshi (iron pot rice dishes)
Suiyo - Luxury dining serving multi-course meals made from local Nara ingredients.
Meat and Nara Cuisine COO - Izakaya restaurant specialising in Nara cuisine.
Onwa (Vegan Friendly) - Beloved vegan restaurant serving delicious vegan versions of Japanese classics like kaarage.
Take a Train from Nara Station Back to Your City
After a long day of exploring, take the train or bus from Kyoto Station to your hotel.
To Kyoto:
JR Nara Line – 45 minutes to Kyoto Station (covered by JR Pass)
Kintetsu Kyoto Line – 35 minutes to Kyoto Station
To Osaka:
JR Yamatoji Line – 50 minutes to Osaka Station (covered by JR Pass)
Kintetsu Nara Line – 35 minutes to Osaka-Namba Station (faster option)
Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures with the deer! 😊
