Nara Day Trip Itinerary

Here's a one day Nara adventure you don't want to miss!

DESTINATIONSNARA1 DAY TRIP

10/11/20242 min read

brown deer on green grass during daytime

How to get to Nara?

From Kyoto

From JR Kyoto Station, ride the JR Nara Line for JR Nara Station. Train usually departs from platform 8,9, and 10. It takes about 45 – 70 minutes depending on the train for 710 yen. (You can use your JR Pass here.)

From Kintetsu Kyoto, ride Kyoto Line to Kintetsu Nara Station. The train takes about 35 – 50 minutes and costs 620 – 1130 yen depending on the train.

From Osaka

From JR Osaka Station, ride the JR Yamatoji Line to JR Nara Station. This usually leaves from platform 1 (Osaka Loop Line). Line up for the lane with these writings or marks: 「Q」大和路線. It takes around 45-50 minutes and costs 820 yen. (You can use your JR Pass here.)

Morning: Nara Park

Start your day by visiting the expansive Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. These friendly creatures are considered sacred and are very accustomed to human interaction. You can purchase special deer crackers (shika senbei) from nearby vendors to feed them. However, be cautious as the deer may become a bit insistent once they know you have food.

Late Morning: Todaiji

Next, head to Todaiji, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. Be prepared to be awestruck by its immense size; Todaiji is renowned for housing the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha, known as the Daibutsu. The main hall, Daibutsuden, is also the world's largest wooden building. Take your time to explore the temple complex and its rich history, while still enjoying the presence of deer from Nara Park, which is adjacent to Todaiji.

Afternoon: Naramachi, Nakatanidou

After lunch, wander through Naramachi, the old merchant district of Nara. This charming area is filled with traditional wooden townhouses (machiya) that have been converted into shops, cafes, and museums. Don’t miss Nakatanidou, a famous mochi shop where you can watch the dynamic and rapid process of mochi pounding (mochi-tsuki). The freshly made mochi here is a must-try!

Late Afternoon: Kasuga Taisha

End your day with a visit to Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine renowned for its numerous bronze and stone lanterns that line the pathways. The shrine's vibrant vermilion buildings contrast beautifully with the surrounding forest, providing a serene and picturesque setting. Explore the various sub-shrines and take a peaceful stroll through the adjacent Kasugayama Forest, a sacred area that has remained untouched for centuries.