nara and kyoto tour

Discover Kyoto & Nara Tours | Sightseeing & Experience in Kyoto

Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Tour

Kyoto and Nara Golden Route 1 Day Bus Tour

Hidden Scenic Sakura Spot in Nara Tour

Kyoto Golden Route Day Trip Bus Tour

Nara Half Day Golden Route Bus Tour

Visit 3 Popular Spots in Kyoto 1 Day Bus Tour

Kyoto Gion Twilight Walking Tour with Kimono Experience

Discover Kyoto & Nara Tours

Kyoto is a city of beauty and history. It is the former capital of Japan, and it is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto is also known for its Maiko, traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and its delicious food. One of the best things about Kyoto is its abundance of temples and shrines. There are over 2,000 temples and shrines in Kyoto, and each one is unique and beautiful. Some of the most popular temples and shrines include Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. If you are looking for a city that is both beautiful and historic, Kyoto is the perfect place for you. With its abundance of temples, shrines, and natural attractions, Kyoto is sure to amaze and enchant you.

Kyoto & Nara Summer Tour

Kyoto & Nara Winter Tour

Discover Kyoto

Discover Arashiyama

Discover Nara

Kyoto Culture Experience

Recommended kyoto & nara tour.

• Visit famous Todai ji Temple and Kinkakuji temple.
• Visit a huge beautiful garden of Kyoto imperial palace.
• Bamboo grove in Arashiyama is beautiful place to walk.
• Travel with comfortable air conditioned bus.

Standard Plan

• Adult(age 12+) : 17,500JPY
• Child(3-11) : 15,500JPY

Kyoto Gion Festival and Lake Biwa Lunch Cruise Bus Tour

Let’s join one of the most famous festival in Japan "Gion Matsuri festival" and enjoy Lake Biwa Cruise with lunch buffet!

• From 12,000 JPY

Kayabuki no Sato and Yunohana Onsen 1 Day Bus Tour

Miyama Kayabuki no Sato's Water Hose festival will be held, featuring delectable cuisine and the renowned hot springs of "Yunohana Onsen,"!

• From 13,200 JPY

Kimono Rental & Photography Experience in Kyoto-Minami area

A picture is worth a thousand words. This is a perfect way to keep your precious memories of Kyoto trip with family and friends!

• From 19,000 JPY

Kyoto Sightseeing Tour

If you have only one day in Kyoto and want to see many recommended spots of Kyoto, this tour is the best for you!

• From 17,500 JPY

Amanohashidate and Miyama Kayabuki no Sato 1 Day Tour

Explore the nostalgic Ine no Funaya, along with the picturesque Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, and the iconic Amanohashidate.

• From 29,800 JPY

Arashiyama is located in the northwestern area of Kyoto and one of the popular tourist destinations in Japan. A lot of visitors for its world renowned bamboo grove and beautiful scenery that changes with each season. Especially during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons are best.

Arashiyama Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy best places to visit in Kyoto and Nara in a one day! Todaiji temple Greta Buddha, Nara deer park, Arashiyama and some more.

Yakata-bune of Arashiyama

You can rent a houseboat in Arashiyama and enjoy your meal while watching the seasonal scenery of Arashikyo.

• From 5,300 JPY

Let's have a special spring experience taking Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawakudari River Boat Ride!

Nara is a tourist destination close to Kyoto and Osaka, and was once the capital of Japan. It has a history older than that of Kyoto, and the entire city retains a traditional landscape. The main attractions are the World Heritage-listed Shinto shrines and Buddhist statues, making Nara one of the best tourist cities in Japan.

Nara Sightseeing Tour

Uncover Nara's history at Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and meet friendly deer at Nara Park on this half-day tour from Kyoto.

• From 8,000 JPY

Nara Afternoon Tour

Visit two World Heritage Sites in Nara, Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, on this half-day course.

• From 10,700 JPY

Japan's Oldest Shrine Walking Tour from Nara

Visit Oomiwa Shrine, the oldest shrine in Japan, and be impressed by Japan's largest torii gate.

• From 10,000 JPY

Discover Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, Japan. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which line a path that winds up a mountain. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and is a popular place to pray for good fortune.

Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour

Kyoto Golden Route Day Trip Bus

Let's visit 6 unmissable sightseeing spots which are famous Fushimi Inari shrine, Kinkakuji temple, Arashiyama and some more in Kyoto!

• From 16,000 JPY

Kyoto Walking Tour: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Sake Tasting

Visit the Sake Museum in Fushimi and taste some samples of Japan's finest sake!

• From 9,500 JPY

Enjoy Kyoto Full Day Walking Tour from Kyoto

Visit a unique and unforgettable experience.of Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Golden Palace, and Arashiyama.

• From 8,980 JPY

Discover Kyoto Culture Experience

Deep Experiencing various Japanese culture is one of the things to do on your trip to Kyoto. Here are some special cultural experiences unique to Kyoto, an ancient capital with a thousand-year history.

Kyoto Culture Experience Tour

Let's explore the traditional atmosphere of Gion district in Kimono at twilight time!

• From 11,000 JPY

Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience and Maiko Dinner Show

Immerse in Kyoto's culture with kimono, local food, Gion walk, Kaiseki dinner, private Maiko chat, dance, games, and photo. All welcome!

• From 45,000 JPY

5 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour Package

Availability

• Important Details

Here’s your chance to discover Japan’s rich flavors and culture with our 5 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour Package . Step into a world of Kyoto’s wonders, where the geisha district and a 10-course Kaiseki meal await you. Explore iconic landmarks like Nijo Castle and the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple. Let Osaka take your breath away with Osaka Castle, a 200-year-old market, and retro districts. In Nara – where the ancient Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine proudly stand – get lost in natural beauty. Befriend the local roaming deer and shop for souvenirs at Nara Nagomikan to remember your cherished Japanese adventure.

If you’re a history buff with a craving for unique experiences, our 5 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour Package is your answer! Wanderlust your way across Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara with friendly guides. In addition to train tickets and expert guides, stay in one of Kyoto’s top-rated hotels for 4 nights. Book your adventure now!

5 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour Package Highlights

• Delight your taste buds with Kyoto's local treats and a 10-course Kaiseki meal
• Explore the world of Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, with traditional tea houses
• Marvel the architecture of Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji Temple
• In Osaka, enjoy a rich adventure from retro districts to a centuries-old market
• Experience the best of Nara, from the park's friendly deer to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
• Enjoy 4 nights of luxury and comfort in one of Kyoto’s best hotels
• Be led by expert guides throughout your entire journey

5 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour Package Itinerary

• Optional airport transfer is available
• Overnight in Kyoto
• Visit Nijo Castle and discover its history
• See Kinkaku-ji Temple's golden designs and outdoor pond
• Explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of emperors
• (If the Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine will take its place)
• In the evening, enter Gion - the geisha district with traditional tea houses
• Stroll the local streets and admire the architecture
• Explore the Shirakawa neighborhood, savoring a special treat along the way
• Conclude your tour with a 10-course Kaiseki meal, experiencing authentic flavors
• Reach Osaka from Kyoto Station
• Meet your guide and explore Namba & Dotonbori - the neon district
• See Hozenji, a small Buddhist temple
• Discover the Kuromon Market – dating back to over 200 years
• Experience Shinsekai, the retro district
• See Osaka Castle – a 16th-century marvel
• Discover the shopping street of Shinsaibashi and buy souvenirs
• See Tsutenkaku, Osaka’s “Tokyo Tower”
• Head back to Kyoto by train
• Visit the Todai-ji Temple and admire the impressive Buddha statue
• Stroll around Nara Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and interact with the park's friendly deer
• See Kasuga Taisha Shrine, home to hundreds of lanterns
• Shop for souvenirs at Nara Nagomikan
• Optional transfers to Kansai Airport (KIX) or Tokyo city center are available

If you have any questions about our 5 Day Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Tour Package, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Dates marked below in green are still available for booking. Clicking on a date will start your booking process.

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13 Day Japan Golden Route Tour Package

7 Day Best of Japan Tour Package

8 Day Budget Japan Tour Package

12 Day Japan Golden Route Tour Package

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Welcome Guest

Kyoto and nara day tour from kyoto.

7.5 - 8.5 hour(s)

Available daily, pick-up not available, what to expect, standard package with tofu lunch.

Price per Adult :

Standard Package

Please note that this tour does not include the admission ticket for Todai-ji Temple. Please pay the admission fee separately.

Check-in at Kyoto (Kyoto VIP Lounge)

• Please check-in at least 10 minutes prior to your departure time.

Stroll through the vibrant orange path of the Fushimi Inari Shrine's 1,000 torii gates that appear as a seemingly endless tunnel. During the New Year's period, there may be traffic restrictions that prevent visitors from stopping at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

Feast on Kyoto tofu cuisine at a historic restaurant that's been operating for over 100 years.Eating tofu in Japan is a significantly different and exceptional experience!

It is the symbol of Kyoto and one of the most famous UNESCO sites in the entire country.Get a glimpse of the majestic Kinkakuji in Japanese architectural style.

Stroll around Nara Park and meet the many adorable deer. You can walk to Todaiji Temple from Nara Park. Please pay the admission fee separately. The UNESCO site of Todai-ji and get up close to its star attraction, the Daibutsu Buddha, which is one of the largest bronze figures in the world.

Tour Ends at Kyoto VIP Lounge

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• Infants (up to 3 years old) may join for free but will not have their own seat on the bus. They need to sit on a parent or guardian's lap.
• One infant per adult may join the tour for free. For two or more infants, please book them under children's rates.
• Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Additional notes

• There will be an English speaking guide for this activity.
• Please note that your stay may be shortened or cancelled due to weather or congestion. Also, the order of the itinerary may change depending on the vehicle. In the unlikely event that you return late and need to use a taxi or stay overnight, we cannot accommodate requests for reimbursement.
• Please note that the vehicle size used for the 1-day tour will be adjusted according to the number of people or conditions on the day.
• Depending on the number of participants on the day, English and Chinese commentary might be given in the same bus.
• Commentary will be given inside the bus. Once the group arrives at a sightseeing spot, customers will be able to go around and visit at their own pace.
• Please understand that the coloring of the leaves may vary according to the season.
• There may be cases where we operate in conjunction with a Chinese language course.

Other requirements

• Please check the travel conditions before participating on this tour. travel conditions.pdf
• Please check the travel agent contract before participating on this tour. travel agent contract.pdf

Please note that this tour does not include lunch. Participants may purchase lunch at Arashiyama. Please note that this tour does not include the admission ticket for Todai-ji Temple. Please pay the admission fee separately.

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Activity provider heisei enterprise,inc., activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made between 17:00 local time, 11 business days to 17:00 local time, 8 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 20% of the total amount.
• Any cancellations made between 17:00 local time, 8 business days to 17:00 local time, 2 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 30% of the total amount.
• Any cancellations made between 17:00 local time, 2 business days to 17:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 40% of the total amount.
• Any cancellations made after 17:00 local time, 1 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

Payment Methods

Cancellation Policy

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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ITINERARIES The Kansai Trio—Kyoto, Nara and Osaka Three exceptional cities in the Kansai region offer history, culture and culinary delights

Immerse yourself in the refined atmosphere of japan’s former capital, feed sacred deer and come face-to-face with the largest buddha statue in japan, and eat until you drop in osaka, the city of merchants, how to get there, from tokyo: 2 hours 20 minutes.

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto Station.

From Kanazawa: 2 hours 15 minutes

Take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Kyoto Station.

Photo: ©Nijo Castle Office / ©Nijo Castle Office / None / None

A must-visit on any traveler's itinerary, Kyoto's monuments, National Treasures and World Heritage sites attract thousands of visitors each year. Take your time to explore Kyoto and consider extending your trip here a few more days.

Built as a family residence in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, take in the gorgeous structure of the Ninomaru Palace and wall paintings. In the springtime, the garden has over 300 cherry trees, which are lit up when in bloom.

Another beautiful World Heritage site, the temple is flanked by beautiful gardens. The sight of the Golden Pavilion reflecting in the pond that surrounds it is lovely, especially on a clear day.

Tour the temple grounds, enjoy the cliff-side view from in front of the main hall, and exploring the temple grounds. Head down to the Otowa Waterfall, and drink from the streams to pray for longevity and good fortune. Just don't be greedy and drink from all three.

Take a break from traditional Kyoto in the most popular entertainment district. Stylish stores including Kyoto Takashimaya department store, can be found here.

Starting as a fish market in the 14th century, this is now known as the kitchen of Kyoto. The 390-meter shopping street is lined with over 100 shops and restaurants. Anything food related, from knives to fresh seafood, can be found here. Shop and snack your way through.

1 hour 4 minutes

Walk to Shijo Station and take the Karasuma Line to Kyoto Station. Change to the JR Miyakoji Rapid Service.

1 hour 3 minutes

Walk 15 minutes to Nara Station and take the JR Yamatoji Line to Osaka Castle Station.

From the castle, head to the harbor and take an hour-long "Aqua Liner" cruise. Osaka is criss-crossed by rivers, and what better way to enjoy this history than cruising along the canals and taking in the waterfront from a boat.

