Things to do in Nara
The famous Deer Park in Nara attracts visitors from all over Japan. There’s something really unique about discovering a new city while accompanied by cute groups of deer. Visiting Nara was one of our favorite things to do in Japan!
Although feeding the 1000+ deer is one of the top things to do in Nara, there’s so much more to discover. As Nara was the first capital of Japan, there are many beautiful UNESCO temples and shrines. You can wander around the stunning parkland, teahouses, pagodas, and charming Japanese gardens for hours — it’s a full day of exploring!
Customize your own private tour of Nara. See tickets and availability here.
Did you know? Deers are sacred in Japan. Shinto religion says they are messengers from the gods, so just as cows are protected in India, so are the deer in Japan. These elegant animals roam freely around Nara, meaning they’ll never be far away as you explore.
You can find the best walking route for Nara on our Japan Google Maps.
1. Yoshikien Garden
Yoshikien Garden is a hidden gem located 10 minutes from Nara Park. This stunning Japanese Garden graces the edge of the famous Isui-en Garden, which requires a ticket for entry, while Yoshikien offers free admission! Its lesser-known status and easily overlooked entrance mean you’ll encounter very few people here, creating an exceptionally tranquil spot.
Find the exact entrance location here.
Once inside, you’ll find three gardens:
- Pond Garden: Home to pretty ponds full of Koi Fish and quaint bridges.
- Moss Garden: A lawn of super-soft moss and contrastingly rough stepping stones.
- Tea Ceremony Garden: This is where you’ll find a picturesque tea house, often reserved by local groups to hold tea ceremonies.
The gardens are beautiful all year round. In fact, the Japanese government has designated them a place of scenic beauty. However, they’re particularly beautiful during Spring and Fall. Then the trees in the park take on the candy-pink blossoms or the warm, cozy colors of fall.
We recommend allowing 30 minutes to an hour of the day to enjoy these gardens, and once you’re done, you can exit on the other side towards Todaiji Temple.
Opening Times and Entry Fee: Free to visit! Open from 9 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4.30 PM)
2. Tōdai ji Temple
Discover the mammoth Tōdai ji Temple, once the largest wooden structure in the world! This remarkable UNESCO-protected structure is not only the top thing to do in Nara but also one of the most beautiful things to see in Japan. Wander around the enormous temple, particularly scenic in Spring when the cherry trees around the building come into bloom.
On-site, you’ll also find the Great Buddha Hall, where a giant bronze Buddha statue is located; it’s an impressive 50 meters high! Not only is this statue sacred, but it’s the largest of its kind in Japan.
Explore Nara with a local guide. See tickets and availability for a half-day tour.
Tip: Although deers are the main reason most people visit Nara, it’s worth visiting the city for Tōdai ji Temple alone — it really blew us away! However, once you’re finished viewing the temple, you can buy deer crackers from the many vendors around the temple (as you’ll find many deer around the complex).
Opening Hours:
- The temple is open from April to October: 7.30 AM – 5.30 PM. From November to March: 8 AM – 5 PM.
- The museum is open 9 AM – 5 PM (5.30 PM in summer).
- Due to its popularity, it can get busy after 9 AM, so we recommend visiting as early as possible to see the temple at its most peaceful.
Goshuin Stamp
Don’t forget to get your unique temple stamp on your visit to Tōdai ji Temple! In Japan, it’s common for people to queue up at temples and shrines with decorated books ready for their Goshuin (shrine and temple stamps). Each shrine has its own individual stamp, so it’s a fun thing to collect on your trip!
Sometimes, the temple will release limited edition stamps during the year for various festivals or to mark the changing of the seasons. For example, you might get a fall stamp featuring foliage. Or a spring stamp adorned with cherry blossoms.
Tip: Goshuin are donation-based, but it’s recommended that you give between 300 and 500 yen (2-3.50 USD)
3. Tōdai ji Nigatsudo
Nigatsudo is located within the same complex as Tōdai ji. However, it’s very important in its own right. Not only is it a beautiful building, but it’s well known for its substantial wrap-around balcony, which makes it the perfect place for sunset views.
Also read: Best Things To Do in Osaka, Japan.
Come here in the early evening and look out over the mountains, Tōdai ji, and the five-story temple of Kofuku-ji — bathed in the glow of the burning temple lanterns.
If you’re visiting during the day, you can follow a small path lined with teahouses, which takes you onto a mountain hiking trail.
Opening Times and Entrance Fee: Open 24 hours a day. Free to visit.
