Top 15 Attractions to Explore in Nara:
Visiting Nara, Japan: Your Ultimate Guide
Welcome to Nara, a prefecture nestled near Kyoto and Osaka in Japan. This region is a treasure trove of historical temples, shrines, and natural wonders, making it an essential stop on your journey through Japan. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Nara.
1. Nara Park - Access: 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or about 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station. - Deer, deer, everywhere! This sprawling park is home to over 1,200 roaming deer, a symbol of the city and a natural treasure. Don't forget to buy some special crackers to feed these majestic creatures!
2. Kasuga Taisha - Access: Take a local bus from Nara Station and get off at Kasuga Taisha Honden. - Step back in time at this magnificent shrine, one of Nara's most celebrated landmarks. Founded in 768 AD, it's dedicated to the deity who protects the city.
3. Todaiji - Access: 30-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or 45-minute walk from JR Nara Station. Alternatively, take a local bus from either station and get off at Todaiji Daibutsuden. - Discover the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a 15-meter-tall bronze statue housed in the Big Buddha Hall. The Nandaimon (Great Southern Gate) guarded by fierce Nio figures adds to the temple's awe-inspiring atmosphere.
4. Naramachi - Access: 10-15-minute walk to the south of Kintetsu Nara Station. - Explore the old merchant district, where traditional residential buildings and warehouses from the Edo Period have been transformed into cafes, shops, and museums. At its heart lies Gangoji Temple, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple built around 718.
5. Kofukuji - Access: 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. - Admire the exquisite Five Storied Pagoda, Japan's second tallest, standing at just seven meters shorter than the five-story pagoda at Kyoto's Toji Temple. The pagoda, along with other beautiful architecture, forms part of Kofukuji, a Buddhist temple dating back to 730.
6. Horyuji - Access: From JR Nara station, take Yamatoji Line to Horyuji station (about 12 minutes). Walk 20 minutes or take a bus to Horyuji-mae. - Be captivated by this World Heritage temple complex, dating back to 607 AD. It's one of the country's oldest temples and showcases some of the world's oldest surviving wooden structures, including the Chumon, Kondo, and a five-story pagoda.
7. Omiwa Shrine - Access: The shrine is located at the southern end of the Yamanobe-no-michi Trail, about a 10-minute walk from Miwa station. To get to Miwa station, take JR Sakurai Line from JR Nara station (about 25 minutes). - Wander through the thick forest at the base of Mount Miwa, believed to be one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Unlike other shrines, Omiwa Shrine has no main hall to enshrine the deity. Instead, the whole mountain is considered sacred.
8. Kashihara Jingu - Access: From Kintetsu Nara station, take the Kintetsu Line to Kashiharajingu-mae station (40-50 minutes). - Delve into Japanese history at this grand Shinto shrine, built in 1889 during the Meiji Period. It's located on the western edge of Nara Prefecture and is said to be the place where the mythical Emperor Jinmu, the first Emperor of Japan, ascended to the throne.
9. Tanize Bridge - Access: From Nara Station, take JR Sakurai Line bound for Ouji station, get off at Takada station, then take JR Wakayama Line Express bound for Gojo, get off at Gojo station (about 1.5 hours). From Gojo station, take a local bus to Uenochi Bus Stop, walk about 30 minutes. - Cross the impressive Tanize Bridge, one of Japan's longest suspension bridges and the gateway to adventurous hikes in the surrounding area.
10. Mount Yoshino - Access: During the cherry blossom season, shuttle buses operate between Yoshino Station and the Naka Senbon area near Chikurin-in Temple. - Marvel at the breathtaking cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino, one of Japan's most famous spots for sakura. Mount Yoshino is also home to one of the most important practices for the folk tradition known as Shugendo.
11. Muro Art Forest - Access: Take a bus at Muroguchi-ono station for Murou-ji, get off at the final stop. Walk for about 20 minutes. - Immerse yourself in this open-air museum featuring giant, modern installations, nestled in the heart of Muro Village. The park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, relaxation, and picnics, and caters to art enthusiasts of all ages.
12. Soni Highland - Access: From Nabari Station, take a local bus bound for Yamagasu-nishi, get off at Taroji Bus Stop. Walk for about 50 minutes. - Explore the grassy Soni Highland and its Japanese pampas grasses, a popular destination for hiking and soaking in hot springs. The area's natural beauty makes it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
13. Tsukigase Plum Valley - Access: It is a 30-minute bus ride from JR Tsukigaseguchi Station to Oyamaguchi. It is a 3-minute walk from there. - Bask in the enchanting sight of plum trees in full bloom, opposite to the popular cherry blossoms. Tsukigase Plum Valley boasts around 10,000 plum trees and 4,000 sakura trees.
14. Ano Plum Grove - Access: It is about 20 minutes from JR Gojo Station by bus. - Admire the picturesque beauty of thousands of plum trees spread across Ano Plum Grove, creating a stunning sight in the spring.
15. Nara National Museum - Access: The museum is located in Nara Park, which is just a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 30-minute walk from JR Nara Station. - Immerse yourself in Japanese art and history at the Nara National Museum, housing a vast collection of Buddhist statues, scrolls, paintings, and artifacts from ancient times.
Where to Stay in Nara? - Hotel New Wakasa: A traditional Japanese ryokan with spacious public bath and stunning city views. - Tsukihitei: Unwind in this quaint ryokan located in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, where deer may greet you at the entrance. - Kotonoyado Musashino: Experience the luxurious beauty of a traditional Ryokan and enjoy a bento box breakfast at Mt. Wakakusa.
** Popular Tours in Nara** - Nara Best Spots 8h Private Tour with Licensed Guide: Discover the must-see attractions in Nara with a knowledgeable guide for an efficient and informative experience. - Best Guided Tours in Japan: Join day trips in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond with our friendly local guides.
Experience the rich history, culture, and charm of Nara like never before!
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1. Traveling through Nara's history - Immerse in the history of Nara Prefecture, visiting places like Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha, Todaiji, Naramachi, Kofukuji, and Horyuji, each offering a glimpse into Japan's past.
2. Exploring cultural gems - Learn about Japan's religious and folk traditions at destinations like Omiwa Shrine, Kashihara Jingu, and the Nara National Museum, showcasing the country's rich history and heritage.
3. Hiking and hot springs - Embark on adventurous hikes in regions like Soni Highland, Mount Yoshino, and the terrain surrounding Tanize Bridge, also providing opportunities for relaxation in onsens (hot springs).
4. Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms - Admire the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms in Mount Yoshino, Tsukigase Plum Valley, and Ano Plum Grove, providing picturesque landscapes that offer a refreshing contrast to the cityscapes.
5. Art, culture, and lifestyle - Appreciate the modern and traditional art at attractions like Muro Art Forest and the itinerary includes visits to various places to see different aspects of Japanese culture, food, and lifestyle.
6. Festivals and folklore - Discover the unique customs and traditions of Nara by joining festivals and participating in activities, such as visiting places like Omiwa Shrine where the whole mountain is considered sacred.
7. Transportation within Nara - Navigate through Nara easily using various options for transportation, such as trains, buses, and walking, reaching popular destinations like Nara Park, Horyuji, and Mount Yoshino.
Exploring Nara means uncovering heritage, natural beauty, and cultural experiences that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