Recommended for You

• Itineraries
• The Kansai Trio—Kyoto, Nara and Osaka

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

• Nara Walking Tour

Book a six- or eight-hour private Nara tour with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide to explore the city’s most incredible temples, shrines and gardens.

Nara Walking Tour Itinerary

Your guide will meet you in your hotel in Kyoto or Nara and escort you to downtown Nara, where the tour starts. The route takes you to Issui-en Garden , one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. From there, you’ll visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha. Next, you’ll take a secret back route that most tours overlook to get to Nigatsu-do and Sangatus-do halls. After a break for lunch, you’ll walk through atmospheric woods to visit Kasuga Taisha Grand Shrine , one of the most important shrines in Japan. If you’re taking the eight-hour tour, you’ll also visit Naramachi , Nara’s preserved historic district.

Your Own Private Tour Guide

Don’t forget this is a private walking tour, just for you and your friends and family. There will be no one else on the tour with you, so you have the guide to yourself. We have some of Japan’s best English-speaking guides, helping you maximize your time and enjoyment of the city and also get a deeper understanding of the history and significance of each place you visit. The tour price is for the whole group, not per person!

• Time: 6 hours or 8 hours
• Highlights: Issui-en Garden, Todai-ji Temple, Nara-koen Park, Kasuga-taisha Shrine, Naramachi (only on the 8-hour tour)
• Ideal starting time: 9am (walk concludes at 3pm or 5pm)

How To Book A Nara Private Walking Tour

Please send us an inquiry using the form below. We will then quickly respond to you by email confirming availability and any other requirements you may have. You can pay either in advance online using your credit card, or you can pay at the conclusion of the tour in cash. Japanese Yen, US Dollars or Euros are acceptable for cash payments.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why hire a private guide.

You don’t need a guide to enjoy Nara, but having a guide will add a lot of depth to your understanding of the city. A guide will also free you from having to think about the logistics of getting around and making the most efficient use of your time. A guide can also help you enjoy local restaurants without any communication difficulties.

Who Runs These Tours?

My company Chris Rowthorn Tours provides these tours. We have been running licensed tours in Nara for 10 years. I have spent years finding and training the best guides in all of Nara. Licensed, professional bilingual guides who love Nara as much as I do. But, don’t take my word for it, have a look at reviews of ChrisRowthorn.com on TripAdvisor.

Is The Price Per Person?

No! This is the PER GROUP price, i.e., it’s the price for a private group of 1 to 6 people. If there is one person booking the 6-hour tour, the price is ¥60,000 total. If there are six of you, the price is still ¥60,000 (making it much cheaper per person). The tour group is private. That means there is only you and your family or you and your friends on the tour and no one else. Please note that we do NOT put different individuals or groups together, even upon request.

Do I Get A Discount If We Are Less Than 6 People?

The price is for a private group for 1 to 6 people. There are no discounts if there are less than the maximum number of people.

How Do I Pay For My Private Nara Walking Tour?

Payment is in cash at the conclusion of the tour or by credit card in advance of the tour (we can set up credit card billing). If you choose to pay in cash, please note that we accept yen cash or the equivalent amount in US/Euro cash.

Can I Cancel A Tour After Booking It?

You can cancel a tour with no penalty up to 48 hours before the scheduled start of the tour. If you cancel between 24 and 48 hours of the scheduled start, we charge you 50% of the price of the tour. Cancellations made fewer than 24 hours from the scheduled start of the tour incur a full 100% charge.

What’s Not Included In The Tour Price?

The tour fee covers the price of the guide. Transport to and from the tour and during the tours, drinks and snacks along the way, and temple/garden/entrance fees are not included in this price (these costs are usually minimal). Please note that for 6- or 8-hour tours, the guide will join you for lunch and we ask that you cover the cost of the guide’s lunch and their transport during the tour (usually a minimal expense).

How Do We Meet With Our Guide?

Your guide can meet you in the lobby of your hotel, ryokan, guesthouse or at any other convenient spot in Kyoto and then escort you by train to Nara. If you are already in Nara, your guide can meet you at your lodgings or at any other convenient spot in Nara. They can also drop you off there if you wish at the conclusion of the tour.

Will My Guide Speak Fluent English?

My guides all speak high-level international-standard English and most have studied abroad. They have all passed the Japan National Guiding License, which includes a very strict English language section.

Do We Stop To Eat?

On 6- or 8-hours tours, you will most likely stop for lunch en route. You might also stop for a drink at a teahouse or coffee shop en route. Please remember that these are fully private tours – the choice is up to you!

Where Can I Rest Along The Way?

Please do not feel that you have to walk at a certain pace for the entire tour. Or, for that matter, that you have to walk the complete distance or even finish the tour. Because these are fully private tours, you can rest as often as you wish: on park benches, in teahouses, at temple gardens, in restaurants and so on. And, if you tire of walking, you can always jump in a taxi.

Is It Easy To Find A Restroom?

Restrooms are very easy to find in Japan. Almost all attractions like temples have them, as do parks and restaurants.

How Do We Get Home At The End Of Our Tour?

It is your choice: Your guide can escort you back to your lodgings or can simply explain the best way to get there on your own. Or, if the day is not yet over, your guide can point you in the direction of additional sightseeing. Please keep in mind that if you choose to have your guide accompany you to your lodgings, this will be on the clock, so that you will have to leave some of the sights a little early to make it back before the end of the tour.

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Where Are These Places Located?

• Open the Nara map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Nara Travel Guide:

• Nara Travel Guide Overview
• Things To Do In Nara
• Places To Eat In Nara
• Nara Itineraries
• Nara Districts
• Nara Hotels
• Nara Ryokan
• Nara Cherry Blossoms
• Nara Fall Foliage
• Best Time To Go To Nara
• How To Get To Nara
• Getting Around Nara
• Nara Annual Festivals And Events

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
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Nara Itinerary: An Easy Day Trip from Kyoto

by Julie Dec 30, 2023 Itinerary , Japan , Travel

The historic city of Nara makes for an easy, relaxing, and interesting addition to your Kyoto itinerary . It’s got a lot to see and do for history, culture, and food lovers: giant Buddhas, famous temples and shrines, friendly deer, and great food. Visiting the city is also a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the bigger and busier cities of Japan.

In this post, I’m going to share with you how to visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto. You’ll find information on what to do in the city, where to eat, how to get there, and how to get around.

However, if you can fit more days for Nara into your Japan itinerary , then I highly recommend doing so. The city has so many UNESCO World Heritage Sites that to see them all requires three days.

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In This Post, You’ll Find…

Click on any item below to jump to that location in this article.

1. Why visit Nara

2. How long to spend in Nara

3. How to get to Nara

4. What to do when you get to Nara

5. How to get around Nara

6 . Detailed day trip itinerary

6.1 Kasuga Taisha Shrine

6.2 Taidoji Temple

6.4 Kofukuji Temple

Click here or on the map to view it in Google Maps

Why visit Nara

There are five main reasons to do some Nara sightseeing.

1. UNESCO Heritage Sites

The first reason to make a trip to Nara is that it has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Todaiji Temple – Day 1
• Kofukuji Temple  –  Day 1
• Kasuga-Taisha Shrine – Day 1
• Gangoji Temple – Day 3
• Toshodaiji Temple – Day 2
• Yakushiji Temple – Day 2
• Heijo Palace  – Day 3
• Kasugayama Primeval Forest – Day 3

The second reason to make a day trip to Nara is for its history.  It was the first permanent capital of Japan from 710 to 784.

Before Nara, Japan used to move its capital every time an emperor died ( Lonely Planet, 2022 ). However, during the Nara years when Buddhism became popular, this belief died out.

Why was Nara the capital for only 74 years?

There is no clear answer. It could have been because the court wanted to limit the power of the Buddhist monks who had become too powerful during the Nara period. Two other possible reasons may have been economic or logistics . Nara has no rivers, but Kyoto does.

3. Buddhism

The other reason that Nara is an important destination is that it played a central role in the initial rise of Buddhism in Japan .

Buddhism began to spread throughout Japan when Nara was its capital. At that time, the Emperor and many powerful families donated a lot of money to Buddhist temples and monasteries. Many of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples were built including the world’s largest wooden structure in the world, Todaiji Temple , and the most important Buddhist temple in Japan, Horyu-ji Temple,

The fourth reason to add Nara to your Japan itinerary is that Nara has some of the best Buddhist works of art in Japan .

The Nara period occurred during the height of Chinese civilization. Japan wanted to emulate China . Emperors sent emissaries to China to learn government, art, and Buddhism from them, and the Chinese sent teachers and monks to Japan.

Japan imported not only ideas but also medicine, musical instruments, furniture, paper, and many more. You can view these objects at the Nara National Museum.

The National Treasure Museum at Kofukuji Temple has some terrific works of art to view as well.  Sangatsu Hall also has some beautiful Buddhist sculptures.

5. Friendly Deer

For the non-historian, Nara gives the visitor a great experience in feeding wild but incredibly friendly deer. You can buy deer food from vendors in the parks and sidewalks for ¥200 .

BONUS:  I've created a FREE detailed PDF version of this 3-week Japan itinerary. The guide also includes step-by-step instructions for buying and using your Japan Rail Pass.

Click here to get lots of great tips for traveling around Asia as well as this FREE 3-week Japan itinerary guide. 

How long to spend in Nara

You can easily see the best attractions in Nara in one day .

But if you want to dig more deeply into Japan’s history and religion , you’ll need 3 days .

Here is a sample itinerary for 1, 2, and 3 days in Nara. Day 1 is what you would do if you’re only doing a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

Day 1 / Day Trip

• Kasuga Taisha and Wakamiya Shrines
• Todaiji Temple including Daibutsuden Hall to see the Great Buddha statue
• Kofukuji Temple

*If you still have time, walk around the Nakamachi area to see the old shophouses and storehouses.

If you’re staying overnight

• Horyu-ji Temple
• Yakushiji Temple
• Toshodaiji Temple
• Nara National Museum
• Heijo Palace Site
• Nakamachi Area
• Gango-ji Temple

How to get to Nara from Kyoto

You can easily visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto as it only takes between 34 and 75 minutes to get to Nara by train.

Unfortunately, figuring out which train to take can be confusing. First, two train companies do the route from Kyoto to Nara.

• Kintetsu Corporation

The good news is that the two lines both leave from Kyoto Station BUT they leave from different parts of the station. Just follow the signs when you get to the station.

• Japan Rail leaves from the JR Kyoto Station – entrance is on the north side of Kyoto Station where the buses are located
• Kintetsu Line leaves from Kintetsu Kyoto Station – entrance is on the south side of Kyoto Station but you can still get to it from the north side entrance. You just have to walk through the station.

Nara has 2 separate stations found in different parts of the city

• JR Trains leave from Nara Station ( Google Maps )
• Kintetsu Trains leave from Kintetsu Nara Station ( Google Maps )

Whichever train you take, just make sure to leave Kyoto before 8:00 am so that you have enough time to see all of Nara’s most important attractions.

• To find out train schedules, visit the Navitime website .
• For more information on taking trains in Kyoto, visit the Kyoto Station website. 
• To find out more information on routes to Nara, go to the Visit Nara website here.

Taking the JR Train to Nara

If you have a  Japan Rail Pass , you can use it to get to Nara. The express train with fewer stops takes 45 minutes , while the slower train that stops many, many, many times takes 75 minutes . I took the slow train to Nara and the express back to Kyoto.

There is at least one train leaving every hour .  Check the train schedule on the Navitime website .

According to Kyoto Station website , the train to Nara is supposed to leave from platforms 8, 9, and 10 .

The one downside is that the JR train arrives at Nara Station, which is farther from the main attractions in Nara than the Kintetsu Train Station. It’s not a big deal, though, as you can easily take the tourist bus for a small fee, which takes around 10 minutes (see the section on How to get around Nara for details).

• You can read about how to purchase, activate, and use a Japan Rail Pass here. 

Taking the Kintetsu Line to Nara

If you don’t have a JR pass and/or you’re really in a hurry, you can take the Kintetsu Line . This is supposed to take around 30 minutes , but I’ve also seen times of 60 minutes.

It looks like sometimes you even need to change trains along the way. If you take this train, make sure you’re taking a direct line .

From Kyoto, the train leaves from Kintetsu Kyoto Station in Kyoto Station and arrives in Nara at Kintetsu Nara Station, which is about a 5-minute walk to this itinerary’s main attractions.

Check the Navitime website for train times.

For information on taking this train from Kyoto, you can visit this website. 

Hiring a Car and Driver

You can hire a private car and driver to take you to and around Nara as well as Kyoto and Kobe. Expect to pay between US$320 – $1,000 for the car and driver for one day for between 1 and 10 people. It’s a good deal if you’re with a large group.

• Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe with private car and driver – RATING: 4.5/5 (121+ Reviews) – A Japanese driver with good reviews can take you and 6 – 9 other people around Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. READ REVIEWS & BOOK CAR & DRIVER
• Kyoto and Nara with English-speaking driver and guide – RATING: 5/5 (3+ Reviews) – An English-speaking driver and guide can take you and your friends on a customized trip around Kyoto and Nara. READ REVIEWS & BOOK CAR & DRIVER
• Kyoto and Nara with private car and driver – RATING: 4.6/5 (49+ Reviews) – A Japanese-speaking driver can take you and 6 – 9 friends around Kyoto and Nara for a hassle-free experience. READ REVIEWS & BOOK CAR & DRIVER

Join a Tour of Nara and Kyoto

Want to make your travels around Nara and Kyoto even easier? Take a guided tour of both cities in one day. Here are some highly-rated tours for you:

• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour – RATING: 4.4/5 (1K+ Reviews) – If you’re really short on time, you can combine a trip to the best attractions in Nara with those in Kyoto. The tour goes to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Forest, and Golden Pavillion in Kyoto and then to Nara Park to see Todai-ji and Daibutsu in Nara. This tour is by coach. All in one day!   READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour – RATING: 4.5/5 (1K+ Reviews) – Another highly-rated tour for those short on time who want to combine the best of Kyoto and Nara in one day. The tour takes you to the Bamboo Forest and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto and Nara Park to see Todai-Ji Temple and Daibutsu in Nara. Transport is by train. – READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE
• Kyoto and Nara Day Tour – RATING: 4. 8/5 (24+ Reviews ) – This Kyoto-Nara combo tour is pricier than the others but it’s by coach! In Kyoto, you’ll visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. In Nara, you’ll go to Nara Park to see Todai-ji and Daibutsu as well as the Kasuga Taisha Shrine .   READ REVIEWS & BOOK TOUR HERE

What to do when you get to Nara

If you arrive on a JR Train, begin your day in Nara by visiting the Nara City Tourist Information Centre ( Google Maps ) . When you exit the station, the Centre is on your left. Their website has a lot of useful information.

The Tourist Information Centre opens at 9:00 am and closes at 9 pm , but I was able to go inside before that to pick up some brochures and maps. No one was at the information desk.

Inside you’ll find lots of maps and tourist information. There’s an information desk, a popular Starbucks (all the seats and tables were taken when I was there in the afternoon), free wifi, a prayer room, and a luggage storage facility.

The Tourist Information Centre offers guided tours.

The Kintetsu Train Station also has a Nara City Tourist Information Centre ( Google Maps ).

While at either information center, make sure to pick up three guides: 

• Nara Sightseeing Map – Nara and surrounding areas
• Nara City Sightseeing Guide – just for inside Nara City
• Nara City Main Bus Route Map

Better yet, you can download loads of useful travel info from the Official Nara Travel site and do some super crazy planning beforehand.

⇒ You can also find out lots of information about Nara from the Nara City Tourist Association .

How to Get Around Nara

The best way to get around on this Nara itinerary is by bus or bike as it takes 45 minutes to walk from the Nara Train Station to Todai-ji Temple. If you’re trying to do see Nara in a day, 45 minutes will eat too much of your day.

Getting Around by Bus

There are Bus Information Centers at 2 places:

• JR Station – near the JR ticket gate; (8:30 am – 4:00 pm)
• Kintetsu Station – Nara Line House, 1F; (8:30 am – 4:00 pm)

The City Bus Terminal is outside of the Tourist Information Center of the JR Station. You can take the Nara Park Loop bus line. It passes by the major attractions.

According to the Nara bus schedule and route , these are the bus # you need to take to get to the major attractions around the city.

• Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha temple; in Nara Park) – #2, 70, 72, and 97
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine  (Nara Park) – #2, 70, 72, and 97
• Kofukuji – #2, 70, 72, and 97
• Toshodaiji Temple – #63, 70, 72, and 97
• Yakushiji Temple – # 63, 70, 72, and 97
• Horyuji Temple – #97 (runs every hour)

See the Nara City Bus Route map for more information. You can pick it up at the Nara Tourist Information Center.

Bus fare is ¥100. You can use your Pasmo or Suica cards to pay the fare. You can also get day passes (1 day: ¥500, 2 days: ¥1,500) for unlimited travel and discounts at certain places.

Google Maps will also tell you which bus to take in Nara and at what time it departs and arrives at your destination.

Getting Around by Bike

If you plan on renting a bike in Nara, read these rules and customs for riding a bike in Japan, so you don’t break the law or a cultural taboo.

• Rent a bicycle using the Nara Bike Sharing service – Visit their website to get a map of the bike-sharing stops and instructions on how to use the service. The first 30 minutes is ¥165 and a day pass is ¥1,529 .
• Rent an electric bike  from Yamato Kano Rental Cycle for ¥600 per day .

Check Out These Hidden Gems:

• Takayama Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Japan's "Little Kyoto"
• Travel Guide to Shirakawago: Enter a Japanese Fairy Tale
• Day Trip to Nara: A Suggested Itinerary

Nara Itinerary

On this day trip Nara itinerary (also day 1 of a 3-day itinerary), you’ll be spending it at Nara Park (Nara-Koen) . Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Todaiji, and Kofukuji are all technically located inside Nara Park.

1. Kasuga Taisha Shrine

COST: ¥500 for the main shrine; ¥500 for National Treasure Hall; FREE for worship area  | OPEN  9:00 – 4:00 pm (main shrine); 10:00 – 5:00 pm (national treasure hall); 6:30 am – 5:30 pm for Mar-Oct; 7:00 am – 5:00 pm for Nov – Apr (worship area)  | LOCATION: Google Maps

We’re going to start today off at the Kasuga Taisha Shrine located deep within Nara Park . The shrine was built in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, one of the most powerful families in Japan until the eleventh century.

The BEST part of visiting the shrine is getting to it. Once you enter Nara Park, you’ll be walking along a pathway dotted with friendly deer, towering trees, and hundreds of picturesque stone lanterns covered in bright green moss.

How to get to the Nara Park entrance:

There are several ways to get to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

• Walking – from the Nara Station, it’ll take 45 minutes total (20 minutes to the park entrance and another 25-30 minutes through the park to the shrine); it’s probably the best way to get to the shrine from Kintetsu Station, though.
• Bus #2 or #97 (220 yen) – get off at Kenchoazuma Bus Stop and then walk four minutes to the park entrance and then another 25 or 30-minute walk to the actual Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Red Nara Park Route Bus (100 yen) – A cheaper but longer route is to take the red park bus and get off at Kencho-mae/Nara Park Bus Terminal and walk for 6 minutes to the entrance to the park and then 25-30-minute walk through the park.
• Rent a bicycle using the Nara Bike Sharing service or Yamato Kanto Rental Bikes.

At 9:00 am, the monks and visitors meet at the Naoraiden Hall for morning prayers and chanting for world peace. Another traveler told me that the monks had been doing this ever since the tsunami hit Japan in 2012. After the prayers and chanting, the monks visit the  Wakamiya Jinja Shrine.  The prayers last 30 minutes.

You’ll be able to buy deer food to feed the deer . When I was there, it cost ¥150 – ¥200 .

You’ll eventually come to your first vermillion-colored torii gate . Pass through the gate and continue along the path. Now is when the path turns magical.

You’ll come to a Chozuyua where you’ll need to purify yourself before continuing on to the shrine.

• Pour water over your left hand
• Pour water over your right hand
• Rinse your mouth out with the water (don’t drink the water)
• Rinse off the tool

You can watch a video here on how to do it from my Meiji Shrine article ,

You’ll notice that the statue is that of a deer with a key in its mouth . When the shrine was established, the shrine’s deity rode in on a white deer. Ever since then, deer have been venerated in Nara as messengers of the Shinto gods.

The path is littered with over 2,000 of these beautiful bright green moss-covered stone lanterns.

 During the Satsubun Festival on February 2 – 4 and the Obon Festival in mid-August , all of the stone lanterns are lit.

Be prepared for steps. It is a long walk of about 20 or so minutes.

Eventually, you’ll come to the main shrine complex. You don’t have to pay to enter the outside buildings. Enter through the gate and if you’re there at 9:00 am, you should be able to hear the monks chanting . You should be allowed to enter and listen to the prayers. Just don’t take photos and don’t make noise.

You can then follow the monks up to the Wakamiya Shrine to complete the morning prayers.

The shrine is also known for these beautiful bronze lanterns.

You can walk around the complex.

By the time you exit the shrine, the tourists will be entering and the deer will be out and about looking for handouts of food. You can pet the deer and feed them.

2. Todaiji Temple Complex

COST (April 2024): ¥800 for adults and ¥400 for children; ¥1,200 (Daibutsuden & Todaiji Museum) | TIME: 7:30 am to 5:30 pm (April to October); 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (November to March) | WEBSITE: Todaiji | LOCATION: Google Maps

After visiting Kasuga Taisha, walk to one of the most historically significant temples in Japan, the Todaiji Temple (Great Eastern Temple). It is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nara.

There will be signs guiding your way to the temple. Just try to not step on the deer poop along the way!

The temple was originally founded in 738 but not opened until 752. The Buddhist monks of Todaiji amassed a great deal of power while Nara was Japan’s capital. Some say they were more powerful than the Emperor.

Todaiji consists of two important structures:

• Nandaimon – South Gate
• Daibutsu – Great Buddha Hall

There are several other Buddhist halls and buildings on the grounds of Todaiji. You need to pay fo each separately.

• Isui-en Garden and Neiraku Art Museum – there’s a teahouse
• Todaiji Museum – collection of religious and cultural art
• Nigatsu-do Hall – you can see the city from its balcony
• Hokkedo Hall (Sangatsudo) – oldest surviving building
• Shosoin Storehouse – not open to the public; stores the royal family’s treasures

2.1 Isui-en Garden and Neiraku Art Museum

COST: ¥1,200 for garden and museum | TIME: 9:40-4:30 (closed on Tu) | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you have time and need a rest before hitting another temple, visit the Isui-en Garden where you can drink tea while sitting on tatami mats overlooking a garden. Then visit the Neiraku Museum to look at some Chinese and Korean art.

2.2 Todaiji Nandaimon (South Gate)

Eventually, you, a hundred other tourists, and some friendly deer will make it to the first gate, Todaiji Nandaimon (south gate) .

The south gate was rebuilt in the 1200s, and I did not read of it being rebuilt after that, so what you’re seeing is around 800 years old.

After you pass through the Southern Gate, you’ll come to your first hall. This is where you purchase tickets to see the rest of the grounds and Daibutsu.

You can see on the top of the building what looks like bull’s horns but are actually fishtails . These tails represent water and are a way to ward off fire. Wooden temples are very susceptible to fire.

Todaiji burnt down in 1180 and 1567 over the year. The present structure is from the Edo period during the 1500s.

Take a left when you come to this building to buy your ticket. You can also buy a temple and museum combination ticket for ¥1,200 . 

Once you pay your ticket price, you’ll pass some souvenir stalls. You will also pass a table where you can get a free tour guide who will give you a short tour of the outside of the big hall. I got a nice Japanese retired Japanese businessman to be my guide.

2.3 Daibutsuden Hall (Great Buddha Hall)

After that, you’ll enter the inner part of Todai-ji, where you’ll come to the Daibutsu Hall (Big Buddha Hall). This building is the largest wooden structure in the world . It used to be even bigger!

Before entering the hall, make sure to purify yourself in the Chozuya , the water purification pavilion on the right hand side.

Once a year on New Year’s Day , the window where the Buddha’s eyes are located is opened. The eyes appear so that worshippers standing outside the hall can see them and pray to the Buddha.

Not only is the building impressive, but the large bronze Buddha statue is as well. In 737 there was a smallpox epidemic . To regain the favor of the gods, Emperor Shomu had this Buddha statue erected .

You can walk around to the back of the Buddha statue where you’ll find a model of the temple complex. The temple burnt down twice. This current temple is 1/3 the size of the original temple.

As you make your way behind the Buddha statue, you’ll come to this hole in a pillar. Supposedly, if you’re able to crawl through , you will achieve enlightenment .

The last favorite thing about Daibutsu-den is the statue of Pindola, on the right-hand side of the hall. Pindola was one of the 16 disciples of the Buddha. He was supposedly banished from the temple for becoming too powerful.

If you have a part of the body that aches or hurts, rub the corresponding part of the body on the statue, and it will feel better .

Does it work?

Try it and find out!

One last thing to pay attention to is the Octagonal Lantern in front of the hall. It was made when the Todai-ji was first built in 737.

2.4 Todaiji Museum

COST: Daibutsu and museum combination ticket: ¥1,200; TIME: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (Apr – Oct); 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (Nov – Mar)

If you have time, visit the Todaiji Museum. It was closed when I was there.

2.5 Nigatsu-do Hall and Hokkedo Hall

Then visit the Nigatsu-do Hall, which is located behind Daibutsu, and according to Lonely Planet, will provide you with nice views of Nara .

Then make your way to Hokkedo temple (also known as Sangatsudo), a place that contains some of the best Buddhist statues in Japan.

I wish I had taken the time to see these temples, but alas I didn’t. Hopefully, you will.

I recommend walking to the arcade complex near Kintetsu Train Station called Higashimuki Shopping Street ( Google Maps ) for lunch. I searched in vain for a restaurant near Todaiji Temple, but there weren’t any that looked appealing.