Omizutori Festival
If you are visiting between 01 and 14 March, you may be lucky enough to witness the Omizutori event that takes place every year at Nigatsudo. During this time, monks carry burning torches around the balcony. They hit the torches against floors and walls, creating sparks like fireworks!
In the following days, the monks draw water from the well at the base of the temple. This fire and water festival is said to bring good luck, welcome in the spring season, and banish drought.
4. Kasuga Shrine Nara
Kasuga Taisha is a grand Shinto shrine in the eastern part of Nara Park. The beautiful red shrine is famous for its 3000+ lanterns. Some are bronze, hanging from building edges; others, moss-covered stone lanterns, line the entrance. Twice a year, during the lantern festivals in February and August, the lanterns at Kasuga-Taisha are lit, creating one of the most magical sights!
Entry fee: You can walk around the complex and enter the main shrine offering hall for free. It is perfect as a peaceful thing to do in Nara. If you’d like to see more of Kasuga Taisha, you can pay 500 yen (3.50 USD) to enter the inner area, where you’ll find more shrine buildings.
Explore Nara with a local guide. See tickets and availability for a half-day tour.
Opening times: Kasuga Taisha Shrine is open from 6.30 AM to 5.30 PM (March to October) and 7 AM to 5 PM (November to February). The paid inner area is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
5. Manyo Botanical Gardens
Located directly next to Kasuga Taisha Shrine (by the parking lot) is the pretty Manyo Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll find 250+ different plants and beautiful purple wisteria flowers, which smell sensational and attract swarms of buzzing bees. It’s a peaceful place to relax and escape the business of Nara Park, but it is best visited during Spring with the Wisteria flowers.
Tip: As the climate changes, the wisteria blooms at different times. Usually, it’s in bloom for about 3-4 weeks from late April, but it’s best to check online in advance.
Opening Times and Entrance Fee: 9 AM to 4.30 PM (entry until 4 PM). Closed on Mondays through the winter (December – February). Price: 500 yen (3.50 USD)
Wander through the park and cross the charming bridge to the gazebo for excellent views — which was particularly beautiful when we visited in fall, as the surrounding red, orange, and yellow woodland foliage reflects in the water. On your way, you’ll most likely be accompanied by Nara’s friendliest resident deer, so bring your crackers with you!
If you want to spend some more time here, view Ukimido from a different perspective by renting a paddle boat and floating across Sagiike Pond.
Tip: Every August, thousands of candles light up Nara Park for the lantern festival (Nara Tokae). During this time, the walkway bridge to Ukimido is lined with glowing lanterns — absolutely magical!
Entrance Fee and Opening Times: Ukimido is part of Nara Park, which is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. The pavilion is located near Kasuga Taisha Shrine at this exact location.
7. Kofuku-ji
Explore the second tallest pagoda in Japan: Kofuku-ji. Standing 501 meters tall with five stories, it overlooks Nara Park, flanked by smaller temples, halls, and friendly deer groups. The current pagoda was built in 1426, but in reality, it has a 1300+ year-old history!
Did you know? The tallest pagoda in Japan can be found in neighboring Kyoto. Read about the top things to do in Kyoto.
The complex itself is free to wander around and is open 24 hours a day. However, if you want to visit inside the buildings, you’ll need to pay varying entrance fees. For example, view the giant Buddha in the Eastern Golden Hall (300 yen/2 USD) or the National Treasure Hall, where you’ll find small museums with some impressive ancient artifacts (700 yen/5 USD). The price list is as follows:
- National Treasure Hall: 700 yen/5 USD
- National Treasure + Eastern Golden Hall: 900 yen/6 USD
- Eastern Golden Hall: 300 yen/2 USD
- Central Golden Hall: 500 yen/3.50 USD
Opening times: The paid entrance buildings are open daily from 9 AM – 5 PM.
Visit Kofuku-ji on a private tour. See tickets and availability here.
You’ll find vendors selling natural deer crackers (made from rice) throughout the city for 200 yen (1.50 USD) per stack. These are specially made for the deer so it doesn’t harm them; please don’t give them anything else to eat. You can then present these cookies to the deer — if you first bow to them, they will bow back in exchange for one of the natural crackers🥰.
Top tips for feeding the deer at Nara Park:
- Don’t wear light clothes. The deer will often give you a gentle nibble or brush their bodies against you so you can get a bit dirty.
- Most deer in the park are friendly. However, you may need to be cautious with the male deer (you can recognize them by their antlers).
- If you don’t want the deer to come close to you, please don’t purchase the crackers or show food.
