Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Nara
Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and friendly free-roaming deer. A visit to Nara is like stepping back in time, with ancient temples, serene gardens, and picturesque streets to explore. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Nara.
How to Get to Nara
From Kyoto
- By JR Train: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara Station. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs approximately ¥720.
➡️ Book your JR Pass here for unlimited train travel in Japan.
➡️ Book your JR West Kansai Area Pass here for unlimited travel across the Kansai area for up to 5 days.
➡️ Book your Kintetsu Rail Pass here for unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway, Iga Railway, Cable Cars, Nara Kotsu Bus, Mie Kotsu, and Toba City Bus.
From Osaka
- By JR Train: Take the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station to Nara Station. The ride takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥800.
- By Kintetsu Train: The Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station takes about 40 minutes and costs ¥570.
➡️ Get tickets on the links above.
Top Things to Do in Nara
- Visit Nara Park
One of Nara’s most iconic attractions, Nara Park is home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming deer. Visitors can purchase special deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed them.
➡️ Join a Nara Park guided tour in Klook
➡️ Join a Nara Park guided tour in trip. - Explore Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in Japan. The temple itself is an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Stroll through Isuien and Yoshikien Gardens
These beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for a peaceful stroll, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into traditional Japanese garden design. (FREE) - Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, Kasuga Taisha is one of Nara’s most important Shinto shrines.
➡️ Book a guided cultural tour of Kasuga Taisha. - Shop and Dine in Higashimuki Shopping Street
Located near Kintetsu-Nara Station, this lively shopping street is perfect for souvenir shopping and tasting local delicacies like kakinoha sushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves). - Nara Kingyo Museum Admission Ticket
Discover a whole other world that full of lovely and vibrant goldfish.
➡️ Book your ticket here. - NARA IKIMONO MUSEUM
Japan’s largest live entertainment. This is a museum where you can meet the eyes of various creatures such as fish and amphibians, with a focus on reptiles . You can enjoy a fantastic art space that makes use of the various personalities such as the “colors” and “characters” of the main creatures.
➡️ Book your ticket here. - Geisha Experience: Ozashiki Games & Cultural Exchange
Enjoy the beautiful and soothing sounds of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument. This experience offers the possibility to Participate in traditional Japanese games with the performers and try your hand at taiko drumming
➡️ Book your ticket here.
Day Trips from Nara
- Mount Yoshino
Famous for its cherry blossoms, Mount Yoshino is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful destination all year round.
➡️ Book your Kansai Railway Pass here for unlimited train rides .
➡️ Book your Kintetsu Rail Pass here for unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway, Iga Railway, Cable Cars, Nara Kotsu Bus, Mie Kotsu, and Toba City Bus. - Horyuji Temple
Just a short train ride from central Nara, Horyuji is home to some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures.
Transportation in Nara
- Kintetsu Nara Pass: This pass offers unlimited rides on Kintetsu trains and buses in the Nara region, making it easy to explore the city and nearby areas.
➡️ Book your Kintetsu Rail Pass here for unlimited rides on the Kintetsu Railway, Iga Railway, Cable Cars, Nara Kotsu Bus, Mie Kotsu, and Toba City Bus. - Bike Rentals: Nara is a compact city, and renting a bike is a great way to explore its attractions.
Tours in Nara
Enhance your visit by joining a guided tour that covers the city’s top attractions and provides insightful historical context.
➡️ Browse Nara tours on Klook and don’t forget to use the code fifigraphy to save up to 10% on your booking!
Additional Tips for Visiting Nara
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October to November) for fall foliage are the best seasons to visit. Winter offers clear views of Mount Fuji but can be cold.
- Language: While English is not widely spoken, tourist-friendly signs and information are available. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful.
- Hotels : check here to see our recommendations
- Currency: Japan uses yen (¥). ATMs are available at convenience stores and major stations.
- Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as removing shoes before entering traditional accommodations and being quiet in onsen facilities.
Nara is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience Japan’s ancient history and serene beauty. From feeding the friendly deer in Nara Park to exploring world-class temples and gardens, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, or a longer stay, Nara promises a memorable experience.