It’s about a 30-minute walk to the arcade past a lot of deer and tourists.

The arcade has tons of restaurants. I went to one called Fujin , on the left side as you enter the arcade. It had really wonderful and unique food.

However, I no longer see the restaurant on Google Maps or on Trip Advisor, so I think it’s become another victim of the pandemic. Still, check out the Arcade as there are lots of restaurants to choose from.

I had a dish called chazuke . There was grilled eel, tempura, rice, pickled vegetables, teapot with soup in it, and a seaweed salad. You put the eel on the rice and then pour the soup in a teapot over the eel and rice. The set meal cost ¥1500 . There was an English menu and the staff was kind and welcoming. The manager spoke English quite well.

You might be interested in these Japan travel posts:

• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Days: A City of a Million Temples
• The Best Ever Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Kamikochi Hiking: A Perfect Day Trip from Takayama

4. Kofukuji Temple

COST: Pay for each building separately | OPEN: Each building is different | WEBSITE: Kofukuji | LOCATION: Google Maps

The next UNESCO World Heritage site to visit on your Nara itinerary is Kofokuji Temple, a short walk from the arcade.

The history is fascinating as the temple’s destiny was tied up with the rise and fall of the Fujiwara clan , the most powerful family in Japan for over 500 years.

The Fujiwara family was the patron of Kofuku-Ji. They had the temple moved from its original location where it was built in 672 to Nara in 710. Over the years, the Fujiwara family donated a lot of money to the temple, helping make it rich and powerful.

Then in 1597 when Toyotomi Hideyoshi became Shogun, he took away the temple’s power and wealth .

Eventually, in 1717 a fire swept through the complex burning down many of the buildings. With its finances curtailed for so many years, the temple was unable to be rebuilt to its former glory.

The complex has several buildings. There are three buildings that require you to pay :

• Central Golden Hall
• Eastern Golden Hall
• National Treasure Museum

4.1 Central Golden Hall (Chukondo Hall)

COST: ¥500 (Adults); ¥300 (High School); ¥100 (Elementary School) | OPEN: 9:00 am  – 5:00 pm

The Central Golden Hall is the main hall . When I was there, it was undergoing reconstruction, so it was closed.

4.2 Eastern Golden Hall (Tokondo Hall)

COST: ¥300 (adults); ¥200 (High school); ¥100 (Elementary School)  | OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm 

This hall costs ¥300 to enter but if you also go to the National Treasure Museum (and you should), you can pay ¥900 to cover the Eastern Golden Hall and the Museum.

It’s an interesting hall with some beautiful old statues from the seventh to thirteenth centuries; unfortunately, you can’t take photos of them.

The temple was built by Emperor Shomu to pray for a sick aunt. That’s probably why many of the statues, including the main Buddha statue, seemed to be related to medicine.

4.3 Kofukuji National Treasure Hall

COST: ¥700 (Adults); ¥600 (High School); ¥300 (Elementary School) OPEN: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

The National Treasure Hall of Kofukuji is a museum that you’ve gotta visit!

The Buddhist sculptures are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen .

The place takes security very seriously. No photos. Tons of guards. I took out a pen and a notebook to take notes and the guards started following me around the whole time. A bit intense!

Make sure to look at the Thousand Armed Kannon and a series of reliefs with these Kabuki-like faces that come from the Eastern Golden Hall. There is also an interesting Buddha head with the facial features of a Japanese person.

4.4 Five-Story Pagoda

Supposedly, the five-story pagoda is the second tallest pagoda in Japan and a symbol of Nara. You can’t go inside.

4.5 Southern and Northern Octagonal Halls

The Southern and Northern Octagonal Halls get their name from their eight sides. One hall is from 1210 and the other from 1789.

There is an exit near the Octagonal Halls that leads to a road that you can take back to the Nara Station.

You might be interested in these posts:

• Japan Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Weeks in Japan
• Tokyo Itinerary: 4 Days in the Greatest City in the World
• Hakone Itinerary: A Guide for 2 Fabulous Days in Hakone

More Places to Visit in Nara

Naramachi – Tired of temples? Wander around Naramachi , a traditional neighborhood with well-preserved traditional shophouses and storehouses. Some of the businesses date back centuries. Check out the Naramachi-Koshi-no-Ie , a replica of a traditional shophouse, and the Machiya Museum with its collection of historic documents and photographs. ( Google Maps )

Gangoji Temple – Tucked away in the Naramachi neighborhood, Gangoji was the first full-scale Buddhist temple in Japan. ( Google Maps )

Nara National Museum – Want to see some more art from the Nara Period? The Nara National Museum exhibits treasures from the Nara period and Buddhist art from across Japan. For two weeks in October, the royal treasures from the Shosoin Storehouse are put on display for the public to see. ( Google Maps )

Heijokyu Imperial Palace – Looking for something free to do in Nara? Check out the Heijo Imperial Palace reconstruction. Wander through the museum learning about what imperial court life was like during the Nara period. ( Google Maps )

Yakushiji Temple – This large Buddhist temple complex is on the other side of Nara from Nara Park. Built in 698 in Fujiwara-Kyo, the temple was moved to Nara in 710. Many of the original buildings have been lost over time due to fires, earthquakes, and war. You can get to Yakushiji via bus #78.    ( Google Maps )

Toshodaiji Temple – A Buddhist Temple near Yakushiji, Toshodaiji was founded by a Chinese Buddhist priest, Ganjin, who had a great influence on Japanese Buddhism. ( Google Maps )

Sake Tasting – Nara has over 50 sake breweries . Many have tastings and tours. But only between November and March.

Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest – Looking to go for a hike near Nara? Mt. Kasuga Primeval Forest is the home of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and a great place for a hike. This forest has been off-limits to loggers and hunters for almost 1,200 years. You’ll find caves, waterfalls, Buddhist statues, wild animals, and over 175 different species of trees. ( Google Maps )

Mt. Yoshino – Are you staying overnight in Nara? Mt. Yoshino is one of Japan’s best places to view the fall colors and the Cherry Blossoms. There are many ryokans with onsen baths and views of the mountain. It also has a sacred pilgrimage route Mt. Yoshino is also a great place for hiking. ( Google Maps )

Imaicho Town – Visit this well-preserved Eido town on a day trip from Nara. Imaicho was the home of many wealthy merchants. You can tour some of the historic homes. ( Google Maps )

Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Are you wondering  whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it?

In this guide to the Japan Rail Pass , I break down the transportation prices for each of the destinations in this Japan itinerary of 3 weeks . Then I compare them to the 2024 price of a Japan Rail Pass.

You'll also find out where and how to purchase a Japan Rail Pass, how to activate the Pass when you get to Japan, and how to use the Pass. Check out the current Japan Rail Prices from my favorite travel agency in Japan or book your pass through Klook .

Back to Kyoto

Check the time of the last train on the Navitime website . There are trains going back to Kyoto every hour. It looks like the last JR train leaves at 11:10 pm.

Final Thoughts: Nara Itinerary

So that’s it for this one-day Nara itinerary. I hope you enjoy your time in Nara as much as I did.

I’d definitely add a day trip to this historic city to your Kyoto itinerary .

Drop a comment or question in the Comment Section below. If you have found this article helpful, please share it with others on social media.

Where to go After Nara?

• Hiroshima and Miyajima Travel & Itinerary Guide
• Kyoto Travel & Itinerary Guide
• Hakone Travel & Itinerary Guide
• Takayama Travel & Itinerary Guide
• Kanazawa Travel & Itinerary Guide
• Shirakawa-go Travel & Itinerary Guide
• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Travel & Itinerary Guide

Best Resources for Your Trip to Japan

Book your flights for japan.

Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Japan. They will turn up results for all airlines including major ones and local airlines. You’re going to find EVERYTHING that’s available and thus get the cheapest price.

Book Your Accommodations for Japan:

The best hotel booking sites for Japan are Booking.com and Agoda . They have the biggest selection, and they consistently churn out hotels and hostels at the lowest prices of any other booking site. Another website for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World .

Book Your Tours for Japan:

The three best tour booking sites for Japan are Viator , Get Your Guide , and Klook . Viator has the biggest selection. Get Your Guide has terrific customer service. Klook specializes in tours in Asia.

Get Connected when in Japan:

You’ve got 3 options for staying connected in Japan: a pocket WiFi (what I used), a physical SIM card , or an eSIM . Several companies offer eSIMs for Japan. I recommend getting one through Klook or Airalo .

Book your Japan Rail Passes:

Japan has many different types of passes. The JR Pass is one of the most popular passes. Buy them through Klook before your trip to Japan. There are other passes as well like the Hakone Freepass .

Get Your Rail Pass for Tokyo

Get an unlimited train pass for most metro lines in Tokyo. They’re good for 1, 2, or 3 days. I always get the 3-day pass.

Are you on Pinterest?

Hey! How about saving one of these pins to Pinterest to read for later?

And feel free to follow me on Pinterest for lots more travel info!

Looking for more on Japan? Check out these posts:

• Japan Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan
• Tokyo Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Tokyo
• Hakone Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Hakone
• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Weeks: A City of a Million Temples
• Nara Itinerary: The Perfect Day Trip from Kyoto
• Matsumoto Itinerary: Exploring Japan's Coolest Castle
• Shirakawago Itinerary: Enter a Japanese Fairytale
• The Ultimate Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima
• Kamikochi Hiking: The Perfect Day Trip from Takayama
• Takayama Itinerary: Travel Back in Time to Old Japan
• The Best Ever Guide to Japan's Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Top 10 Must-See Places to Visit in Kyoto
• 13 Things You Need to Know Before Going to Japan
• The 20 Best Novels to Read Before Visiting Japan

We just came back from Nara, and your guide was awesome!

Deer snacks are now ¥200. Darn inflation!

Thank you so much! I’m glad my guide helped you in planning your trip! Good to know about the increase in prices of the deer snacks.

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Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

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Japan itinerary posts.

• Japan Itinerary : The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan
• Hakone Itinerary : How to Spend 2 Days in Hakone
• Kamikochi Hiking : The Perfect Day Trip from Takayama
• Kanazawa Itinerary: 2 Days in the City of Samurais
• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Weeks : A City of a Million Temples
• Matsumoto Itinerary : Exploring Japan’s Coolest Castle
• Nara Itinerary : The Perfect Day Trip from Kyoto
• Takayama Itinerary : Travel Back in Time to Old Japan
• The Best Ever Guide to Japan’s Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Tokyo Itinerary : How to Spend 4 Perfect Days in Tokyo

Posts About Kyoto

• Kyoto Itinerary: A City of a Million Temples
• Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Kyoto
• The Best of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine
• The Best of Kyoto: The Bamboo Forest
• The Best of Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple
• The Best of Kyoto: Tenryu-ji Temple

Preparing for a Trip to Japan

• Top 10 Must-Visit Places to Visit in Kyoto
• How to Find the Perfect Place to Stay in Tokyo
• Traveling Solo in Japan: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
• Don’t Panic: What to do if you need a doctor in Japan

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walk with a local Guide

Let us take you on a tour to Ancient Japan. With us, you will see the beauty of our history, our culture, and ingenuity of our ancestors.

Experience Nara, the first capital of Japan with NaraWalk! We also offer tours in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji and more!

Disponible en français

NaraWalk started in 2009 in Nara. Our value is  “to make your day with us the best day in Japan!”

All our guides are nationally licensed professionals from Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. From the major tourist attractions to a rural village, from taxi tours to walking tours, we are ready and happy to be a part of your Japan Trip!

featured Tour

Be a Potter in Rural Nara!

There are places that locals know but are not visited by foreign tourists. Muro is one such area. It takes longer to get here than tourist populated destinations, but still we wish if you could be here!  <LEARN MORE>

POTTERY LESSON

This tour comes with a pottery lesson at a local potter’s private studio., painting plan 1000 yen~, pottery plan 1500 yen ~., <see details>, private tours, enjoy nara at your own pace, customize a tour just for your family or group., whether to make a tour easier for grandparents or to make the most of the time available, private tour is here to meet your needs., we have also worked with schools taking our tour as a part of an academic curriculum or as an excursion..

Private Tour Page

Going to Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, or even Hiroshima?

Narawalk goes beyond nara, we offer private tours to nara’s neighboring cities, and to cities good for a day trip from kansai region such as hiroshima..

[email protected]

090-6609-0130 090-1158-2638

GROUP Walking Tours in Nara

All group walking tours are available for private tours!

All tours including Nara Park Classic Tour requires a reservation 2 days in advance.

MAKE IT PRIVATE

Book these tours private for your family, group, or school excursion. We can customize all these tours according to your needs.Private tour fee applies.

SEE PRICE TABLE

Nara Park Classic Tour

MOST POPULAR

All-time-favorite tour covering World Heritage Sites to popular Deer Park!  Enjoy must-sees of Nara through the eyes of our local guides!  <READ MORE>

  ¥6,000/per

MON. WED. FRI.  10 a.m. ~ 1 p.m.

