เกียวโต Day Guides
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!
Start your day early by taking the train to Nara. There are several options depending on your departure city:
JR Nara Line – 45 minutes (covered by JR Pass)
Kintetsu Kyoto Line – 35 minutes (not covered by JR Pass, but arrives closer to attractions)
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.
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
After visiting Kofuku-ji Temple, take a break at a café nearby.
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.
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!)
There are many great restaurants in Nara offering traditional Japanese dishes.
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
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.
After visiting Kasuga Taisha, take a break at a café.
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.
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
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
Before heading back, enjoy a delicious dinner in Nara.
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.
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! 😊
