7 Must-See Attractions When Visiting Nara Japan in One Day

Make the most of your day trip when visiting Nara Japan! See the Great Buddha, stroll through Nara Park, and visit beautiful shrines and temples.

Nara, Japan, is a destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Once the capital of Japan, Nara is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts visitors for its temples, traditional architecture, and peaceful parks.

If you’re traveling to Japan and planning your itinerary, visiting Nara should be at the top of your list.

If you’re coming from nearby Kyoto or Osaka, this post will help you plan the perfect day trip to experience the best of Nara.

How to Get to Nara from Kyoto and Osaka

Nara is an easy day trip from both Kyoto and Osaka, making it an easy addition to your Japan itinerary.

Here’s how you can get to Nara from either of these cities.

From Kyoto to Nara

To reach Nara from Kyoto, the JR Nara Line is your best option.

You can board the train at Kyoto Station, and the journey takes about 45 minutes on the Miyakoji Rapid Service.

If you prefer a more relaxed ride, the local trains will take about 70 minutes.

The JR Nara Line is covered by the JR Pass, so if you have one, this is a cost-effective option.

Alternatively, you can take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station.

The Limited Express train takes about 35 minutes, making it the fastest way to get to Nara.

The standard Kintetsu train takes around 45 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station, which is closer to Nara Park.

But since this is not a JR train it is not covered by your JR Pass.

From Osaka to Nara

Traveling to Nara from Osaka is also quick and easy.

The JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station will get you to Nara in about 50 minutes.

If you’re closer to Namba, the Kintetsu Nara Line is your best option.

The Limited Express train from Osaka-Namba Station takes about 40 minutes, while the standard express train takes around 50 minutes.

Both the JR and Kintetsu lines are convenient, but the Kintetsu station in Nara is closer to the main attractions like Nara Park and Todaiji Temple.

Things To Do When Visiting Nara Japan

Once you’ve arrived in Nara, there are plenty of incredible sites to visit.

The city is compact, making it easy to explore most of the major attractions on foot.

1. Kofuku-ji Temple

Start your day by visiting Kofuku-ji Temple, one of Nara’s oldest and most significant temples.

Kofuku-ji was originally founded in the year 669 and played a crucial role in the city’s religious life.

The temple’s most iconic structure is its five-story pagoda, which is Japan’s second tallest at 50 meters.

This pagoda is a beautiful sight against the backdrop of Nara Park, and it’s a great spot to take photos.

While at Kofuku-ji, you can also explore the National Treasure Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.

This temple is part of the Nara Park complex, so it’s a perfect starting point as you begin your exploration of the city.

2. Nara Park

After Kofuku-ji, take a stroll through Nara Park, a vast green space that’s home to hundreds of freely roaming deer.

Nara Park covers about 660 hectares and is one of the oldest parks in Japan.

As you walk through the park, you’ll encounter many of Nara’s other famous landmarks, including Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Things to Do in Nara Park:

• Picnic or Relax: Nara Park is a perfect spot for a picnic. Bring some local snacks or a bento box and enjoy the serene atmosphere surrounded by nature and wildlife.
• Visit the Temples and Shrines: The park is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Take a Scenic Walk: The park’s beautiful walking paths take you past traditional lanterns, ancient trees, and picturesque ponds. It’s also an excellent spot for photography.

MUSEUMS IN NARA PARK:

• Nara National Museum: This is the most prominent museum in Nara Park, featuring a vast collection of Buddhist art, including sculptures, paintings, and ceremonial objects. 
• Todai-ji Museum: This museum is part of the Todaiji Temple complex and houses an extensive collection of Buddhist art, statues, and temple artifacts related to the history of Todaiji. This is also a great spot to get a quick snack like an ice cream with gold flakes or a cup of tea.

3. Feed the Deer in Nara Park

One of the most unique experiences that attracts many visitors to Nara is feeding the deer that live in Nara Park.

The deer are considered sacred in the Shinto religion and are said to be messengers of the gods.

Today, they roam freely through the park, and visitors can feed them special deer crackers, known as “shika senbei”, which can be purchased from vendors in the park.

To add to the experience the deer have learned to bow their heads in exchange for food, mimicking the traditional Japanese gesture of respect.

Before offering the deer a cracker, you can bow to them.

Many of the deer will bow in return, as they’ve learned that this behavior often results in receiving food.

After the deer bows, you can give them a “shika senbei”.

4. Nandaimon Gate

Before you enter Todaiji Temple, you’ll pass through the imposing Nandaimon Gate, a massive wooden gate guarded by two fearsome statues known as the Nio Guardians.

These statues are nearly 8 meters tall and are said to protect the temple from evil spirits.

The gate itself is an impressive piece of architecture, showcasing the grandeur of Nara’s temples.

Take a moment to admire the craftsmanship and snap some photos before heading into the temple complex.

The Nandaimon Gate is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is a fitting entrance to the Todaiji Temple.

5. Todaiji Temple and the Great Buddha

Next on your list of must-see attractions is the Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples.

Todaiji was completed in the year 752 and is home to the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a colossal bronze statue that stands 15 meters high.

This Buddha is one of the largest in Japan and is housed inside the Great Buddha Hall, which is the largest wooden building in the world.

Visitors can marvel at the size and detail of the Great Buddha and explore the temple grounds, which include several smaller halls and beautiful gardens.

Todaiji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an essential part of any visit to Nara Japan.

Seeing this enormous Buddha is truly awe-inspiring, leaving us speechless and filled with a sense of peace. It was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit to Nara.

6. Kasuga Taisha Shrine

After visiting Todaiji, make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of Nara’s most beautiful and serene Shinto shrines.

Founded in the 8th century, Kasuga Taisha is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city.

The shrine is famous for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns, which line the pathways and create a magical atmosphere, especially during the lantern festivals held in February and August.

As you explore the shrine grounds, you’ll come across smaller sub-shrines and picturesque gardens.

7. Nakatanidou Mochi Making

No trip to Nara is complete without witnessing the famous mochi-making demonstration at Nakatanidou, a small shop located near Kintetsu Nara Station.

Nakatanidou is known for its incredibly fast and skillful mochi pounding, a traditional Japanese method of making rice cakes.

The mochi-making process involves pounding steamed rice with a large wooden mallet until it becomes soft and chewy.

Demonstrations are held several times throughout the day, but the exact times can vary, so be sure to check the schedule when you arrive.

Be sure to arrive early, as the space is small and gets quite crowded during the demonstration.

Watching the expert mochi makers at Nakatanidou is a fun and unique experience, and you’ll want to try a fresh, warm mochi afterward.

The mochi here is famous for its stretchy texture and sweet filling, making it a delicious snack during your visit to Nara.

Visiting Nara Japan in One Day

Visiting Nara Japan offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and unique experiences.

From the ancient temples and shrines to the friendly deer in Nara Park, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.

Whether you’re coming from Kyoto or Osaka, a day trip to Nara is easily accessible and filled with unforgettable sights.

Be sure to visit Kofuku-ji, Todaiji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and don’t miss the chance to feed the deer and watch the mochi-making demonstration at Nakatanidou.

Don’t forget to add Nara to your itinerary when planning your visit to Japan.

It’s a destination that will leave you with lasting memories of Japan’s rich history and culture.