Afternoon Old Town Stroll

Visit traditional townhouses, taste rice syrup, drink sake etc. – see how people live and lived in the small old town Naramachi. Good to go on after Nara Park Classic Tour.   READ MORE

  ¥3,000/per

Toshodaiji/Yakushiji Half-Day

Forget the bustle of everyday life and soak yourself in the 8th-century religious world. Visit less touristy and quiet area.  <READ MORE>

  ￥7,000/per

  1:30 p.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.

Horyuji Todaiji One-day Tour

Be amazed by the world’s oldest and biggest wooden structures! Highly recommended for architecture lovers!  <READ MORE>

  ¥10,000/per

  10 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.

Half-Day Horyuji Tour

Walk around a group of the 7th-century original structures. Historical, educational and marvelous!  <READ MORE>

français: Promenade Classique à Nara

Voulez-vous faire une visite guidée en français au cœur de Nara avec un guide agréé ?  <Lisez la suite>

  10 a.m. ~ 1 p.m.

CONTACTEZ-NOUS

Tours in Kyoto

Details of tours in this section are in our Kyoto website – KYOTO PREMIUM TOURS .

Hired Car Tour

Hired car tour escorted by a guide with national licence Not only relaxing and comfortable,[…]

The World of Grace and Elegance – Northern-Higashiyama

Escape the bustling crowds and enjoy a relaxing walk to the typically elegant and graceful[…]

Wonders of Mixed Treasures – Arashiyama Walk

Visit a beautiful resort area of ancient court nobles in western Kyoto and enjoy the[…]

A Journey of Spiritual Quest – Southern Higashiyama

Start with a secret temple, follow the labyrinth of alleys clearing your mind, reaching one[…]

Fully Customizable VIP Tour

Premium Fully Customized Private Tour – Something More Special, More Unique and More Enjoyable! Experience[…]

Why tour with Nara Walk

Expert guides.

We are National government licensed guide interpreters with charming personalities!

Satisfy Curiosity

Fun and efficient.

“Amazing tour of Nara” “Our guide was wonderful!” “Nara was the Highlight of our Entire Japan Trip”

Nara Afternoon Tour – Todaiji Temple and Deer Park From Kyoto

• Kyoto , Tour Reviews

The Nara Afternoon Tour – Todaiji Temple and Deer Park From Kyoto, bookable on Viator, takes visitors on a cultural journey through the historic city of Nara.

This half-day tour allows guests to explore iconic landmarks such as Todai-ji Temple, home to an impressive bronze Buddha statue.

The tour also includes a visit to the deer park, where over 1,000 deer roam freely, providing a unique opportunity for interaction.

With informative guides and a chance to experience Nara’s rich heritage, this tour offers a memorable cultural experience.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The tour starts at 01:30 PM and lasts for half a day.
• The tour includes visits to temples, shrines, and attractions in Nara, including Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Shrine.
• One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to see the impressive Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and bronze Buddha statue.
• Another highlight is the unique deer park in Nara, where over 1,000 deer roam freely.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

Private Airport Transfer Kansai Airport in Kyoto Using Hiace

• Samurai Experience & Kenbu Show in Kyoto
• Perfect 4 Day Sightseeing in Japan
• Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) to Kyoto – Arrival Private Transfer

The Magnificent Todaiji Temple

The tour includes visiting the magnificent Todaiji Temple, home to the impressive Daibutsuden and a bronze Buddha statue.

Todaiji Temple, located in Nara, Japan, holds great historical and architectural significance. Built in the 8th century, it served as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples and played a vital role in the development of Buddhism in Japan.

The temple complex is famous for its grand architecture, characterized by intricate wooden structures and exquisite craftsmanship. The main hall, known as Daibutsuden, is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and houses a colossal bronze statue of Buddha.

The temple’s history and architecture make it a must-visit attraction for those interested in Japanese culture and religious heritage.

Exploring the Daibutsuden – Great Buddha Hall

Visitors can explore the Daibutsuden – Great Buddha Hall and admire the colossal bronze Buddha statue during their visit to Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan. The Daibutsuden is an architectural marvel, known for its grandeur and historical significance. Built in the 8th century, it’s one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

The hall houses the Great Buddha, a magnificent statue that stands at over 15 meters tall. The Daibutsuden’s architecture reflects the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient Japanese artisans.

Along With the temple, Nara is also famous for its population of deer. Considered sacred, these deer freely roam the city and are protected by the locals. They’ve become a symbol of Nara’s cultural heritage and attract travelers from all over the world.

A Delightful Encounter With Nara’s Deer Park

Did anyone have a delightful encounter with Nara’s Deer Park during their visit?

The Deer Park experience in Nara is a unique and memorable one that allows visitors to interact with over 1,000 freely roaming deer.

Here are three reasons why this experience is worth mentioning:

• Up-close interactions: Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the deer, feeding them special deer crackers known as ‘shika senbei.’ It’s truly a delightful experience to see these gentle creatures approach you and eat from your hand.
• Serene natural surroundings: Nara’s Deer Park isn’t only home to these friendly deer but also a beautiful natural landscape. Walking through the park, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the lush greenery surrounding them.
• Cultural significance: The deer in Nara’s Deer Park are considered sacred and have a special place in Japanese folklore and religion. They’re seen as messengers of the gods and are protected as a national treasure. Interacting with them allows visitors to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

The Deer Park experience in Nara provides a unique opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures while immersing oneself in the serene beauty of nature and Japanese culture.

Serenity at Kasuga Shrine

As the tour guide led the group through Nara, they paused to take in the serene beauty of Kasuga Shrine, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Kasuga Shrine, located in the Nara Park, is known for its tranquil surroundings and picturesque scenery. The shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, with a path leading up to the main entrance lined with stone lanterns.

Inside, visitors can admire the intricate details of the shrine’s architecture and the numerous bronze lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The peaceful ambiance of Kasuga Shrine creates a sense of serenity and calm, allowing visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Many travelers find solace in the peaceful surroundings at Kasuga Shrine, making it a popular destination for those seeking a moment of tranquility in the heart of Nara.

Highlights of Nara’s Temples and Shrines

The tour guide points out the intricate architecture and historical significance of Nara’s temples and shrines, and highlights their cultural importance.

Exploring the architecture of these ancient structures provides a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The temples and shrines in Nara aren’t only visually stunning but also hold great historical significance. They’ve witnessed centuries of religious and political power and continue to be important sites of worship.

The intricate woodwork, elaborate carvings, and majestic statues showcase the craftsmanship and skill of the artisans who built them. Each temple and shrine has its own unique story to tell, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Japan’s past.

From the towering Todai-ji Temple to the serene Kasuga Shrine, Nara’s temples and shrines are a testament to the country’s fascinating history and cultural identity.

The Enchanting Bronze Buddha Statue

Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the enchanting bronze Buddha statue during their visit to Todai-ji Temple.

The bronze Buddha statue, known as the Daibutsu, holds great significance in Japanese Buddhism. Standing at a height of over 15 meters, it’s the largest bronze statue of Buddha in Japan. The statue was cast in the 8th century and represents the Vairocana Buddha, the cosmic Buddha of the Mahayana tradition. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the statue are truly remarkable, with each feature delicately sculpted.

Apart from its artistic value, the bronze Buddha also holds religious significance, attracting countless pilgrims and travelers from around the world.

Plus, visitors can also enjoy interactions with the friendly deer that freely roam the nearby deer park, creating a unique and memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Nara Afternoon Tour?

The minimum age requirement for the tour is not specified. However, it is important to note that infants must sit on laps and the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Certain restrictions may apply.

Are There Any Restrictions on Feeding or Interacting With the Deer in Nara’s Deer Park?

There are feeding regulations in place at Nara’s Deer Park to ensure the well-being of the deer and visitors. These regulations are part of the conservation efforts to maintain a healthy environment for both.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants on the Nara Afternoon Tour are allowed to bring their own food and drinks. However, there may be restrictions on feeding the deer in the park.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Temples and Shrines in Nara?

There is no specific dress code for visiting temples and shrines in Nara, but it is recommended to wear appropriate attire out of respect. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is generally considered appropriate.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Expenses Not Included in the Tour Price?

Additional fees or expenses are not included in the tour price. There is no minimum age requirement, but there are restrictions on feeding and interacting with deer. Bringing your own food and drinks is allowed. There is a dress code for visiting temples and shrines in Nara.

To sum it up, the Nara Afternoon Tour – Todaiji Temple and Deer Park From Kyoto offers visitors a cultural and historical experience in the ancient city of Nara.

With informative guides and iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Todaiji Temple and the serene Kasuga Shrine, visitors can enjoy the rich heritage of Japan.

Although some guests felt the tour was rushed, overall, it provides a delightful opportunity to explore Nara’s temples, shrines, and interact with the gentle deer population.

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The Perfect Nara Day Trip (One Day Itinerary)

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If you’re staying in Kyoto or Osaka during your trip to Japan, you may want to take a day trip to Nara. This one day Nara itinerary shows you how to get there and what to do in under 24 hours.

Famous for its hundreds of deer roaming around a large park within the city, beautiful Japanese zen gardens and ancient shrines that date back to when Nara was Japan’s first capital city – Nara shouldn’t be missed when visiting Japan.

Located only a short train ride from both Kyoto and Osaka, taking a day trip to Nara can be the perfect addition to your itinerary. The city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites

This one day Nara itinerary will help you plan the perfect day trip in this gorgeous little city. Let’s dive in.

8. Take the train back to Kyoto/Osaka

Nara day trip from osaka by train.

One day in Nara overview & map

Not got time to read the full guide? No problem! Here is a quick overview of the Nara day trip itinerary and a map with all points of interest:

Nara day trip itinerary

Here is my one day Nara itinerary, perfect for a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.

1. Arrive in Nara

Start the day by arriving in the beautiful city of Nara. Whether you’re travelling from Kyoto, Osaka or some other city, I’d highly recommend arriving before 10 AM. Because it’s only a one day trip, you want to make sure you have enough time to see everything.

Nara has two main train stations: JR Nara Station and Kintetsu-Nara station . If you arrive at JR Nara Station, you can start your day by visiting the Tourist Information Centre. It’s located right outside the station and you can pick up a free booklet filled with information about the deer park, the shrines and temples. You can also find a Starbucks in this building.

Kintetsu-Nara station is located a bit closer to the sights we’re going to explore today and if you do not have a JR Pass, it’s usually cheaper to get a train to this station instead. We’ll explain how to get to Nara from either Kyoto or Osaka later in this article .

2. Visit Kofuku-ji temple (Kōfuku-ji)

Kofuku-ji Temple is located only a few minutes from Kintetsu-Nara station. It’s a little bit further from JR Nara Station, but this gives you a chance to walk through some of Nara’s iconic streets. Kofuku-ji Temple is one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites that can be found in Nara.

Visiting the temple grounds of Kofuku-ji is free. You do have to pay a few hundred yen for entering some of the buildings, including the Central Golden Hall, the Eastern Golden Hall and the National Treasure Museum.

The original Central Golden Hall at Kofuku-ji Temple was destroyed in a fire almost 300 years ago. It has been reconstructed to its original size and opened to the public in October 2018. Inside, you can find the Yakushi Buddha.

Take some time to explore the temple grounds, as there are many shrines and temples to admire. Moving towards the side, you can find the Southern Octagonal Halls . These buildings date back over a thousand years.

3. Wander through Isuien Garden

Next on our Nara day trip itinerary is Isuien Garden. It’s not far from the Kofuku-ji temple grounds. Translated into English, the garden’s name means “garden founded on water”.

The front garden dates back to the 17th century, while the back garden was built in 1899. Inside the garden, you will find several tea houses. This garden is a perfect example of what I imagined Japanese Zen Gardens to look like.

4. Visit Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is one of Nara’s most famous buildings. Also listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Todai-ji is the world’s largest wooden structure. It houses the world’s largest Daibutsu-san, or Bronze Buddha Statue, in the Great Buddha Hall.

The temple was established in 752. If you’re planning your one day in Nara, make sure to stop by this temple – it was by far my favourite sight in the city.

It is almost impossible to grasp the size of Todai-ji. The fact that this building is entirely made out of wood is incredible. At first, we thought the entrance of Todai-ji was the temple (pictured below). We were already blown away at the sheer size of it, only to find the actual temple a bit further down the street…

To enter the building, you pay an entree fee for the museum or buy a combined ticket for the museum and the hall. Inside the hall, you can witness Japan’s largest Buddha statue in bronze.

5. Explore Nara Deer Park and Mt. Wakakusa

By the time you’ll get to Nara Deer Park, you’ll probably already have encountered some deer. It is probably one of Nara’s most famous spots and something the city is definitely using to attract tourists. Shops are filled with stuffed animals in the shape of deer and there are countless little stands selling deer crackers.

Over 1,200 sika deer roam around the park freely. They are wild animals but have grown accustomed to the visitors. They pose for Instagram stories and beg for a few of the deer crackers that are sold around the park. A pack will cost you ¥100 – ¥150 and gives you a chance to feed the deer.

Please make sure to not feed them anything else, you wouldn’t want them to get sick.