Book a bike tour of Nara (a fun way to see the city!)
Mochi is a jelly dessert made with rice flour and packed with sweet black bean paste inside. It usually comes in various colors, and it’s fascinating to watch the creation process! The specialty in Nara is mochi made with Yomogi, a Japanese plant that gives the mochi its green color and flavoring. Watch the snack form as the workers rapidly pound the mochi into springy, chewy goodness.
Tip: The store is open all day, and you can watch the creation process roughly every half an hour. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend visiting in the morning.
Best Cafes and Restaurants
Although there are a few cafes and teahouses inside Deer Park, you’ll find most in the city. Some of the best places to eat inside the area are:
- Mizuya Chaya Restaurant
- Kasuganinaijaya
- La Terrasse
- Azekuraya
- Rokumei Coffee
- Poku-Poku
- Sakura Burger
- Cafe Conce
Make sure to bring your reusable water bottle with you; you can drink water from the taps in most places in Japan! This is a good way to save money and travel plastic-free.
Where to Stay in Nara, Japan
Staying in Nara for the night? The city is small, so most locations will situate you close to all the top things to do. Choose from five-star hotels, traditional guesthouses, or budget-friendly hostels.
Nara Day Trip
Most people visit Nara on a daytrip from cities like Osaka or Kyoto. It’s accessible by train or bus, or you can hire a car to explore the surrounding area’s natural attractions.
We recommend to rent a car in Japan through Rentalcars.com with many rental locations and flexible cancellation. Book your rental car here.
Another convenient way to visit Nara on a day trip is to join an organized tour from a nearby city. This normally includes return transportation, a local guide, and entry fees to specific sites.
- Osaka: Visit Nara on a guided tour (includes stops at Arishiyama Bamboo Grove + Kyoto)
- Kyoto: Join an organized tour of Nara (+ Arishiyama Bamboo Grove)
How to Visit Nara Park, Japan
Starting your route from Osaka or Kyoto? It’s easy to get to Nara from both cities by train or metro (approximately 1 hour travel time). You can arrive at Nara JR station (train) or Kintetsu-Nara Station. You have more seats available with the JR line, and your JR Pass covers you for most routes.
Note: Japan’s travel network is so organized that you’ll never experience delays; trains and metros depart precisely at the specified minute.
Osaka to Nara Train
Take the Yamatoji rapid train from JR Osaka station to Nara. It takes 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass. A quicker train (30 minutes) is available from Osaka Namba Station, but it’s a little more expensive and is not covered by your pass.
Kyoto to Nara Train
You can take a direct train to Nara from Kyoto Station in under one hour. The train arrives at Kintetsu Nara Station, and the JR Pass (JR Nara line) covers this route.
JR Pass
Is the JR Pass worth it? (Calculate it here) The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to all public transport throughout Japan. It’s a great option if you plan on taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) several times. It’s also multi-use for other trains, ferries, and buses throughout the country.
Getting Around Nara
Nara is a small city, and most of the things to do are located in Deer Park or just outside. Because of this, walking is the best way to get around; you can take in the beauty of all the temples at your own pace and interact with the friendly deer.
Tip: If you tire of walking, there are local buses, or you can join a bike tour and explore the city on two wheels!
How Much Does Nara Cost?
Nara is a budget-friendly dream, mainly because the park is free to enter! If you just want to take in the beauty of nature, deer, and temple facades, you’ll only need to pay for your train ticket and deer crackers. However, if you’d like to understand more about Nara and see some of the many incredible temple artifacts, you may need to pay a small entrance fee.
Top Tip: Eating out in Japan can be expensive. To keep costs lower on your trip to Nara, grab a quick snack or an affordable takeaway lunch at the supermarkets 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson. You can find delicious Onigiri (a rice ball with fish inside and packed in crunchy seaweed) or even mix a cup of frozen fruits into a smoothie.
Best Time to Visit Deer Park
Nara Park is surrounded by beautiful woodland, which means it’s lovely to visit in the fall when the foliage turns every shade of orange, red, and yellow. This scenery creates a spectacular backdrop for the temples, mountains, and free-roaming deer. Spring is also a fantastic time to visit Nara, as many cherry trees blossom, decorating temple entrances.
Nara Park is open 24 hours and is free to visit, although each thing to do in Nara has varying opening times and entrance fees. That being said, Nara is a very popular city and can get busy during the day. Therefore, we recommend arriving in Nara as early as possible to enjoy the park and deer without crowds.
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