Nara Activities and Highlights

Morning: Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

• Nara Park:
  • Start your day early at Nara Park, a large public park in central Nara.
  • Interact with the friendly, free-roaming deer, considered messengers of the gods in Shinto tradition. Purchase special deer crackers shika senbei to feed them.
• Todai-ji Temple:
  • Within Nara Park, visit Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples.
  • Marvel at the Great Buddha Hall Daibutsuden), the world’s largest wooden building, housing the massive bronze Great Buddha Daibutsu statue, which stands over 15 meters tall.
  • Explore the temple grounds, including the Nandaimon Gate, a National Treasure guarded by two fierce-looking Nio statues.

Late Morning: Kasuga Taisha Shrine

• Kasuga Taisha Shrine:
  • Walk or take a short bus ride to Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine, known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns.
  • Wander through the shrine’s scenic approach lined with lanterns and visit the inner shrine complex. The lanterns are especially beautiful during the Lantern Festivals held in February and August when they are all lit.
  • Explore the nearby Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a sacred ancient forest with hiking trails and peaceful surroundings.

Afternoon: Naramachi and Isuien Garden

• Naramachi:
  • Head to Naramachi, the former merchant district of Nara, for a stroll through its narrow streets lined with traditional wooden machiya houses.
  • Visit some of the small museums, craft shops, and historic residences that are open to the public, such as the Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, a well-preserved traditional townhouse.
  • Stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants offering traditional Nara cuisine.
• Isuien Garden:
  • After lunch, visit Isuien Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden located a short walk from Todai-ji Temple.
  • The garden is divided into two parts, the front garden dating back to the mid-17th century and the rear garden from the late 19th century.
  • Enjoy the meticulously landscaped gardens, ponds, and teahouses, with views of Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall in the distance.

Late Afternoon: Kofuku-ji Temple

• Kofuku-ji Temple:
  • End your day at Kofuku-ji Temple, another historic temple located near Nara Park.
  • Explore the Eastern Golden Hall and the Five-Story Pagoda, one of Japan’s tallest and an iconic symbol of Nara.
  • Visit the National Treasure Museum to see an impressive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.

Additional Tips

• Transportation: Nara is easily accessible from Kyoto or Osaka by train. The Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to Nara Park than the JR Nara Station, but both are convenient starting points.
• Weather: Summer can be hot and humid, so wear light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and carry water.
• Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful at temples and shrines, and observe local customs such as removing shoes when entering certain buildings.