A fun fact to keep in mind while visiting Nara Park is that the deer have learned to bow to visitors. Bowing in Japanese culture is a form of showing respect, and the deer will actually return the favour. Give it a go while you’re at the park – chances are, the deer will bow back to you.

Around Nara Park, you can find many shops and food stands. Whether you’re still looking for the perfect souvenir or just looking for a snack, these stands are really fun to nose around in. It’s a great way to support the local community.

6. Visit Kasuga-Taisha

Nara has quite a few shrines and temples to visit. So when you’re only in Nara for one day, you’ll have to pick and choose. That’s why I’d recommend visiting Kasuga-Taisha. It fits perfectly with the walking route of this one-day itinerary and gives you the chance to visit one of Nara’s most beautiful shrines.

Kasuga-Taisha is famous for its 3,000 stone lanterns lining up the path towards the entrance. They are also known as “toro”. This shrine is another one of eight Nara UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was built in 768 and has been rebuilt every 20 years until 1863. This was done because of the Shinto concept of purity.

7. Shop on Higashimuki Shopping Street & Mochiidono Shopping Arcade

There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Nara, especially at the more touristy places like Nara Deer Park. But if you’re looking for some better places to shop, you should check out Higashimuki Shopping Street and Mochiidone Shopping Arcade.

Both are located within walking distance of each other and filled with unique shops and food stands. If you’re not sure what to buy in Nara, there are lots of options here. Products you can expect to find include kimonos, ceramics, traditional Japanese sweets and handkerchiefs made from traditional Nara fabric.

Most tourist attractions close quite early in Nara. That’s why it’s so important to get here as early as possible. After grabbing some dinner, it’s time to make your way back to either Kyoto or Osaka. This also gives you some time to unwind or grab a drink near your hotel.

For more information on how to get to Nara from Kyoto or Osaka, read the next part of this guide:

How to get to Nara

Since Nara is located close to both Kyoto and Osaka, it makes for the perfect day trip destination. By using the train, you can get to Nara within an hour from either cities.

Nara day trip from Kyoto by train

If you want to visit Nara while staying in Kyoto, you can use the JR Nara Line or the private Kintetsu Line.

If you are a Japan Rail Pass holder, you can use the JR Nara Line with your pass for this trip. From Kyoto, it takes between 40–70 minutes to get to Nara pending on which train you use. You can either use the JR Nara Line Local or the JR Nara Line Rapid Service . If you can get the Rapid Service, I’d recommend it, as it is 25 minutes quicker.

If you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass, you can choose to use the private Kintetsu Line to get to Nara from Kyoto. This train journey will cost you a bit less and will get you to Kintetsu-Nara station within 35 minutes. You can pick this line over the JR line because it’s much quicker, it’s cheaper (if you do not use a JR Pass) and Kintetsu-Nara is located more centrally compared to JR Nara Station.

Visiting Nara for a day trip from Osaka is also possible. Two train lines connect Osaka with Nara: The JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line.

If you are using a Japan Rail Pass to travel to Nara, you can use the JR Yamatoji Line. From Osaka Station, it takes about 50 minutes when using the JR Yamatoji Rapid Services .

Are you travelling from JR-Namba Station in Osaka? Then you can get the local train to Shinimamiya Station and then continue your journey on the JR Yamatoji Line to Nara with your JR Pass. 

If you are not using a Japan Rail Pass, you can use the Kintetsu-Nara Line to get to Nara. From Osaka-Namba Station, you can get the Kintetsu Line to Kintetsu-Nara. This train will get you to Nara in 38 minutes.

Picking the Kintetsu-Nara Line over the JR Pass (when you’re not using a JR Pass) makes it cheaper and quicker. It will get you to a more central point in Nara. Kintetsu-Nara Station is located closer to the Deer Park compared to JR Nara Station.

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Where to stay when visiting Nara

Since Nara is easy to reach from both Kyoto and Osaka, it’s best to take a day trip from either of those cities. This way, you’ll avoid having to carry your luggage to Nara for a very short stay. A day trip to Nara is cheap and very easy, as the itinerary above shows.

We have full guides on where to stay in Kyoto and Osaka . In these guides, we’ll share the best areas in each city, along with the best hotels for different types of travellers.

If you are planning on staying in Nara for longer than a day, I’d recommend getting a hotel near the train station. This way you’ll be able to get to the hotel with your suitcases without any hassle and are located close to any sights.

More than one day in Nara?

Even though Nara is perfect for a day trip, there is enough to do and see for more than one day. If you are planning to spend more time in Nara, I recommend checking out some of the following:

• Heijo Palace : Formerly known as Nara’s Imperial Palace, Heiji Palace now acts as a popular tourist attraction. The palace ground is over a square kilometre big and is one of Nara’s World Heritage Sites.
• Yoshikien Garden : A beautiful garden that includes three different styles of Japanese garden scaping. Admission is free for tourists.
• Nara National Museum: Located inside Nara Deer Park, Nara National Museum is filled with statues, scrolls and other ceremonial objects telling the story of Nara’s and Japan’s history. Perfect for a rainy day.

Finish your Japan itinerary

Nara makes for a great day trip, but what else should be on your Japan itinerary? We’ve got a ton of guides about the best places in Japan, including some pre-made itineraries that you can copy for free:

• Three week Japan itinerary
• Two week Japan itinerary
• One day in Osaka
• Two days in Kyoto
• How to plan a trip to Japan
• 50 best things to do in Japan .

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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44 thoughts on “The Perfect Nara Day Trip (One Day Itinerary)”

Thanks for all the great information. I so badly want to visit Japan. Hopefully next year!

Really hope you get to go! It was such a dream come true for me <3

Pretty bussy schedule, but I am sure it was worth it! I will keep your tips in mind, although it will take lots of time, till I get to Japan!

It was definitely worth it ^_^ Luckily, Nara isn’t too big so walking from one place to the other didn’t take too long 🙂 Hope you get to visit soon!

Ahhh looks like such an amazing day trip! Would love to visit Nara one day, the deer look sooo cuuute 😍 Love your blog btw ☺️

Thank you so much! 🙂 We really enjoyed visiting Nara, it was a nice little change from the busy cities haha!

I absolutely loved Nara, and also spent one full day there. 💕 it’s such an enchanting place.

Couldn’t agree more! So lovely 🙂

This is such a good post, I really enjoyed reading it! It’s interesting that it’s rude to eat on the trains in Japan, I eat on trains all the time in the U.K. without a second thought! And it’s so cute that the deers bowed back!

Yeah, I do the same! Especially during longer trips on the train, it’s quite common to eat on them in the UK – luckily I did a bit of research on Japanese etiquettes haha!

I’d never even heard of Nara before but now I can’t wait to visit when we go to Japan! The deer farm looks and sounds so cute too! X http://www.imjustagirl16.co.uk

Definitely try to go if you’re ever back in Japan – it’s such a lovely town!

This play by play of the day is amazing. Japan has been on my travel list for a while now. Places are definitely added!!!

So glad you enjoyed the post! Definitely try to add Nara if you have a spare day in Osaka or Kyoto – it’s so cute!

Nara looks so beautiful, although knowing me I’d stay way too long feeding those cute deer!

Hahaha that’s so cute though! We definitely spent way too much money on those deer crackers haha, couldn’t resist!

This is such a neat looking place to visit! I would love to visit that deer park! Everything looks so beautiful!

It really is such a lovely place, people look after it so well! Hope you get to visit it someday 🙂

I love looking at the temple and the architecture, there’s so much to learn about their history!! I’ve never been to Japan (yet) but I definitely want to go to the Nara deer Park. I didn’t know they could bow back, I think that’s so adorable!! 🤣 Thank you for sharing! xx

I couldn’t agree more, I absolutely loved learning about the history. It’s something that I really appreciate in Japan. There’s so much culture that dates back thousands of years, it’s almost impossible to grasp sometimes!

So much useful information here! I would love to go to the deer park if I ever get to go to Japan, they’re so cute! The architecture is so beautiful too. Amazing photos! I didn’t know that eating on a train is seen as disrespectful in Japan either, that’s definitely a handy tip x

If you ever get the chance to go, please do! Japan was probably my favourite destination every and I really want to go back next year ^^

Japan has always been one of my top places that I one day want to travel too but I’ve never actually heard of Nara which means I have another place to add to my to-do list and places to visit when I finally one day get to go! Thank you for this blog post, it looks like you had an amazing time and I love your photographs!

I’m so glad you learned about Nara in this post! If you ever go to Japan, definitely make sure to plan a little day-trip there. It’s so easy to get to from Kyoto or Osaka and definitely worth your time 🙂

The deer park looks amazing and all of the scenary looks so gorgeous! It’s great that you got to fit so much into one day as well

Kayleigh Zara 🌿 http://www.kayleighzaraa.com

Isn’t it just magical :D? We were really glad to find out that the city centre of Nara isn’ very big, so you can fit a lot into one day ^^

Ma’am, why are you living the dream life aka my dream life??? I am so seriously jealous!! But seriously, this was such a good run down of Nara. I hope I can go there one day and follow your itinerary. But those deer! OMG! I was squeeing just from the pictures! So adorable!!!

https://www.thatweirdgirllife.com

Aww thank you! I really hope you get to visit Japan soon! If you need any help with planning your trip, feel free to message me 🙂

I miss Japan so much. Nara was one of my highlights! Love your pictures too! 😘 Can’t wait to see what comes next!

http://Www.blondedaisychains.co.uk

Thank you lovely! Nara was one of my favourite places, it really felt like “ancient Japan” if that makes sense. I kinda expected Kyoto to be like that more!

Amazing post, thank you so much for sharing, I have wanted to go to Japan for so long! It’s a dream destination of mine, there’s so many places to see – will definitely be booking a trip to Japan at some point <3

Chloe xx http://www.chloechats.com

Thank you Chloe, so glad you enjoyed this itinerary! If you ever go to Japan, feel free to message me and I can help putting a plan together for you ^^

Wow this place looks absolutely stunning – definitely want to take my camera here one day…

It really is just beautiful! Especially during the autumn when the leaves change colours, it’s a dream destination for photographers! 😀

Wow, what a busy day! I have been to Japan but not to Nara I will have to put it on my list of places to visit next time I’m in Japan.

Japan is always a great option and I love going back. Nara is one of the most peaceful places in the country. and the people are nice too. The deer park with the cute deers was my favourite.

Such a good guide to the main sights in Nara! How long would you say this itinerary would take from the Kintetsu-Nara station? I’m thinking of making a half day trip to Nara from Osaka if I can get there early morning, but wanting to squeeze in as much as I can. I’m travelling myself so not planning to stop anywhere too long or for a sit down meal that day, so hoping I could see everything by mid-afternoon. Does that seem doable?

Hi Julie! That does sound doable – it may be best to skip a couple of the sights if you only have half a day (possibly skip Kasuga-Taisha) just to make sure you see as much as possible without having to rush too much 🙂

wow! This is really helpful! I’ll be in Osaka next week and until now, our iti is still finalize. This really help me ensure we can visit NARA efficiently. Thank you so much!

I did this exact itinerary today from JR Nara Station (East Gate) and it worked a treat! Had to speed run a few bits as time was limited (day trip from Osaka, returning there to catch Shinkansen to Tokyo), but we saw more than enough. And the deers really do bow!

So glad to hear this Steve! Hope you had a great time 🙂

We’re planning a day trip to Nara from Kyoto right now. We arrived in Nara around 11:30am. How many hours did this take you to hit all these stops with enough time to explore + take pictures?

You’d probably need around 5-6 hours for all of these, so that’s definitely doable 🙂

Had just a day to see Nara. Found this article and it was perfect! Definitely wear your walking shoes, it was a great and well thought out route. I got in at 10am as recommended and it was cold and rainy…not too crowded and i finished everything by 2pm…including a lunch stop at Mizuya Chaya which is on the way to the Kasuga Taisha shrine. Very small but delicious and friendly, don’t be intimidated! Thanks for the spot-on comprehensive day trip to Nara!

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
• Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

• Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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EXPLORE ARASH IYAMA

BAMBOO GROVE LIKE NO OTHER

The bamboo grove is mesmerizing, but there is so much more to experience in Arashiyama. We designed that tour to get the best of that area, on foot, so you can see its true beauty and potential.

NARA ITINERARY: 1 DAY / DAY TRIP FROM OSAKA OR KYOTO

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 8, 2019 | Itinerary , Japan , Nara | 0 comments

With so many places to explore in Japan, repeat visits beckon, each ancient city here offers a unique  Japanese culture, just like Nara.  Despite having 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nara is largely overshadowed by its more famous neighbors – Osaka and Kyoto. Most tourists often skip this first permanent capital of Japan, while those who drop by here oftentimes only have a day to spend.  Thankfully, the city is condensed so it is possible squeeze in the top attractions in Nara in one day. Here’s a sample Nara Itinerary for one day tour from Osaka and Nara day trip from Kyoto with breakdown of expenses.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

NARA ONE DAY ITINERARY WITH BUDGET

The sample budget below is supposing you will enter all the temples with entrance fees.  If you don’t intend to enter all the temples, budget will be lower/span>.  I recommend entering the Todaiji Temple, which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha enshrined in the largest wooden building in the world.

