Top Things to Do in Nara Japan During a Day Trip
Nara Japan was Japan’s first capital city and now has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara is famous for its free-roaming deer who bow to you for a cracker similar to the deer I saw during my day trip to Miyajima Island. You will find temples, shrines, Japanese Zen gardens, and mochi. Nara Japan is packed with amazing things to see, do, and eat, I have no regrets about taking a day trip to Nara Japan!
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How to Get to Nara Japan from Osaka
Nara Japan is located under one hour by train from both Kyoto and Osaka. If you are following my Japan itinerary there is a day trip to Nara scheduled from Osaka. I chose to take the Kintetsu-Nara Rapid Express train. It is inexpensive, saves time (36 min ride), and arrives closer to the Nara Deer Park. However, if you already have a JR train pass you can easily make the train trip using it (50 min ride). From the JR Nara Station, it will take about 20 minutes to walk to the entrance of the deer park.
How to Get Around Nara Japan
This Nara day trip itinerary is a walking tour beginning and ending at the Kintetsu-Nara train station.
Day Trip Itinerary for Nara Japan
Day Trip to Nara Japan: Must-See Sights and Experiences
Kofuku-ji | Isuien Garden | Todai-ji Temple | Nara Deer Park | Kasuga-Taisha Shrine | Nakatanidou | Higashimuki Shopping Street
How Much Time is Needed in Nara?
I spent 6 hours in Nara and did not see all the area has to offer. This was at the end of my trip and I was tired! You could easily spend a full day here.
How to Spend Your Day in Nara Japan
Take the 8:06 rapid express train from Kintetsu-Nippombashi Station arriving at Kintetsu-Nara Station at 8:42 and walk to Kofuku-ji Temple. Explore the grounds of the temple free.
Stop by the Isuien Garden, a Japanese Zen Garden, on your way to Todai-ji Temple. Pay the entrance fee to see the Great Bronze Buddha.
Continue in a circle toward the Nara Deer Park. Spend some time bowing to the deer and feeding them crackers. Break the cracker into pieces for it to go further. Expect the deer to nip at you and pull on your shirt to get your attention and wear clothing you do not plan to wear again.
Visit the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, famous for its 3,000 stone lanterns lining up the path towards the entrance.
Head to Nakatanidou and watch mochi being made and enjoy a treat before stopping along the Higashimuki Shopping Street for souvenir handkerchiefs made from Nara fabric.
Have More Time?
Consider visiting Heijo Palace, Yoshikien Garden, hike Mount Wakakusa, or browse the Nara National Museum.
Check the Visit Nara Japan website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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