ALSO READ:  WHAT TO DO IN NARA IN 1 DAY

Cheap nara day tour from kyoto.

If you are pressed for time or you want a hassle-free tour of Nara, you can actually book a Nara day tour from Osaka. Here are some of the cheapest tour I’ve seen that includes Kyoto + Nara Tour from Osaka.

Kyoto, Nara & Arashiyama Day Tour from Osaka

This is a perfect day tour to Kyoto and Nara for those who are pressed for time.  Not to mention that the tour package is cheap. You will visit the main sites of Nara such as Nara Park, Tōdai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.  By lunch, you will have free time to explore Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera temple before heading to Arashiyama.  Additionally, you get a bonus – a FREE Harukas 300 Observatory Pass valued at JPY 1,500 (PHP 681/ USD 14/ SGD 18/ MYR 58).

Tour package includes: Hotel pick up and drop off (please indicate your hotel details at checkout), guide and driver service fee, Transportation and HARUKAS 300 Observatory Pass.

ARASHIYAMA AND NARA DAY TOUR FROM OSAKA

The full day guided tour will take you to the picturesque Arashiyama where you can walk along the Bamboo Forest. You will also get to explore Nara that is peppered with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here you can get up close with the Japanese national treasures of Todaiji Temple and Daibutsu Buddha and get a chance to feed the sacred deer of Nara Park. Roundtrip transport and English-speaking guide is included in the tour package.  Lunch is optional.

HOW TO GET TO NARA FROM OSAKA

Nara is closer to Osaka than Kyoto.  So if you are coming from Osaka, you can ride either JR Line or Kintetsu Line. If you choose JR Line, the train departs from Osaka Station. On the other hand if you opt for Kintetsu Line, the train departs from Kintentsu Namba Station.

From Osaka-Namba Station walk to JR Namba Station for about 9 minutes. At JR Namba Station, take the tain at JR Yamatoji Line to Nara Station.  Alight at Nara Station. Transit time is roughly 44 minutes.  Train fare is JPY 560/PHP 262 (EURO 4/USD 5/SGD 7/MYR 22). From Nara Station, Nara Park is about a 20 minute walk.  You may also take a bus to Nara Park from Nara Station. Just look for the Bus terminal at JR Nara Station East Exit.  Board the City Loop Line Bus #2 (it’s a yellow bus) from bus stop 2.  Transit time is about 20 minutes and fare is JPY 210 / PHP 95 (EURO 2/USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 8). Alight at Nara Park.

NOTE: If you have a JR WEST RAIL PASS, you can use it here.

PURCHASE  JR PASS HERE

(KINTETSU LINE)

From Osaka-Namba Station, you can take the train at Kintetsu Nara Line. Alight at Kintetsu Nara Station. Train fare is JPY 560/PHP 262 (EURO 4/USD 5/SGD 7/MYR 22) and travel time is 39 minutes.  From Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Park is about a 5 minute walk.

HOW TO GET TO NARA FROM KYOTO

From Kyoto, you have two options by train to get to Nara .

If you have a JR Rail Pass, you can opt for this option since you can use your pass here.  From Kyoto Station, take the train at JR Nara Line to Nara.  Travel time is 45 minutes and fare is JPY 710 /PHP 332 (EURO 6/USD 7 /SGD 9/MYR 30). From Nara Station, you can reach Nara Park (where most attractions are concentrated) for about 20 minutes by foot. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Nara Park from JR Nara Station East Exit Bus Terminal. Board Bus # 2, the yellow bus for City Loop Bus for JPY 210 / PHP 95 (EURO 2/USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 8).  Transit time is about 20 minutes.

If you don’t have a JR Pass, your best bet is to take the express Kintetsu Line train at Kyoto Station. From Kyoto Station, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line Exoress for Kintetsu Nara Station.  Travel tim is 49 minutes and fare is JPY 620/PHP 289 (EURO 5/USD 6/SGD 8/MYR 24).  From Kintetsu Nara Station, Nara Park is about a 5 minute walk.

TIP: For train schedules and fare rates, visit Hyperdia.com

POCKET-WIFI RENTAL JAPAN

Since English is not widely-spoken in Japan, asking for directions can be hard.  Best to stay connected online to use Google Maps and Google Translate.  You can rent pocket Wi-Fi in advance before you fly to Japan and just pick it up at the airport. Wi-Fi devices are in demand and may ran out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended, not to mention you will avoid long lines.  You can reserve pocket Wi-Fi through the link below.

RESERVE POCKET WI-FI HERE

WHERE TO STAY IN NARA

Should you decide to stay in overnight or for 2 days in Nara, there are a couple of budget hotels around the city center.  Don’t forget to ask about the check-out time and their luggage policy, some budget hotels (like the one we stayed at) doesn’t allow guests to leave their luggage after check out. If this is the case, you can leave your luggage at Nara Tourist Center near Nara Station for JPY 500 / PHP 234 (EURO 4 / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42).

Here’s a list of best budget hotels in nara, near Nara Park.

NARA BUDGET HOTELS

Nara Deer Hostel

593-17 Sanjōchō, Nara City Center, Nara

CHECK RATES HERE

Guest House Iki

1-5 Kamisanjo-cho, Nara City Center, Nara

Guest House Route53 Furuichi

6 Higashiterabayashi-cho, Nara City Center, Nara

NARA JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

⊗ If you are taking the City Bus Loop in Nara, fixed fare is JPY 210 (PHP 95/USD 2/SGD 3/MYR 8) for adults and JPY 110 (PHP 50/USD 0.99/SGD 1.35/MYR 4.25) for children.

⊗  If you will stay overnight in Nara, make sure your hotel allows luggage storage as the check-out time here is quite early – 9:00 AM.

⊗  You can leave your luggage at Nara Tourist Information Center near Nara Station for JPY 500 / PHP 234 (EURO 4 / USD 10/ SGD 13/ MYR 42) per luggage for one day.

OSAKA KYOTO ITINERARY With Budget (5 days)

NARA TRAVEL BLOG (Budget + Itinerary)

TRAVEL GUIDE TO OSAKA (Budget + Itinerary) 2017

 TRAVEL GUIDE TO KYOTO (Budget + Itinerary) 2017

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NAGOYA (Budget + Itinerary) 2017

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Japan's first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara (�ޗ�). Prior to that, the capital was moved to a new location whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne.

However, as the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved away from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 and a few years later to Kyoto .

Nara is located less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka . Due to its historical importance, the city remains full of cultural treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples .

Top attractions in Nara

Todaiji Temple •••

Horyuji Temple ••

Omizutori ••

Isuien Garden •

Kasuga Taisha •

Nara Park •

Wakakusa Yamayaki •

Toshodaiji Temple •

Yakushiji Temple •

Shin- Yakushiji •

National Museum •

Kofukuji Temple •

Heijo Palace •

Yoshikien Garden

Wakakusayama

Yoshino •

Iga Ueno •

Asuka and Sakurai

Nara by interest.

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Ancient temples and shrine
• Two national museums
• Stroll through Nara Park

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Nara city sightseeing information center, nara sgg club, nara guide club, nara ymca goodwill guides, nara volunteer guide group, hotels around nara.

Experiences around Nara

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

5 amazing holidays to Japan for an unforgettable adventure

Considering a once-in-a-lifetime Japan holiday? Look no further with these magnificent options

While the country's big-hitting cities such as spiritual Kyoto, cosmopolitan Osaka and vibrant Tokyo, Japan's capital and a popular springboard for Mount Fuji, are all must-sees, there are the sunny southern islands of Japan to discover too. With breath-taking beaches and a slower pace of life, they're the ideal spot for a more leisurely trip. And then there are the Japanese Alps, vast and verdant, and a hugely popular choice for a Japan skiing holiday.

While you need to consider where you'd like to visit on your epic Japan adventure, there's also the case of how . Flights go direct from London to Tokyo, but when it comes to choosing how to traverse this incredible country there are numerous options – from guided coach tours to luxury cruises.

For a helping hand with where to start, we've rounded up some of our favourite ways to discover Japan, including a group tour across the Japanese Alps , a 17-day cruise during beautiful cherry blossom season, and an indulgent inclusive break in sun-drenched Okinawa.

A tour of Japan's essential highlights

Embark on this thrilling 13-day roundtrip from Tokyo, which showcases the magical, ancient heritage of Japan as well as its futuristic, neon-lit metropolises. This guided tour, which includes coach travel and hotel accommodation, will give you plenty of time to soak up the colour and culture of Japan's capital, which boasts the bustling shopping district of Ginza, vivid Harajuku, iridescent Akihabara electric town, and world-famous Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, the commercial district.

Beyond Tokyo, you'll visit majestic Mount Fiji, Japan's tallest peak; ride the Shinkansen, the high-speed bullet train; see the resident deer in the city of Nara; spend the day in Hiroshima, which has been rebuilt into an attractive, modern city; and have the chance to stay in a ryokan , a typical Japanese inn, in Kyoto. This accessible and fully-organised tour covers all the essentials and more.

Join us on the Good Housekeeping 13-day Japan tour in August 2024.

A cruise in beautiful cherry blossom season

One of the biggest draws to Japan is undeniably its picturesque cherry blossom season and the custom of hanami , admiring the beauty of it. Every spring, millions of locals and visitors alike patiently wait for the first sakura (the Japanese term for cherry blossom) buds to bloom, showing off their delicate, baby pink-hued petals. The abundance of blossom flowering is celebrated with festivals, picnics and the eating of seasonal, sakura-themed delicacies.

If experiencing this springtime phenomenon is on your bucket list, then this 17-day cruise in Japan is for you. While giving you the opportunity to catch the cherry blossom in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the leisurely sailing with Holland America enables you to see plenty more of Japan, too. Other port stops include Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Aomori and the lively, karaoke-loving city of Busan in South Korea. And all of this is without mentioning the incredible entertainment, food and bars onboard your ship, of course.

Embark on a 17-day cherry blossom cruise around Japan with Good Housekeeping in 2025.

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A jaunt through the Japanese Alps with plenty of tradition

While this group tour ticks off the unmissable cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, it takes its guests on a journey through the beautiful Japanese Alps, a series of mountain ranges on the island of Honshu. This mountainous region is home to an abundance of picturesque cities and towns, all offering a glimpse into Japan's rural life. On this 13-day tour you'll visit the pretty city of Takayama, which brims with Edo Period houses, food and craft markets and traditional restaurants.

You'll also get the chance to wander the village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its thatched roof farmhouses that are said to resemble the praying hands of Buddhist monks. Along with admiring gorgeous scenery, you'll have the chance to get on hands-on with activities such as miso-making, washi paper-making, gold leaf crafting and origami. If you're craving a taste of traditional Japan, you'll find bags of it on this brilliantly-curated trip.

Explore the Japanese Alps with Good Housekeeping in 2024 or 2025.

A city break in Tokyo, Japan's energetic capital

If you've got limited time or would prefer to dedicate your trip to just one destination in Japan, then Tokyo is the answer. Known as Edo until 1868, the Japanese capital is the world's most populous city and thus it's a melting pot of activity, culture and cuisines. As city breaks go, you'll be spoilt for choice here: see the Imperial Palace and many landscaped gardens (we like Koishikawa Korakuen and Hama Rikyu) in central Tokyo, the museums and towering Skytree viewing platform for city-wide views in northern Tokyo, and the busy shopping and entertainment districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku in the west.

For easy access to all of this (and so much more) it's best to base yourself centrally, and a hotel would give you the benefit of a helpful concierge to offer recommendations, book transfers and advise on transport throughout your trip. In a city with so much to offer, a bit of local knowledge goes a long way.

Plan a Tokyo city break British Airways, where you can book flights and hotels as a package.

A relaxing all-inclusive holiday in Okinawa

The idyllic island of Ishigaki is part of the Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan, where the climate is tropical and the weather is warm and humid all year round. It's here that you'll find Club Med's Kabira Ishigaki resort , perched on the edge of the Kabira peninsula with endless views of the turquoise ocean ahead. A family-friendly resort, Kabira Ishigaki is the ideal way to see Japan with a hearty side of rest and relaxation. You can lounge around the freshwater pool and unwind with a treatment in the spa, or, on days where you can muster the energy, try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking in the crystal-clear sea.

The ocean is sacred here, as it's home to manta rays and other marine life, and guests wanting to learn more about life under the water's surface can book eco-friendly snorkelling tours or day trips to nearby islands. There's the chance to experience local culture on dry land too, as guests can take part in sanshin lessons (an Okinawan musical instrument that's similar to a banjo) and sample Okinawan flavours with a selection of traditional dishes, all served in a restaurant that offers 180-degree sea views. Sounds like paradise to us...

Soak up the sun, sand and sea of southern Japan at Club Med's Kabira Ishigaki resort.

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16 Japanese Cities To Visit Besides Tokyo And Kyoto

• Osaka: Experience incredible nightlife and outstanding cuisine in this seaside city known for its energetic atmosphere and delicious food.
• Naoshima: Discover the art island with its galleries, sculptures, and installations, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and sea views.
• Himeji: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji-jo castle and explore the picturesque Mount Shosha and Kokoen garden for a diverse cultural experience.

As Japan finally opens its borders to eager travelers after one of the strictest lockdowns that the world has seen, most itineraries focus on the shopping districts of Tokyo and the Buddhist temples of Kyoto. Occasionally, the street food of Osaka might make it to the list.

Few consider venturing beyond the big cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but for those who dare try, thrilling adventures await in Japan's best cities. From former homes of samurai warriors and current cities of geishas, hot springs spas, traditional architecture, and ski mountains — these cities deserve a spot on everyone’s Japanese bucket list.

UPDATE: 2023/10/09 19:32 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Japan's beauty is not limited to Tokyo and Kyoto. The country is a hub of wonderful towns that are worth a trip. Therefore, this list was updated to include two of the best cities to visit in Japan besides Tokyo and Kyoto.

Related: Beautiful Tourist Pics Showcasing The Best Things Japan Is Known For

If tourists want to sample some of the greatest cuisine and beverages Japan has to offer, they should head over to Osaka , a seaside city famed for its incredible nightlife and outstanding cuisine. Tokyo's big-city energy is also present here but on a little lesser scale. This way, tourists can visit cities in Japan other than Tokyo and Kyoto while having the same vibes and escaping the crowds. Tourists are recommended to visit the Osaka Castle and Park in between all of their eating and exploring. It is one of the most well-known sights in Japan and is definitely worth visiting.

• Some attractions: Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Universal Studio Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, etc.

The island of Naoshima, which is reachable via ferry, is a wonderful location. The area is referred to as the art island, and tourists may find galleries, sculptures, and installations everywhere they go, especially if they stay at the upscale Benesse House, which serves as both a hotel and a museum of modern art. On the island, there are two towns, both of which include charming stores and little restaurants. There are also sea views everywhere, which enhances the tranquil atmosphere.

• Some attractions: The Yellow Pumpkin, Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, etc.

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site castle , Himeji is worth a special trip for the Himeji-jo castle alone. Widely considered to be the finest example of 17th-century feudal-era Japanese architecture that still survives, Himeji-jo may be the reason tourists visit this city in Japan, but Himeji gives them several reasons to stay. On the outskirts of the city is the picturesque Mount Shosha, with a Buddhist temple at its peak. And if a hike isn’t someone’s cup of tea, tourists can spend a day at the Kokoen garden, which is made of nine walled gardens connected by a network of streams, waterfalls, and ponds and sits on the former feudal lord’s residence.

• Some attractions: Himeji Castle, Engyoji, Himeji Central Park, etc.

Related: Three Days In Japan: 10 Cities You Can Explore In Only 72 Hours

Matsue’s location on a peninsula by the Sea of Japan with Lake Shinji on its west and Lake Nakaumi on the east has given the city another name: The City of Water. While the water bodies that surround it have given Matsue its second name, there are also water bodies within the city. Canals with boat tours for tourists flow through the city, old samurai houses flank its streets, and Matsue is home to one of only twelve medieval castles that are preserved in their original state in Japan. But that’s not all: the city has long attracted curious travelers with its rich myths and legends related to Matsue being the place where Japanese gods descend.

• Some attractions: Matsue-jō Castle, Yuushien, Yaegaki Shrine, etc.

Yokohama is the second-largest Japanese city and the first to have opened its ports to the world at the end of the Edo Period. The port city quickly transformed from a small fishing village to a major city when foreign trade introduced new cultures to the old Japanese traditions of the village. As a result, Yokohama offers a contrast between old and new, and travelers can explore the streets of Yokohama to see the Western influence on the Japanese way of life everywhere. Tourists can visit traditional Japanese gardens and tea rooms, ramen and instant cup noodle museums, giant ferry wheels reminiscent of the London Eye, and one of the largest Chinatowns in the whole country.

• Some attractions: Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Cosmoworld, etc.

For those who like the crowds of Tokyo but wish for a city just a tad more quite than the Japanese capital, Fukuoka’s contemporary attractions make it the ideal city. Fukuoka is Japan’s eighth most populous city and balances urban life with the natural beauty that is synonymous with Japan. The port city is filled with hot springs, hike trails, tea plantations, and sake breweries. But the best part, perhaps, is the fact that Fukuoka happens to be the city that invented tonkatsu ramen , so for those who’d like to slurp their way through Japan via its ramen, Fukuoka has to be the starting place.

• Some attractions: Ohori Park, Marine World, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, etc.

Hokkaido is an island region of Japan that is known for its hot springs, ski mountains, and volcanoes. Hakodate — located on the island’s southern tip — is one of the largest cities in Hokkaido and was voted Japan’s most attractive city in 2015. Visitors can hike to Mount Hakodate and enjoy spectacular views of the city surrounded by the sea, soak in the hot springs, go down ski slopes, or take in the views of the Mount Komagatake volcano from the lakes of Onuma Park. The best part of the port city, however, is its food. Surrounded by the sea, Hakodate is famous for its freshly-caught seafood, and the Hakodate Morning Market is the best place to enjoy it.

• Some attractions: Goryokaku, Goryokaku Tower, Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, etc.

Related: After Cherry Blossom Season, Here Are 10 Unique Activities To Enjoy In Japan This Fall

Kyoto isn’t the only city in Japan famous for its Buddhist monasteries and temples. Formerly known as Heijo-Kyo , Nara was once Japan’s capital city and is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites . The Horyuji Area of Nara was the first to be on the list and includes 48 Buddhist sites, all of which are of immense importance to the Japanese culture and religion. Also on the list are areas with several temples and historical monuments from ancient times when Nara was still the capital, as well as pilgrimage routes and sites on the Kii Mountain. Tourists can end their tour of the temples and spiritual sites of Nara with a friendly visit to greet the deers at the Nara Park or stroll through Imaicho — a merchant town preserved from the Edo period that will take everyone back in time.

• Some attractions: Today-ji, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, etc.

Nagasaki is most often associated with the atomic bomb and the tragedy that followed. Still, the city has a lot more to offer beyond the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, which attract most tourists. Not only is the city home to several stunning islands off its coast, but Nagasaki has consistently ranked on top of the list of places with the best night views in Japan . Travelers can hop onto a ropeway to the peak of Mount Inasa and enjoy spectacular views of Nagasaki as it lights up after sunset. More surprisingly, however, Japan’s first and oldest Chinatown happens to be in Nagasaki, and it has continued to serve Japanese-Chinese fusion foods since the 17th century.

• S ome attractions: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, Glover Garden, etc.

For those whose idea of a holiday in Japan includes spending hours soaking in hot water springs, Beppu is the place to be. Beppu’s gushes of hot spring water rank second highest in the world and the highest in Japan, gushing more than 100,000 liters of water each minute through thousands of hot springs. Not only does the abundance of hot springs make Beppu the Onsen City of Japan, but Beppu also has several boiling ponds known as Jigoku or hell. Locals use these Jigoku ponds for cooking food as well, giving rise to a culinary custom known as Jigoku-Mushi, or hell-steaming, that is peculiar to Beppu.

• Some attractions: Kannawa Hot Springs, Beppu Ropeway, Shidaka Lake, etc.

Takayama is several things: A city surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Japan’s ski destination, home to bustling morning markets and festivals dating back to the 1600s, and a place where Japanese tradition flourishes through some of the country’s most beautifully preserved villages. Takayama’s Sanmachi area, in particular, houses preserved thatched-roof houses from which antique dealers and artisans sell their wares, and hidden cafes and brewers dish out hot coffees and icy sake to any visitors who manage to spot them.

• Some attractions: Takayama Jinya, Hida Folk Village, Shinhotaka Ropeway, etc.

The city that served as the seat of the second most powerful feudal clan in Japan during the Edo period, Kanazawa has always been a place of great cultural significance in Japan. More importantly, Kanazawa was the second largest city after Kyoto, which managed to remain safe from the bombings of World War II. As a result, most of the city’s old castles, gardens, samurai, and geisha districts have survived the test of time. That being said, Kanazawa also houses the iconic 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and is the city where traditional teahouses and crafts, including Kaga-yuzen (a silk dying technique), ohi ware (tea ceremony bowls), and gold leaf production continue to prosper.

• Some attractions: Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya District, Myouryouji, etc.

Related: Unwind & Relax In Japan: The Best Onsens To Soothe Your Soul

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is not a city but a traditional Japanese alpine village stuck in time . It is part of a national park and is a great place to visit to see the way things used to be in Japan. Here (and its sister village Gokayama), visitors may feel like they are living in the world of the 2003 movie, The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise (although it was actually filmed in New Zealand).

These traditional villages are UNESCO World Heritage Listed and are a great example of how Japan works to preserve its heritage.

• Some attractions: Wada House, Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, Myozenji, etc.

Hiroshima is one of only two cities to ever be hit with a nuclear bomb . It is also a testament to how cities can bounce back from destruction, being today a thriving city of over one million people. It was founded in 1589 as a castle town but transformed into a major industrial hub (which made it a target for nuclear bombing).

Today visitors can see the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Hiroshima Peace Memorial and commemorate the bombing wishing for such destruction to never again return to this planet.

• Some attractions: Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, etc.

Sapporo is the capital of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. It is the largest city north of Tokyo and is considered the cultural and economic center of Hokkaido. The city hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the winter season. Come in early February and attend the Sapporo Snow Festival. The festival draws over 2 million visitors from far and wide. Additionally, Sapporo is home to the only beer museum in Japan - the Sapporo Beer Museum.

• Some attractions: Hokkaido Jingu, Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, etc.

Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan ( Okinawa is Japan's fifth major island ). The city has a population of around 300,000 and enjoys a humid subtropical climate (quite the opposite of Hokkaido's Sapporo). It is a stunning city and the gateway to Okinawa Island (which Americans may recall from the costly American invasion of the islands in World War Two). One of the top attractions in the city is the restored and rebuilt Shuri Castle (a former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom).

• Some attractions: Shuri Castle, Naminoue Shrine, Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, etc.

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Hakone-Fuji Five Lakes- Kyoto Questions: Need help! - Japan Forum

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Hakone-Fuji Five Lakes- Kyoto Questions: Need help!

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Logistics on itinerary depends if we get clear views of Mt Fuji on those 2 days so I kind of have to wait last minute to get the passes.

1. how late can I wait to buy Hakone free

Pass vs Fuji Pass?

2. Is it better to get Hakone pass and just pay for transport to Fuji Fibe lake areas on the day we decide?

3. These are the 2 itinerary options based on weather! Are logistics doable?

Booked Romance car @ 7:20am May 20. Arrive Hakone around 9:00am

If it’s a clear day: (will check webcam)

1. Run across the terminal to catch the bus to Gotemba

2. Catch the train to Kawaguchiko lake

3. Walk to Chureito Pagoda

4. Try to go to Lake Motosuko to catch the pink moss festival with great views of Mt Fuji depending on time! There is a festival during that time for the pink moss.

I could buy the festival ticket/ By Shibazakura Liner shuttle bus includes round trip transportation.

Return to Hakone station for overnight stay at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel.

If this itinerary is accomplished do the Hakone loop next morning and part on to Kyoto in the evening.

If not clear day:

Do Hakone loop

Next day if clear day do Day 1 itinerary if previous day wasn’t clear and head on to Kyoto in the evening

If not clear again, just part on to Kyoto

4. Please need advise if these logistics are feasible and transport back to hotel or Kyoto in the evenings won’t become a nightmare.

13 replies to this topic

http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/mtpass/_file/RouteMap_EN.png

Why don't you focus on Hakone? The haze might block the view anyway.

If the live camera is OK you can get back to Owakudani Valley to get a view on the second day again with the Hakone Free Pass.

There are totally different areas. From Gotemba you have to get on bus, not trains.

Check the bus timetable. I think you will know it is too difficult.

I think you should just stay in Hakone instead of rushing through Hakone and Kawaguchiko and stressing out.

With that said, if you're going to go to Kawaguchiko from Gotemba, you'll take the bus, not the train.

In general, 20th May is fairly late for Fuji Shibazakura. To avoid disappointment better monitor live webcam and insta on official website, which reported 30% blooming status 3d ago.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C563wezy_Yy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

富士芝桜まつりライブカメラ / Live Camera ”Fuji Shibazakura Festival”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGyGoXlKZmw

If viewing Mt Fuji is your main goal apart from Shibazakura, consider staying 2n in Kawaguchi-ko for higher probability of viewing.

Not a good idea to travel b/w Fuij 5-lake and Hakone for all those spots unless you drive. By public buses it requires multiple transfers.

I think May 20 will be the very end of the festival. During the peak season, tour bus is the way to go.

Check the bus timetables to make realistic plans.

Since the festival would be at mostly the end and timetables are not great, I will just stick with the Hakone plan and hope to see Mt Fuji from the rope village place like someone mentioned here.

Thank you so much all!

The best view point is Owakudani Valley. There are many live cameras so check them and Hakone Navi.

Global Owakaduni Valley is the one with the ropeway and the volcano steam area right? Or do I need to transfer there?

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